In today’s modern world we can make the internet our teacher. I bring you 15 Vintage Skills That Can Be Learned On YouTube. Now I know that some YouTube channels are not to be trusted but there are some awesome teachers out there that have a passion, like me, to keep these skills alive. Now their lessons are easily accessible thanks to the internet. I have included 15 different skills that I think you can learn very well on via videos. These are also vintages skills I’ve discussed in other articles. I feel that many kids aren’t being taught these practical skills because many of their parents never learned. You are NEVER too old to learn vintage skills; and learning has never been easier!
15 Vintage Skills That Can Be Learned On YouTube
I’ll tell you that I had the opportunity to learn many of these skills in my younger days but either didn’t want to or didn’t keep using them. I have used YouTube to learn and relearn and I love that I can pause or rewind over and over without annoying the teacher. 😉
- Knitting (loom knitting)
I think knitting is a vintage skill that has really enjoyed a revival across generations. I have recently taken up loom knitting, which I now prefer because it is so fast. I’ve included some beginner video for both.
- Crochet
I’ll be honest, I gave up crochet. It is one of those skills that I just can’t seem to get. I keep saying I’ll pick up my hook again and give it a-go…but it hasn’t happened for awhile. But I still believe it is an awesome skill to have and many wonderful/useful projects can be made with simple crochet stitches! When it comes to vintage skills that can be learned on YouTube, crochet is definitely an easier one.
- Sewing / Mending
Whether you’re sewing clothes, curtains or just mending things around the house, basic sewing is something we all should know how to do. A good basic sewing machine is all that is required – nothing fancy. I just bought this one for my youngest last Christmas.
- Hand Sew on Buttons
Ok, technically this is sewing but not everyone can or will invest in a sewing machine. But we call can (and should) keep a simple hand sewing kit at home for small repairs like putting buttons back on clothing. I was shocked to learn that my husband didn’t know how to do this when we got married, because his mother is an awesome seamstress…teach your sons too!
- Wood Cutting (Splitting) with an Axe A chainsaw is a great thing and I certainly wouldn’t discourage you from doing it. But I think it is important to learn how to “manually” cut wood with an axe as well.
- Canning
We have to learn good, safe, canning techniques. But don’t let canning scare you – it is one of those amazing vintage skills that can be learned on YouTube with confidence. If you don’t care for the ones I’ve shared, search for others – there are tons!
- Creating a Written Budget
I am a BIG believer in a written budget that zeros out every month. This is a great way to live within your means, pay off debt and get money in your savings. But this skills isn’t taught in many schools today. They teach how to use credit cards but not how to budget your life with your cash! I check my bank account daily and make sure that we are on target with our budget. It really makes a difference.
- Fermentation
Fermentation is a skill that not only helps to preserve our harvest, it is good for us too. It truly is an art form and so many things can be fermented that there is not just one video I can share with you. But I have included some of my favorite fermented items!
- Cheese Making
Cheese making is another vintage skill that can be learned on YouTube with general ease. I suggest starting with a simple mozzarella. But you’ll want to move on soon so try searching out the cheese you want to try.
- Plant Fruit Trees
There really are some simple and essential steps to know for successful fruit trees. So much to be learned!
- Foraging
Foraging will be different depending on where you live. I do suggest finding a local mentor when you can. If not search for a forager in your area on YouTube!
- Save Seeds
All gardeners should be saving their own seeds. The more you grow and save from your own garden the more adapted those plants become. Not to mention it is a money saver!
- Rendering Lard & Tallow
Grandma knew how great lard and tallow was and you should too!
- Hang Drying Herbs
I love my dehydrator but hanging herbs out to dry is traditional and I can do a lot more at one time. It is certainly a vintage skill you want to have if you’re growing culinary and medicinal herbs.
- How to Change a Tire
Ok I’ll admit this one may not be too vintage but it sure is practical. Boys and girls need to know how to change a tire!
What a great list–thank you! I love YouTube and wish I had more time to view all it has to offer.
defiantly saving this for winter. Right now I am way to busy but it will be nice to watch when the -0* starts up again.
You should try crochet again. It’s easy and more portable than knitting. Good for blankets, hotpads, etc.
I was flabbergasted when my 24-yr-old daughter asked me to crochet her something! Apparently crochet halter tops are “in” now. Who knew?
It’s not just doilies and granny squares any more.
I learned knitting from a girl in Spain 30+ years ago but I learned crochet on YouTube! And you’re right, it’s really nice to be able to rewind and watch the video as many times as necessary.
🙂
my Grandmother told me “if you can’t fix it yourself, you can’t afford it” Everyone should know how to clean and maintain sewing machine , vehicle, etc. I taught my kids from my wheelchair to: vehicle repairs, like tune-ups, brakes, tires, starter change-out, repair wiring faults, rebuild a carburetor, etc. And spent some pleasant evenings with my grandson cleaning, and oiling our 4 sewing machines.
Do u know how to do liquid stitching
Back in 70 & 80 people used to put patches on jeans, I don’t know how they did it but it was good as they never came off
I need to patch boat cover seats for my boat to protect the actual polestery, any ideas on how I can patch boat cover seats, just the covers to covers to protect them??
I can be reached at 6025767478
Eamonn
I know exacting what you mean because I saw my grandmother do that but I, sadly, never learned.
YouTube is a def goto to learn but always watch more than 1 person when trying somethinf new, ive taken up tanning by the old ways, we raise meat rabbits amd hunt deer, hate seeing anything goto waste. I didnt grow up doing this stuff but love to learn
Raising chickens
These are truly great skills to have. I personally used YouTube when I moved to a new planting zone, to learn how to plant the trees that thrived in my new area.
Crochet is easy 😉 Don’t give up. I taught my daughter when she was three.
I wish I could find a video of someone knitting and crocheting from directly across from them. I’m a lefty, and can’t learn from the normal videos that are from the perspective of the right-handed person. My grandma tried to teach me when I was young, but the same problem existed. She knit and crocheted beautifully, as most women/girls did back then (’30’s-40’s). I want to learn, but find it difficult to get the time to sit in front of my computer (not very comfy) to watch ‘endlessly’.
About the “loop” knitting, isn’t that just for round things like hats and socks? I would love to be able to make my own dishcloths: I bought one at a Christmas Bazaar that I absolutely LOVE!
If I do begin knitting/crocheting, anyone know where I can find either organic (soft) hemp or organic bamboo yarn???
Thanks for the list. I can do most of the other things here, I even bought a treadle machine and cabinet for when the power goes out! But I also have a regular machine. I have pressure and water bath canned, (I even went to the coast and bought a tuna off a fishing boat, and canned all of the tuna from it: it was heavenly!), changed tires and done simple auto repair, I can sew and mend, (although the newer light bulbs make darning socks pretty difficult! …They are shaped wrong!) I can’t cut/split wood as I don’t have the arm strength it takes (I’m, 65). I have tried fermentation, however my home isn’t very air tight, so mold spores get in and ruin my ferments…like to try those expensive fermenting lids, but they are spendy! I can dry herbs and know how to make some cheeses, but finding good raw milk is impossible in my state where it is banned…..anyway, thanks again for the list!
I think crochet is your best for a dish cloth (you can definitely find that on YouTube as well). Loop knitting gives things a “shaggy” look, you may want to look at loom knitting for hats.
Great list, I am proud to say I’ve learned 14 out of 15! On my Winter list to learn this year is how to sharpen the blades on my tools. We have multiple lopers , pruners knives and such that need to be cleaned and sharpened every off season. We now send them out but I know this is a valuable skill.
That’s amazing Karen!
Hello. I’ve read, rather scrolled through your list of forgotten skills and appreciate your list. Some I already know, being a baby-boomer my mom taught me quite a lot of them. there are some that I remember but have not put in practice, occasionally used in the past but have not used in a while, especially using a pressure cooker, changing a tire; etc. I live alone, don’t do a lot of cooking that requires certain equipment, and have not owned a vehicle or driven one in over five years, so changing a tire hasn’t been something I’ve needed to do. I am pleased that your list has made me realize that these are things that I should re-learn in these trying times. Thank you!
Blacksmithing. My husband learned using YouTube. He even learned how to build his own coal forge using scrap materials he was able to find at a recycling center and leftover materials from a construction site. Blacksmithing is a handy skill for many things. He even use old railroad ties to make knives.