Are there any step-by-step engineering tutorials that focus on building projects from scratch for self-taught learners?

Yes — there are quite a few, and the best ones usually combine:

• clear step-by-step build instructions
• practical project-based learning
• beginner-friendly explanations
• from-scratch builds rather than just theory

Here are some good categories and examples:

1. Project-based engineering tutorials for beginners

These are designed for self-taught learners and often walk you through building things from the ground up.

• Instructables — lots of step-by-step DIY engineering projects across electronics, mechanical builds, robotics, and more.
• Adafruit Learning System — very beginner-friendly electronics and hardware tutorials.
• SparkFun Tutorials — hands-on electronics and embedded systems projects.
• Hackster.io — project-focused tutorials, especially for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, IoT, and robotics.

2. “Build it from scratch” style resources

These are especially useful if you want to understand how things work, not just copy a design.

• GreatScott! (YouTube) — electronics projects explained from scratch.
• EEVblog — practical electronics and debugging, good for deeper understanding.
• DIY Perks — creative engineering builds with step-by-step project breakdowns.
• Jeremy Blum / Paul McWhorter — beginner-friendly Arduino and embedded tutorials.

3. Structured learning platforms with hands-on projects

If you want a more guided path:

• Coursera / edX / Udemy — many engineering and electronics courses include build-along projects.
• freeCodeCamp — more software-oriented, but great for self-taught, step-by-step project learning.
• MIT OpenCourseWare — less tutorial-like, but excellent if you want to pair theory with your own builds.

4. Books that teach by building

If you prefer a book format, these often work well for self-taught learners:

• Make: Electronics by Charles Platt
• Practical Electronics for Inventors
• Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python (software side)
• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python (practical builds for software/automation)

5. Best approach for self-taught learners

A good learning path is:

1. Pick one domain: electronics, mechanical, robotics, software, etc.
2. Start with a simple starter project.
3. Follow a full build tutorial once.
4. Rebuild it without looking.
5. Modify it to make it your own.

If you want, I can also give you:

• a curated list by engineering field,
• free resources only, or
• a beginner roadmap with projects in increasing difficulty.