crafting hq tips?

[Sparky]

I know most guides out there say get your crafters to at least 15, but I would say get them all to at least 21 - because then you can start using Great Strides, which with higher control, results in massive leaps in quality.

[Lemon8or]

I know most guides out there say get your crafters to at least 15

That's for cross-class skills. Great strides can't be cross-classed. There's a version for each craft, just like the touches. Below 21, there's really no need for Great Strides. Above 21 and obviously you can use Great Strides version of that craft. There's no need to raise a craft above whatever level you need for skills, whether it's 15 for most cross-class or 37 for Steady Hands II or 50 for Byregot's Blessing. All level 15 skills are not equal.