Here is a list of very useful crafting abilities, listed by effect. The must-haves for HQ crafting are in Red:

Please see my Crafting Guide for examples on how these should be used.

–-Restores Durability–-
  • Make the Most - CUL 10 - Restores 10 Durability
  • Manipulation - GSM 30 - Restores 20 Durability
  • Master's Mend - ALC 45 - Restores 30 Durability

–-Increases Quality–-
  • Resolution - ARM 30 - Increases quality by 50% for the next three steps
  • Sublimation - BSM 30 - Increases quality by 50% for the next three steps
  • Fit for Kings - WVR 36 - Increases quality by 50% for the next three steps
  • Inspiration - GSM 36 - Increases quality by 50% for the next three steps
  • Byregot's Blessing - CRP 45 - Increases quality by 100% for the next three steps

–-Reduces Durability Loss–-
  • Tender Touch - CRP 10 - Reduces loss of durability by 25% for the next three steps
  • Meticulous Mind - GSM 30 - Reduces loss of durability by 50% for the next three step
  • Comfort Zone - ALC 36 - Reduces loss of durability by 100% for the next three step, but prevents great success

–-Pushes Progress–-
  • Maker's Muse - BSM 10 - Successful Standard synths for the next 3 attempts
  • Grand Design - WVR 30 - Advances progress
  • By the Book - GSM 45 - Greatly advances progress
  • Piece by Piece - ARM 45 - Greatly advances progress

–-Universal Abilties–-
  • Greater Calling - BSM 45 - Successful for all synth actions for the next 3 attempts
  • Culmination - WVR 45 - Ensures great success of all types of synthesis for 1 attempt

–-Elemental Brands–-
  • Brand of Ice - ARM 20
  • Brand of Fire - BSM 20
  • Brand of Water - CUL 20
  • Brand of Wind - GSM 20
  • Brand of Lightning - WVR 20
  • Brand of Earth - LTW 20
Ends elemental instability, Increases quality by 100 if used on its intended element. Increases quality by 20 if used on different element.