Want to learn how to make a sling, set a dinner table, or dress for a job interview? The new video “how-to” site HowCast.com offers video instruction on all these, plus hundred of other topics.

Online video instruction has been a growing niche over the past year or so. But, HowCast has the best production quality I’ve seen so far. That may be due to the massive $8 million dollar financing the founders (all former Google employees) generated.

TechCrunch.com explains some of the more unique features found on HowCast videos:

“There is a familiar formula for each one: The Howcast graphic, an intro explaining what you’ll need for the task at a hand, and step-by-step instructions explained in a voiceover. The video player on the site lets you jump to different chapters or steps, lets you zoom in for a better look, and provides the transcript as well. Viewers can add comments in the form of tips, warnings, and facts to each video. And the Flash-based site lets you browse the video directory on the left hand side while you are watching a video without interrupting it or going to a different page.”

HowCast offers more breadth than depth. Overall, it’s an incredible resource for self-educators seeking basic instruction.