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It’s no coincidence that the growing appetite for crafts is linked to our increasingly digital lifestyle. When we spend so much time tapped into technology, the appeal of making something with our own hands has become much greater.
That’s why the unexpected benefits of crafting are being discovered by so many people and can have a seriously positive impact on our mental wellbeing. Mental health struggles might affect anyone, in any stage of life, but the simple act of cross-stitching can be incredibly effective in finding focus during these times.
Here’s why craft and wellbeing go hand-in-hand.
When you’ve spent all day staring at a computer screen or under pressure at work, doing something creative makes a welcome escape.
For lots of people, cross stitch is a form of meditation with the repetitive, silent action bringing a kind of inner calm. The gratification we get is a result of our brain and our body being in sync - something which rarely happens in this digital age.
Working like this forces us to stop, sit down and redirect our energy. It distracts us from the day-to-day worries of life and the constant whirring in our minds, helping us to refocus and refresh.
The repetitive actions of cross-stitch, which completely absorb our mind, allow us to enter into our ‘flow’ state and that’s where we experience our deepest engagement with life.
We also gain complete control over our actions. When life feels like it’s spiralling out of control, this can be a great stress reliever and something reliable when life is more full of struggle than calm.
If you’re dealing with an angst-ridden teenager, introducing them to a craft as a way to focus energy and positivity could really help to calm things down.
Despite the excitement and joy of a new baby, becoming a new parent can be a lonely, difficult time for lots of first time mothers. The long days, longer nights and lack of sleep make it easy to slip into a pattern of feeling blue.
However, the simple satisfaction that comes from creating a finished product helps put some focus back on mum, rather than baby. It’s refreshing to work on a project that’s outside of life with a newborn and can bring hope and focus when it’s difficult to get through the day.
Our alphabet birth samplers are designed to bring stitching satisfaction whilst making something for a nursery or child’s room at the same time.
The best thing about stitching is that the mental health benefits apply whatever your age.
By following patterns, counting stitches and keeping our brains engaged, we’re boosting our brain function throughout life, from childhood to adulthood.
When it comes to children, working together on a cross stitch pattern is a great way to reconnect and collaborate. Because their world is so saturated with technology, creating a shared project together can help to spark conversation and closeness.
For adults, a shared love of stitch is also a great way to meet new people and socialise too. There’s a whole world of cross stitchers out there in online communities just like our Facebook group or in local libraries, village halls or craft centres.
Ready to start stitching? Explore our full range of kits here and get started on a cross stitch journey that’s great for mind and soul.
Learning how to read a cross stitch pattern might seem daunting, but it's more simple than it appears when broken down into easy steps, and once you’ve done it a few times, you’ll quickly get the hang of things. We’ve put together this handy step-by-step guide to help those looking to learn how to read cross stitch patterns.
With an endless amount of designs and patterns to choose from, it’s no surprise that cross stitching is one of the most popular creative hobbies among all age groups today.
If you’re looking for new ways to elevate your cross stitch projects, then adding a French knot is the perfect way to add a special touch!
