How is cross stitch good for your mental health?

Cross stitching has been around for centuries and is sometimes disregarded as an ‘old lady’ craft, which I strongly disagree with and will fight anyone who says so. Recently though it has had a little spike in popularity amongst people as a hobby to help with peoples mental health which is something that I can very much advocate for. As someone who has turned to cross stitching in times where I have needed comfort or to refocus my mind I know first hand the powers that it can possess.

Not convinced? Here’s why you should give it a try to improve your mental health:

• Cross stitching is a great way to relax and unwind, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety in a healthy way. An hour of stitching has been shown to reduce stress and your heart rate as you focus on the task at hand..(unless you’re having to frog your piece of course.)

• When you see a piece that you are working on take shape and/or when its finished provides you with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.

• Cross stitching can be a meditative practice, allowing you to focus your mind and clear your thoughts. There’s a reason why so many people resonate with the saying ‘my soul is fed with needle and thread’. Whether you do it in silence or with a show/podcast/movie in the background a little bubble is formed with you and your cross stitch from the outside world and it can be a way to cope with difficult emotions.

• It provides a creative outlet, allowing you to express yourself and explore your artistic side. Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body you can buy pre designed patterns and kits and create beautiful pieces of art that YOU made.

• Cross stitching can be a social activity, providing opportunities for connection and community. There are thriving communities of stitchers on and offline who are always eager to talk and build relationships with other stitchers. Looking for your first stitch friend? you can find me on TikTok, instagram and YouTube alongside many others.

• Counting stitches and thinking out your next part to stitch can help improve your cognitive function and memory as it requires you to concentrate and strengthen your attention to detail whilst it keeps your hands busy if you are someone who finds this soothes any anxiety that you have.

• Cross stitching can be a way to build resilience and coping skills, as it requires patience, perseverance, and problem-solving. We all have bad days and bad projects but we take a moment and a breath and we pick back up and keep going.

• Finished pieces serve as a reminder of the progress that you have made. It doesn’t happen instantly but with time and work something beautiful comes from it. A piece of art is born from a single stitch and a brighter tomorrow comes from making one small change today.

If you’re interested in cross stitch, I encourage you to give it a try – I know that my life is a lot brighter from the joy that it brings me in all its different forms. If you do please get in touch, I love hearing others stitch stories. There is also resources and tutorials available here on the website to guide you on your stitch journey!