Why do we needlepoint—or devote ourselves to any craft that takes hours of focus and dedication?
For me, it’s not because I need more art for my walls. Don’t get me wrong—I love gazing at the pieces I’ve created over the years. They carry memories and meaning. But if I framed every piece I’ve ever stitched, I’d need at least three houses to display them all. Disclosure: most of my stitched needlepoint sits in an "I can't decide what to do with it" box.
And it’s not just about making something useful. Sure, I adore a gorgeous needlepoint pillow, and I love swapping them out with the seasons or as new color trends evolve. There’s a pride in decorating with something handcrafted, something unique. Yet, I don’t needlepoint simply to create more décor.
The truth is, the finished product isn’t the reason I stitch at all.
I stitch because it makes me a better person. The rhythm of the needle calms me. It quiets my anxious mind, steadies my emotions, and helps me feel grounded. Stitching is my meditation. As I pull a needle threaded with vibrant fiber through canvas, the repetitive motion slows everything down and allows me to be present; to be me!
There’s a tactile joy in it, too—the way the fabric comes to life under my fingers, the way colors blend into a cohesive, beautiful tapestry. It’s therapeutic in ways I can’t fully explain, but I know it keeps me balanced and away from the clutches of stress.
Stitching also gives me time to indulge in reading. It’s the perfect companion to audiobooks or podcasts. Hours pass as I "work", immersing myself in the lives of others, gaining wisdom, or discovering new perspectives. I always come away feeling a little more connected to the world.
I love TV—but I can’t just sit and watch. Stitching while watching makes my relaxation feel purposeful. It transforms what might otherwise feel like idleness into a creative act.
Needlepoint even offers hope and healing in ways that go beyond personal enrichment. Take the UK charity Fine Cell Work, for example. For more than 26 years, this organization has helped rehabilitate over 8,000 prisoners through the transformative power of needle and thread. Incarcerated men and women are trained to create exquisite needlework, collaborating with prominent designers. The results? Stunning pieces for commission or sale, but more importantly, a renewed sense of self-worth, discipline, and hope for a brighter future. The success of programs like these is a testament to the profound impact stitching can have on mental health and personal growth.
So why do I stitch? Because it’s so much more than a craft. It’s meditation, relaxation, creativity, education, and even transformation—all offered by a piece of fabric with holes in it and some carefully curated threads.
Think about it: if there were a pharmaceutical that could calm anxiety, sharpen focus, ignite creativity, foster learning, and even transform lives, it would be hailed as a breakthrough. Its market value would be astronomical. Yet, needlepoint offers all these benefits, and it’s available to anyone with the curiosity to pick up a needle and thread.
Stitching doesn’t just fill my hands; it fills my spirit. And that’s priceless.
Thanks for being a friend of Poppy Monk Needlepoint in 2024 and happy stitching to all!
Warmly,
Brenda x
(Please share this on social media or with someone you know who likes to stitch, and let's spread the joy!)
