Cross stitch has been part of my life for most of my life but it's fair to say that there have been times when I haven't touched a needle and thread for long periods. So that got me thinking about what it is that brings me back to it time and again. Why do I love it so much?
Since I also love lists it seemed only appropriate that I unpick (lol!) the reasons for my love of cross stitch in list format!
1. It's repetitive
Bear with me if that doesn't immediately sound like a good thing, but I guess what I mean is that it's incredibly therapeutic and it totally appeals to the logical part of my brain that enjoys following patterns in a systematic way. That makes it a great way to unwind if I've had a hectic day at work or am just generally feeling a bit stressed.
2. It's creative
Sure, I love to create my own patterns, but of course I still stitch other people's patterns because there are so many gorgeous ones out there. Even whilst following someone else's pattern, I am creating something beautiful with my own hands and that's a lovely feeling especially as I watch it gradually coming together.
3. It's easy!
I LOVE an easy life so a hobby where I really only need to learn one simple stitch? Yes please! Ok, so there are a couple of other stitches you might want to learn but seriously, how amazing is it that you can create the most beautiful pictures using just this one stitch?!
4. It makes me put my phone down
I have to admit there are not many things that properly make me do that, and that has to be a good thing sometimes, right? It is possible to watch TV or listen to music or podcasts while stitching but it is NOT possible to be scrolling through Facebook or Instagram whilst stitching. It is kind of nice though to just stitch without anything else going on because something funny happens when you just allow your mind to focus on the stitching. It comes back to #1 on this list about the therapeutic benefits, but also it just frees your brain to wander and come up with all sorts of cool ideas and plans. Which I then have to stop stitching and write down!
5. It doesn't HAVE to be expensive and take up loads of space
Sure, you can make it expensive and buy ALL the things so it fills up your house but it certainly doesn't have to be that way. I fully admit to having a fair few completed projects tucked away in a drawer, but it's not like they take up a lot of space. I think it's also lovely to stitch things you can give away as gifts. It is possible to end up with a lot of supplies and kit, but when you just start out you really don't need much. You can find more in What supplies you need to cross stitch.
6. It's portable!
I can take it anywhere I go; on holiday, on the train, whilst waiting for an appointment…seriously, anywhere. Whenever I visit family and friends they all know I come with stitching baggage!
I also have an article with Tips for travelling with your cross stitch which you might like to check out.
Wow, when I sat down to write this post I did not think the list was going to be that long or that I would write that much so if you made it all the way through then hurrah and thanks for reading :-)
I guess I just love a lot about cross stitch and hope you do too…in fact, I would love to hear what your absolute favourite thing about cross stitch is so just drop me a comment to let me know.
Until next time…happy stitching!