Let’s be honest: life can be a lot. Between the group chats, grocery runs, and trying to remember if you RSVP’d “yes” to that summer wedding, finding a moment to relax can feel impossible. Part of the reason I love needlepoint is it’s brought so much calm to the parts of life that can oftentimes feel chaotic. It’s become more than just a creative outlet, but a form of meditation for me!
Being intentional about your stitching can bring a lot of peace of mind. Here are five ways to use needlepoint as your go-to mindfulness practice:
1. Create a Stitching Ritual
Light a candle, pour a glass of wine (or mocktail), and queue up your favorite playlist. When you build a simple ritual around your stitching time, it signals your brain to slow down and settle in. Even 10–15 minutes of stitching in a cozy nook can help transition you out of hustle mode and into you time. Creating a ritual doesn’t have to be time consuming - even 1 strand per day will help you decompress.
MJD Pro Tip: Wake up 5 minutes earlier and complete 1 strand of thread while sitting in morning sunlight!
2. Focus on the Repetition
The repetitive nature of needlepoint is very soothing. The gentle, rhythmic motion of pulling thread through canvas is oddly hypnotic—in the best way. Repeating stitches like Tent or Basketweave gives your mind something to focus on, allowing the rest of the day’s noise to fall away.
MJD Pro Tip: I love a canvas with a lot of background color so I can get into the repetition of basketweave - there’s nothing more soothing to me than going up the stairs and down the poles!
3. Leave Your Phone In a Different Room
Allow yourself a set period of time where no outside noise from your phone is being let in. Remind yourself that your texts, your inbox, and your social feeds will all be waiting for you - take time for yourself to get lost in your WIP. In a world where we're constantly connected, carving out space to be present with your canvas takes practice, but is so rewarding.
MJD Pro Tip: Having trouble disconnecting? Try stitching this canvas to remind yourself you deserve to have some uninterrupted time!
4. Stitch with Intention
Choose a canvas that brings you joy—a reminder of your favorite place, a Bar Cart honoring your favorite holiday, or a summery motif. Practice gratitude as you stitch, letting yourself get lost in some of your favorite memories which you’ll associate with your WIP for years to come.
MJD Pro Tip: Sometimes I get decision fatigue seeing so many incredible canvases online and in LNS - to help make your next purchase a little easier, let your future plans or favorite memories dictate what you’ll work on next! I’m excited to stitch the Summer House while in ACK this summer.
5. Make it a Moment, Not a Task
This isn’t your to-do list. You don’t have to finish that background tonight. Let go of the pressure to be productive and just enjoy the process.
MJD Pro Tip: The second I start to feel frustrated with a canvas - I pick a different one up! Sometimes walking away from a project is the best thing…and by the time you’re ready to pick it back up you’ll love it all over again! Remember “Summer…and needlepoint…should be fun!”
I hope some of these tips resonate with you and that needlepoint continues to serve as both a hobby AND a form of meditation. Needlepoint as a craft, and the community, has brought me so much peace of mind through the years and I hope it does the same for you.
XO,
Morgan
