When people ask me why I embroider, I sometimes smile because the answer feels so simple and yet so layered. For me, embroidery isn’t just about making something beautiful to look at, it’s about how it makes me feel while I’m doing it. It’s one of the most therapeutic activities I know. The act of pulling thread through fabric, watching colour build up stitch by stitch, has a calming rhythm to it that quiets the busy thoughts in my mind.
One of the things I love most is how accessible embroidery is. You don’t need years of experience to get started, and you certainly don’t need a huge box of supplies. A needle, a hoop, some thread and a piece of fabric are all it takes. The stitches themselves are often repetitive, but that’s where the magic lies. The repetition is soothing, it gives you something to focus on without demanding too much of you, a bit like a gentle background hum that helps you switch off from the world.
There’s also a real sense of achievement in even the simplest of projects. A handful of stitches can transform plain fabric into something full of character. For beginners, that first finished piece brings such a rush of pride, and for me, even after years of stitching, that feeling hasn’t gone away. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated to be deeply rewarding.
Embroidery is also wonderfully forgiving. If a stitch goes a little astray, it rarely ruins the piece — in fact, those small quirks often add character. That’s part of why I think it’s such a welcoming craft for anyone to try. You don’t need perfection, just the willingness to sit down and let your hands and threads do the work.
Above all, I embroider because it gives me peace. It’s my way of slowing down, taking a breath, and making something with care. In a world that so often feels rushed, embroidery is my pause button — a chance to create, relax, and just be.
- Jo x
