10 Tips For Stress-Free Cross Stitching

Stitching is great for stress relief. It encourages mindfulness, releases feel-good chemicals into your brain – like dopamine, and improves your focus. To keep the feel good factor that comes with cross stitch, here are 10 top tips for stress-free stitching at home, at work or on the go.

#1 – Stitch and Listen

Add an extra layer of escapism to your cross stitching by listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Stitching while you’re listening to something can soothe your mind, sharpen your focus, and give you the motivation to see your stitching projects through. Happy listening makes for happy stitching.

#2 – Find Your Happy Place

Scientific studies show that a clutter-free space reduces stress. That means your surroundings will have a direct effect on your motivation to stitch. Find a quiet, tranquil spot like a favourite armchair that looks out over your garden, a conservatory, or a summer house. If you’re at work, head to your nearest park or greenspace in your lunch hour.

#3 – Don’t Overdo It

In your enthusiasm for cross stitch, you might be tempted to take on more than one project at a time. Don’t do it. For a totally stress-free stitching experience, one at a time is fine, otherwise you will put yourself under pressure. It’s easier to devote your time to a single project and set yourself realistic goals.

#4 – Keep It Simple

If you’re new to cross stitch, this one’s for you. That said, even if you’re a pro-stitcher, keeping your patterns simple sometimes makes for a more enjoyable experience. The last thing you want is to take on a pattern you’re not ready for, and you end up getting frustrated. After all, cross stitch is meant to keep you calm.

#5 – Don’t Fret About Imperfections

No one’s stitching is perfect. Besides, it’s not about perfection, cross stitch is about enjoyment. Mistakes are part of the process, and if you make one, don’t let it lessen your love for stitching.

#6 – Stay Organised

Keep your cross stitch stash organised. Having things organised means you’re not having to hunt for equipment when all you want to do is sit down and do some stitching. If you can’t find you’re stitching stuff, you’ll get stressed trying to find it, and you’re less likely to be in the mood to get creative.

#7 – Join a Stitching Community

Cross stitch can be even more stress relieving in the company of others. You can attend groups in-person or from the comfort of your own home by joining an online stitching community. Either way, being part of a community can keep your accountable and gives you the opportunity to share your successes and get support when you need it.

#8 – Stick to Stitching

In the same way you should avoid taking on too many projects, don’t be tempted by other distractions during your stitching time. Don’t try and scroll on your phone while stitching or watch TV. Your brain is designed to do one task at a time. Multitasking will increase your stress levels, so stick to stitching.

#9 – Get Creative

If patterns and instructions get too stressful, try completing a creation that works best for you. You can talk to your cross stitch community to find alternatives to following set patterns and instructions. There’s always more than one way to complete a project.

#10 – Don’t Compare Yourself To Others

Last but not least, don’t compare your cross stitch journey to others. This can cause unnecessary stress. Take your stitching story one step at a time. Everyone was a beginner once, and whether you’re new to stitching or pretty advanced, there will always be others a bit further along on their journey. That’s ok. You concentrate on you.

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