How I Got Into Needlepoint (and Why I Haven’t Stopped)
I never expected needlepoint to become such a meaningful part of my daily life. Sure, I’d seen it “in the wild”– charming canvas ornaments, cheeky throw pillows, or integrated into gallery walls– but I never thought to try it myself.
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The Catalyst
My aunt has been needlepointing since she was a young girl. Her finished pieces are truly stunning– everything from classic holiday designs to large framed pieces, some even custom-painted. When she convinced my mom to give it a try, it didn’t take long for my mom to pass on the hype to me. Seeing finished pieces gave me that final nudge. I mean, who wouldn’t want a separate needlepoint ornament tree or a couch full of snarky pillows?
What surprised me most? As much as I love finishing a piece, it’s the process of stitching that really hooked me. And as an innately impatient person, this was unexpected.
A Craft That Felt Familiar
I’ve always loved puzzles and working with my hands. I grew up going to (and later working at) a summer camp where friendship bracelets were our social currency. I loved figuring out how to weave complicated bracelet patterns, and that skill translated perfectly into reading needlepoint stitch-guides.
Stitching quickly became my new happy place. Similar to friendship bracelets, there’s something so meditative about it. Once you settle into the rhythm, you can totally zone out and let your mind go blank.
Stitching for Sanity
Like a lot of people, I have a terrible doom-scrolling habit. Needlepoint has become my favorite antidote. It gives me something to do with my hands and brain that doesn’t involve my phone—and that alone is worth its weight in gold.
On tough days when I feel creatively stuck or anxious, picking up my canvas helps me reset. I never regret taking 15 minutes to stitch. I always come away feeling clearer, calmer, and more grounded.
The Needlepoint Community
One of the most unexpected joys of this hobby has been the people. Whether I’m walking into a Local Needlepoint Shop (LNS) or scrolling through social media, there’s a sense of instant connection with other stitchers. We may have different styles or levels of experience, but there’s always something to learn, share, or admire. Now that I live in a bit of a needlepoint desert, I’ve come to rely more on the online stitching community. On TikTok, especially, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and started posting “WIP Wednesdays” and “Finishing Fridays.” I’ve grown a community of mutual followers who all support and encourage each other. It's the next-best thing to being close enough to an LNS for stitch clubs!
Needlepoint started for me as a fun experiment– something to do with my mom and aunt and to get me off my phone. But it quickly became much more: a way to manage stress, a hobby that sparks creativity, and a community I genuinely love being a part of.
If you’re needlepoint-curious, I highly recommend giving it a try. You don’t need to be an artist. You don’t need to know how to sew. You just need a canvas, a few threads, and a little patience.
Curious about starting needlepoint yourself? I’d love to hear what’s stopping you, or what you’re excited to stitch! Drop a comment below or tag me on TikTok (@kel_cogs) to share your WIPs.
You can also check out my favorite affordable needlepoint supplies here on Amazon or on my ShopMy if you're ready to get stitching!
