The term “Slow Stitching” has only been around for a few years, but it has its roots in hand stitching from a variety of cultures – Japanese Boro and Sashiko, Indian Kantha, European embroidery, etc.
So what exactly is Slow Stitching?
It is simply taking a piece of fabric, needle and thread, and using simple stitch marks – going with the flow. There is no pattern, no lines to follow, no rules – just your own creativity and some lovely bits and pieces to inspire you.
It has become a popular activity in recent times because many of us are seeking ways to slow down and connect to our quiet selves, away from the devices and screens and general busy-ness of everyday life. When you’re hand stitching you automatically slow down. The process of sitting quietly and watching the needle pull through the fabric makes you more conscious of the moment you are in. This slows your breath down, allowing you to let go of the stress.
Slow stitching is also an excellent way to use what you have, embracing what is already in your fabric piles – and because you only need small pieces of fabric, you can create something out of almost nothing.
What is the difference between Slow Stitching and Embroidery?
Slow stitching can be hand embroidery and hand embroidery can be slow stitching. Embroidery generally describes creating a design with stitching – you can do this in a slow and meditative way, and there is nothing to stop you making a picture using your fabrics and threads. You can definitely use traditional embroidery stitches as part of slow stitching. But you can also create something entirely abstract and use only simple straight stitches – that’s the beauty of it, it’s accessible to anyone who can use a needle and thread.
Getting Started with Slow Stitching
Having said there are no rules, if you’re feeling a bit daunted and don’t know where to start, here are a few pointers:
- Start small – from a practical point of view it’s easier to hold, and mentally it’s less intimidating. Something between 4 and 6 inches square can be a good place to begin – but it could be a rectangle too.
- Choose your fabric – start with a backing, it can be something plain or patterned, but preferably not too thick.
- Gather some threads – you can use a simple sewing thread, include some embroidery threads, whatever you happen to have to hand, it will all add to the interest and the textures of your piece.
- Choose other pieces of fabric and embellishments that call to you. It’s up to you if you want to start by arranging them and pinning or tacking in place, or just get in there and stitch the first piece down, then move along to the next piece you feel drawn to. Let your creativity be your guide, and remember there are no rules.
- You can stick to simple straight stitches (they don’t have to be in straight lines), or you can add in more complicated embroidery stitches if you want.
- Just enjoy the process and do what you want to do. It’s not about perfection; it’s about exploration.
What do I do with my finished piece?
Slow stitching is about the process more than the result. But you can also display and enjoy what you have made – either on its own as a piece of textile art on your wall or included in a stitched journal, or perhaps as part of a more practical item like a bag or a needle case, or even a quilt top
Where can I find out more?
There is plenty of inspiration on the internet, with all sorts of examples of slow stitching.
The author Tilly Rose has a few books on the subject which are beautiful to look at and great to get you thinking.
If you are local to the Scrapstore, we have a Slow Stitching Group which meets from 7pm-9pm on the third Monday of each month – it’s a friendly session where we all work on our own pieces, chat, drink tea or coffee, and maybe partake of a biscuit or two. For more details and booking, visit our Creative Activities page.
We also sell Slow Stitching Kits which contain a range of beautiful fabrics, trims, lace, ribbon and embellishments, to get you started on your slow stitching journey – email hello@resourceful-scraps.org.uk to find out more
