What do you like to do when you find yourself with some time to yourself?
As mums, we all struggle with finding time to just get stuck in to something we enjoy. Even if all the family is fed, watered and content, there’s probably still some housework staring accusingly at us.
But it’s really important to carve out even a few moments every day to do something that makes you happy and is just for you.
Perhaps you love to run, or to lose yourself in a book.
For me, at the moment, my favourite way to unwind is to pick up my cross-stitch.
Although we had learned the basics in primary school, I first started this craft for my own enjoyment as a teenager.
I was in a newsagent one day and my eye was caught by a cross stitch magazine with a free kit. Knowing me, I think it was probably of something cute like mice or hedgehogs.
With the help of a few tutorial pages at the back of the magazine, I got started and found myself completely engrossed. More magazines with free kits kept me busy whenever I was at a loose end.
Once I started college and the world of work, I kind of forgot all about it again. With so much else going on in life, it got pushed to the bottom of my list of priorities until I was pregnant with my son.
I was feeling pretty rotten and there were lots of things I didn’t feel up for. So when I happened to spot yet another magazine with a free kit in a bookshop one day, I jumped back in to the craft with both feet.
Ever since, it has been a part of my life. Sometimes I might go weeks without picking it up, but I always find my way back to it.
During Covid-19 restrictions, it has been particularly nice to have a project to pick up in the evenings.
It’s really satisfying to see the progress I’ve made, even over a few minutes just before bed. I love the feeling of seeing an image form in front of me, and of seeing the little section I’ve achieved that day.
Especially since so much time as a mum seems to be spent doing jobs that never really get finished. Laundry anyone?
What Exactly is Cross Stitch?
I’m glad you asked!
Cross stitch is a form of embroidery using lots of tiny sewn crosses. I think of it like paint by numbers with thread. For each project, you have a pattern that you copy in order to recreate the picture shown.
Sometimes, you can get kits that will have the pattern marked out on the fabric. Usually, though, you start with a blank piece of fabric (aida is best for beginners) and use the pattern to help you to count the stitches into their correct positions.
Cross stitch used to be thought of as an “old lady” hobby, but not any more. With many modern and fresh designers coming on the scene, it’s now a craft for all ages to enjoy.
Why Should I Start Cross Stitch?
In a moment, I’m going to tell you my very favourite reason, but first I’ll let you in on some ones that make it one of the best hobbies for busy mums.
1. Cross Stitch is Relatively Cheap
With cross stitch, I know that whatever I spend on supplies is going to provide me with good value for money.
When I buy the threads, fabric and pattern for a new project, I usually get many, many hours of enjoyment from them as I complete the piece.
Sometimes, if you are buying a kit, or have chosen a project with lots of different coloured threads, the initial outlay might seem big. For one quite big project lately, it cost me 40 euro for my threads and fabric.
However, it took me about eight months of working away here and there in the evenings to finish. So when I break it down, it was actually very good value for the amount of pleasure I got from that spend
Some ways to keep the hobby as cheap as possible include:
Use Magazines With Free Kits
Start as I did. I’m only familiar with the UK ones, and my favourite is Cross Stitcher. They nearly always have a free kit, sometimes even two!
These small projects are a fantastic way to get started, as you have the satisfaction of finishing something quickly. You get everything you need provided, and it’s a low-risk way to decide if you enjoy the craft.
The magazines are packed with patterns to inspire you for the future, and help you to feel part of the busy cross stitch community.
Find Free Patterns Online
The internet is full of free patterns. Just make sure that they come from a proper source, and aren’t just scanned in illegally by someone at home.
One great source is DMC Threads. Also, if you sign up for Caterpillar Cross Stitch’s email newsletter you get sent a free e-book of patterns to get you started.
Start With Threads That Are Close Enough
You will notice that patterns usually provide specific numbers for each colour of thread used. These correspond to particular colours in particular brands.
However, if you are just getting started with little projects, simply choose colours that are “close enough”.
This means you can make use of the cheaper embroidery threads that are often available at discount stores, or in bulk at craft shops.
Instead of worrying about getting the exact number of red, you can just get a red you like the look of, or already have.
Worry about the exact shades only when you are doing a special project for a particular reason.
2. Cross Stitch is Easy to Transport
Some people love to make really large projects, which require special frames to work at. The results are really beautiful.
For me, however, that would never work! Especially since I do most of my cross stitching in bed. Word of advice: if you do this, please be really careful with your needles!
I usually choose small to medium size projects and keep everything required for each in a mesh zip-up wallet. This means that I can just pick it up and bring it anywhere with me.
I pack mine whenever we go to visit my husband’s family in Limerick. It’s so handy I don’t even have to think about it.
And I know of plenty of people who stitch in their cars while waiting for their children to finish extra-curricular activities. I’ve heard of others who even stitch in the bathroom while their children are having a bath!
3. You Don’t Need Lots of Time to Cross Stitch
Many hobbies require a lot of setting up before you can even get started. So finding a window of time long enough to get ready (or travel there), actually spend time enjoying it, and tidy up (or drive home), can be impossible!
Cross stitch can be fitted into the smallest of time frames. Just find your place in the pattern and go; you can do five stitches or fifty, it really doesn’t matter.
There are times when my son just wants me to be near him as he plays. He doesn’t necessarily want me involved, just to be there. It’s not a time that I could start a chore around the house, but it’s often a chance to get a few stitches done. Every little helps.
Some stitchers are really focused on keeping the back of their work just as tidy as the front. This is a really good practice, and keeping the back tidy does make things easier in the long run.
But as a mum with short amounts of time, I don’t get too bothered. I keep it “tidy enough” and focus on just getting it done! I’d rather have more pretty projects that look nice at the front.
It’s up to you to make your own decision about this; both ways are good, and they depend on your personality.
Your time, your rules!
4. Cross Stitch Takes Your Mind Off Things
Cross stitch is very repetitive, as you fill the space with cross after cross. For some people, this is off-putting and that’s completely fine.
For me, it’s what I love about it. I can be creative without having to think very hard.
As I stitch, I get completely focused on what I’m doing; counting, stitching, finishing off threads. It helps me to clear my head and escape from all the pressures of the day for a little while.
I especially love the sound of the needle and thread making their way in and out of the fabric. Try it; you’ll see (or hear) what I mean!
5. Cross Stitch is Very Satisfying
There’s no feeling like finally seeing your piece of work finished, framed and hanging on the wall. Or of handing over a gift that you have worked on steadily for months.
But it’s not just the completion that brings satisfaction. Each little section you stitch feels like a success in its own right. As I’ve already said, it’s a great feeling to objectively see something forming in front of you.
6. Cross Stitch is Easy to Learn and You See Results Quickly
Unlike some hobbies, cross stitch is something you can easily teach yourself at home. With the help of the right resources, you can get started in no time.
Many patterns use only the one stitch, the cross-stitch, to form the design. I love designs like this as I quickly see results and feel like I’m making swift progress.
Some other patterns include backstitch (usually for outlining) and French knots (for details such as flowers).
The Best Reason To Learn Cross Stitch: Celebrate Special Memories
In my opinion, the best reason for cross stitching is because it’s a fantastic way to celebrate special memories.
I know, I’m biased!
It’s not uncommon for cross stitch to be used to make cards and gifts to mark important occasions.
Samplers
In our house, we’ve been the recipients of two beautiful cross-stitch gifts in particular.
One was a clock, which we received as a wedding present.
The other was a beautiful birth sampler for our baby daughter (I’ve blanked out her name in case you’re wondering).
Birth and wedding samplers are really popular patterns for cross stitch. They celebrate a special moment in time in a very personal way, by including specific details such as names, locations, dates etc.
As they hang on the wall, and are seen each day, they bring back special memories for those involved. And they are a timeless reminder of the love and care of the person who made them.
At the moment, I don’t have the time to make proper, full-size samplers as gifts. I would love to, but by the time I’d have a birth sampler finished the child would probably be in school!
I get round this by choosing smaller patterns. Often, patterns that are designed as cards can be framed to make a mini picture. I did this with some Emma Congdon designs for my little girl.
They were fun to make when she was teeny tiny and asleep on my tummy. I couldn’t do it now though, even though she still does fall asleep on top of me at times. She’s so wriggly, I’d be scared of poking her!
That’s the beauty of cross stitch. You can make it work for you.
Cross Stitch Family Portraits
Another big phenomenon in cross stitch is family portraits. Lots of people are capturing their family and friends in cross-stitch and displaying the portraits proudly.
As you might expect, wedding portraits are popular. They can also be used to celebrate change within a family, such as a pregnancy, birth, or adoption.
Why not stitch an image of a family member who is graduating? Or of your child in their sports kit to celebrate a big win?
The possibilities are endless.
If this is something that interests you, you need to check out Stitch People. Their flagship book, DIY Stitch People, provides all sorts of mix and match elements (hairstyles, clothes, accessories, etc.) that you can add together to build your perfect portrait.
In addition, you can buy more focused books to complement this, covering areas such as backgrounds, occupations and hobbies, Christmas and weddings. There are so many ways to personalise your designs.
While their books might seem pricey to begin with, they are different to buying regular patterns. You are buying the possibilities for endless combinations of patterns for all occasions.
Personally, I bought the e-book version to cut down on the cost of postage from the US to Ireland. I have my first pattern nearly designed and ready to go, and my threads picked out and purchased
If it’s something you really begin to enjoy, Stitch People are happy for you to start your own small business selling completed portraits.
Just make sure you don’t sell any patterns you make from their book – only the finished pieces!
In the meantime, if you want to dip your toe and see if their style is for you, search for free patterns on their site to give you a flavour.
Will You Learn Cross Stitch?
What do you think? Are you tempted to start a great new hobby? Are you eager to make special pieces to record your family’s memories?
A great way to start is by diving into Caterpillar Cross Stitch’s Youtube Channel. It’s packed full of tutorials for everyone from beginner to expert.
If you’ve enjoyed this post, please pin it!
And if you do learn to cross stitch, I’d love to see your progress.