How to take care of your mental wellbeing through mindful making
Published on March 27, 2023 By Holly Butteriss 3 min readAt LoveCrafts we understand the importance of slowing down in today’s hectic world. For us, making and mindfulness go hand-in-hand. Whether we’re stitching away stress, combating nerves with needlecraft or baking to banish bothersome thoughts - making helps us step away from our screens, find pockets of calm and quiet the buzz in our brains; we’re looking for the Makefulness in our stitches.
Knitting is my escape. So calming to get into a zone and follow a pattern. - Kim, a maker from Instagram
In 2022, our independent research reported that 20% of Brits (6.2 million) have picked up a craft such as knitting and crochet to ease stress and anxiety, with 29% of Brits (8.7 million) reported to have used crafting as a form of escapism and mindfulness, and it has served as the biggest aid towards their mental health.
Other studies show that repetitive hand movements - stitch after stitch, row after row, fold after fold - leads to more serotonin and dopamine (hello happier, sunnier thoughts). But we know that making is much more than just chemistry. Mindful crafting helps us connect with ourselves, to find family and friendship in a wonderful community of makers just like us. Mindful crafting helps us feel more connected in a busy world that keeps on spinning. It evokes that magical feeling of Makefulness within us all.
If you are struggling with mental health issues and need help, please consider reaching out to an organization who can offer support and guidance.
Repeat after me...
Simple, repetitive crochet cuties are a fun way to spend an evening indulging in a quick, satisfying project - just for you!
Row after row
Knitting is super therapeutic, with the rhythmic hand movements of repetitive stitches lets your mind drift away into a single focus, as you find a small pocket of peace in your day for crafting.
Stitch after stitch
If yarn isn't your thing or you're looking for something new, a bit of stitching is the perfect way to quiet a busy brain.
Make It Happen in DMC - PAT0450 - Downloadable PDF
Turquoise Echeveria Succulent in DMC - PAT0563 - Downloadable PDF
Lemon in DMC - PAT0603 - Downloadable PDF
DMC Mindful Making: The Serene Leaves Cross Stitch Duo Kit
DMC Mindful Making: The Serene Succulents Embroidery Duo Kit
DMC Mindful Making The Forest Fruits Embroidery Kit
Dream in every color of the rainbow
Take the time to create dreamy color palettes that evoke happiness or calm in your mindful making, whether that means incorporating every color of the rainbow or keeping it cool and neutral.
Soothe your soul
Looking for a simple tutorial to take you from step one all the way through to the final project? We've got lots of mindful makes to inspire you, from punch needle patterns, to calming coffee mug embroidery or simple sewing projects.
Stylish DIY scrunchie tutorial
Calming coffee mug embroidery tutorial
Take it slow with this fab punch needle pillowcase tutorial!
Learn how to crochet this floral inspired coaster
Relax, and stitch a mindful embroidery piece
Bullet journaling for beginners: everything you need to know to get started
Listen to the soothing sounds of craft ASMR
There's something so soothing about the click-clack of knitting needles, the swish-swoosh of a paintbrush against a canvas, the pinch-punch of a needle through your Aida. For some sense-tingling sounds as you craft, give our ASMR videos a watch!
Step away from your screen with printables and journals
Discover more kits and supplies for stress-free projects
Anchor Heritage Pincushion Cross Stitch Kit - 10 x 10 cm
DMC Mushroom Tote Bag Kit Embroidery Kit - 35 × 42 cm
Debbie Bliss Merion Anya Hat 2 Ball Knitting Kit
DMC Mindful Making The Exhale Plant Hanger Macrame Kit
Ellbie Co. Sunshine Ritual Embroidery Kit
Paintbox Crafts Take Some Me Time Needle Minder
