Beginners Guide to Slow Stitching
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Many people are talking about slow stitching as if it is a new thing. In fact, it is simply sewing slowly and with deliberate purpose which people have done for thousands of years. Usually, the intention is to produce a decorative piece but it does not have to be.
In the modern world it encourages people to slow down and savour their work rather than rushing through to finish a project. It also allows for great creativity as you can use any fabrics, stitches or embellishments that you like.
At its core, slow stitching is about embracing imperfection, mindfulness, and the joy of creating without pressure. It’s a rebellion against the fast-paced, product-oriented crafting world, inviting us to slow down and find peace in the rhythmic motion of needle and thread.
I love slow stitching and find that it is something I love to do in an evening as a way to relax and unwind. Plus, by its very nature it is great for those of us crafting on a budget and trying to craft sustainably.
I will be doing a slow stitch-along over on YouTube during January and February 2025 and I will link to it here as soon as it is live.
Benefits of Slow Stitching
There are many benefits to slow stitching and I will try to explain some of them here:
- It is a very simple craft requiring no specialist equipment or planning at all. You can literally pick up some fabric and a needle and thread and start!
- Usually slow stitching projects are very portable so great for taking on holiday or long journeys. Or perhaps you spend a lot of time waiting for kids!
- Slow stitching is very repetitive and as a result it promotes relaxation and mindfulness. You really can lose yourself in your creation.
- You can get as creative as you like. It is true freeform crafting. There are no rules at all.
- You can use your slow stitched items to make things for your self or others, eg wall art, journal covers, etc.
- The resulting piece is truly unique and a reflection of what you want to achieve.
How to get started with Slow Stitching
What you will need:
- Fabric to sew onto as your foundation (any fabric is suitable but many people use plain muslin or cotton, think old sheets or pillowcases).
- Fabric scraps
- Embroidery thread
- Needle
When you are looking for fabrics to use you really can use anything. I love to use scraps from other projects or particular images on fabrics.
It is a good idea to use a thin fabric for your foundation fabric as it can become quite thick when you attach other fabrics and embellishments. If you have a particular end product in mind make sure that you have a piece of fabric the right size. For example, I made journal covers following this notebook cover tutorial so I cut the foundation fabric first and then slow stitched to that.
Also consider other items such as felt, crochet or knitted work, sequins, buttons, lace or anything else you think you can sew in place.
Decide on your location
It can be a great idea to have a specific place that you do most of your slow stitching. This could easily be a cosy corner at home that you feel relaxed in. This allows you to really benefit from the relaxation side of slow stitching and to set up your materials so it is easy to pick up and put down when you need to.
Perhaps some gentle music will help you to relax, whatever works for you.
Basic Stitching
It is absolutely fine to set off slow stitching with no plan at all. But, if you are anything like me you will want some outline plan from the start. I tend to lay some of my fabric scraps onto the foundation fabric and take a photograph so that I have a basic plan of how I want it too look. Then it develops as I progress.
This is my latest journal cover in the design phase.
Then you really can attach your fabric pieces however you like. You can use simple running stitches or learn some fancier embroidery stitches. It is entirely up to you.
You can also simply attach the fabric pieces around the edge or use stitches all over them. Get creative! Remember, that there is no right or wrong. You are simply enjoying the process and all its imperfections.
Here are some pictures of my journal cover in progress.
As you can see, in this project I have kept to simple running stitches, and blanket stitch. If your fabrics fray a lot it is a good idea to use a blanket stitch. However, fraying edges can add to the charm.
If you really don’t like fraying edges you could always use iron-on fusible Bondaweb to hold your fabric pieces in place.
Slow Stitching Techniques and Variations
So, now you are off and running with slow stitching it is time to consider how to get really creative with it. So, here are a few ideas to start you off:
- Quilting is a great skill to bring into your work. You could use many quilting techniques such as English paper piecing. If you have never done English paper piecing I used it to make these Christmas decorations.
- Embroidery allows a limitless amount of creativity. There are so many different stitches and then you can use them in interesting and unique ways. If you have never done embroidery start simple and this is a great article to help you start embroidering.
- Incorporate knitted or crocheted pieces for added texture and depth. This can really take your work to a new level.
- Consider painting your fabric too – there are great fabric markers and paints on the market. I am not much of an artist but you might be!
Embrace Slow Stitching as Creative Practice
As well, as producing some fabulous items you can also consider your time slow stitching as mindfulness practice.
Here’s how you can deepen your slow stitching practice:
Storytelling Through Stitches
Use your stitching to tell personal stories or capture memories. Each stitch can represent a moment, thought, or feeling, creating a tactile journal of your experiences. This would be great for celebrating particular milestones such as weddings or births. Or perhaps a special holiday that you want to remember.
Mindfulness and Gratitude
Approach your stitching as a form of meditation. Focus on the present moment, the texture of the fabric, and the rhythm of your needle. Use this time to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your life. Personally I have always found meditating very difficult but I can lose myself in a project and use that as my meditation.
Experimentation and Learning
Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or materials. Slow stitching is about the journey of discovery, not achieving perfection. Each project is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist. It is really important not to feel constrained by rules or expectations with this. Go for it!
Try using traditional stitches in new ways or create 3 dimensional pieces with textured fabrics and other mixed media.
Community and Sharing
Connect with other slow stitchers through online forums or local groups. Sharing your work and experiences can enrich your practice and inspire others on their creative journeys. It also can provide you with some great ideas to develop your practice further – just don’t start comparing!
How about working on pieces with other people to produce a community piece or perhaps a family piece worked on by different generations.
Slow Stitching in Different Crafts
Quilting is a great opportunity for slow stitching. You could do a whole quilt slow stitching or how about using slow stitching to add detail or embellishments. You could do some improvisational quilt design. I am not a quilter so I would love your suggestions in the comments section below for this.
Obviously you can incorporate slow stitching into your embroidery. Simply slow down and add your own details instead of sticking rigidly to the pattern or plan. Combine various needlework techniques together for a unique finish.
Clothes provide us with a great opportunity to develop our slow stitching. Visible mending is a great way to achieve this. If you have never done it a Speedweve is a great way to get started. Learn all about what that is here.
Existing garments can be upcycled and transformed using slow stitching in so many ways. Add embroidery, patches, etc.
Completing & Showcasing your Slow Stitching Projects
How do you know when a piece of slow stitching is finished? Well the simple answer is that it is finished when you decide it is. No rules, remember. Plus, you can use it for anything you like too. Here are a few ideas:
- Fabric Journals: Bind your stitched pieces into a tactile, visual diary. By this, I mean that you could produce individual pieces and then keep them together as a record of your slow stitching.
- Wall Art: Frame your work or create a hanging to display your stitched masterpiece. This is a great use of slow stitching especially if you use a lot of mixed media.
- Functional Items: Transform your pieces into unique cushion covers, tote bags, journal covers or table runners. I love making journal and diary covers. They area great size project for me and I love using them!
- Wearable Art: Incorporate your slow stitching into clothing for one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. I have not done this but I can easily imagine attaching a piece to a jacket pocket or the flap of a bag.
- Keepsakes: Create meaningful gifts or family heirlooms that tell a story through stitches. Well, the sky is the limit here. You can get very creative and even produce a piece over many years as a child grows up for example.
Whatever you decide to do with your slow stitching remember that it is the slow stitching process that matters the most, rather than the end product. That is unlike many craft projects that we undertake.
Slow Stitching Project Ideas
Here are a few tutorials on this website that lend themselves to slow stitching. You could embellish all of these:
- Upcycle a denim jacket
- Make a bag out of an old t-shirt
- Dementia Fidget Blanket
- Easy Tote Bag
- Notebook or Journal Cover
- Simple Needlebook
Whatever you decide to make enjoy the process, develop your creativity and relax!
You could pin this article on Pinterest so that you can find it again later.