Everyone is talking about mindful crafting at the moment. Another way for us to get off our phones and reconnect with ourselves. We are all for that at Gemporia Craft! In a world where more people are experiencing burn out and high stress levels, we are encouraging you to craft your own happy place, however that may look. Don’t know how to get started? Check out a previous blog post.
One craft that is known for mindfulness is embroidery. The repetitive nature of this craft means you don’t have to think, enabling your mind to really rest. And with embroidery kits, you have all you need, including instructions. So that takes out the decision making too!
Here are 4 kits we would recommend for beginners to embroidery from Gemporia Craft’s dedicated sewing brand – Sewing Street:
If you want to learn the basics – Craft Yourself Silly Stitch-onary Running Stitch
The first stitch any embroiderer should learn – the running stitch. This kit gives you a sampler to try out the stitch on ready made designs. There are 6 mini projects that make up the sampler book, complete with a guide to teach you the stitch and you’ll even have access to YouTube demonstrations to help too.
This is part of a series by Craft Yourself Silly to show you the fundamental embroidery stitches.
If you want to embroider onto something you can keep – Helen McCook ‘Candy Stripe’ Darning Needlecase Kit
Sticking with the basic stitches, this kit guides you through darning and customising your own needlecase.
If you want to try a Japanese embroidery technique – Sashiko Tsumugi Fabric Panel
If you have an idea of the basic stitches and want a pattern to follow, Sashiko is the one to try. Simply stitch over the printed design on the panel. This panel has 16 designs for you to choose from and cut out to either frame, add to a bag or an item of clothing.
This is the panel only – we would recommend buying the Sashiko thread to compliment the panel too.
If you want to branch out to some beaded embroidery – Tiger Brooch Beading Kit
Handmade in Ukraine, this kit guides you through making your own beaded tiger brooch. This is for those who have mastered the running stitch and want something more adventurous with embellishments.
If you want a selection of inspiration and tips, why not check out Simple Hand Sewing by Laura Strutt
And don’t forget your needles.
If you try out any of these kits, don’t forget to share your make with #Craftingismyhappyplace and give us a follow on TikTok and Instagram for more mindful crafting inspiration.