What is it about embroidery that makes it so satisfying?

Featuring French knot realism and Sashiko embroidery video

Hi there!

Hope you’re having a great week so far.

The large majority of you reading this magazine are hooked with embroidery as a self-care and creative practice.

I technically don’t need to tell you how amazing it is (because we all know it).

But I also can’t help but contemplate and reflect on what is it really that makes it so satisfying (and addictive?) to embroider?!

After having taught hand embroidery for many years to people across cultures and demographics, there are numerous things that stand out:

There’s the inevitable reality of a sharp needle stabbing a fabric on repeat… I know plenty who find this physical action a huge relief for anger and frustration.

We’ve got the fact that there are repetitive movements. There are plenty of studies that show how the repetition of knitting lowers blood pressure, and repetitive embroidery stitches are no different (and the swooshing sound of the needle pulling through?! Yum!)

Ps. Talking about repetitive movements… Sashiko hand embroidery (translated from Japanese as little stabs) is all about repetitive running stitches and it may just be the most satisfying thing ever?! Below is a process video of the popular Kakino-ha pattern that “miraculously” appear as you align vertical and horizontal running stitches. To learn more, check out Introduction to Sashiko embroidery here

The main reason my husband got hooked 8 years ago is because it drastically reduced his anxieties that he was experiencing at the time partly due to a high-pressure job in Paris.

From an artistic perspective it’s the added tangible element in relation to regular drawing or even painting.

As opposed to “just” seeing the advancement, you can feel it too.

French knots are very textural and make a good example for an added 3D effect with stitching as opposed to drawing. To stitch entire images with only French knots can be likened with the stippling drawing technique. Here is the blue lady by my talented husband!

Close your eyes the next time you embroider, stroke your stitches with your finger tips and you can literally feel the image. THAT is satisfying if anything!

You can both feel and see the work grow and develop in your hands. It makes you feel incredible productive as progress continues (especially in contrast to many digital activities that we’re otherwise frequently preoccupied with today).

It may come as no surprise that a majority of our students in the Charles and Elin embroidery Academy work in an office.

Hand embroidery offers a tactile escape from the ordinary, one where you get to create, grow, daydream AND be concretely productive.

I often ask myself whether the prevalent handwork for women of the past (and present depending on culture and geography), has always served as a hidden form of mindfulness and unofficial therapeutic practice.

Something else that I know it’s been used for is politics. For example, the suffragettes would meet for their regular “sewing meetings”, and instead of filling holes they’d stitch political messages onto handkerchiefs that could easily and discreetly be transferred for informational purposes.

In this latter example, perhaps the satisfying aspect is knowing that it can serve as a secret powerful communication tool. To feel that power is somewhat in your hands is… Empowering?

As we’re onto French knot embroideries… This lady looks empowered to me! Gorgeous stitchery collab between me and my husband - he did the knots and I stitched the fluid hair. Love her style.

Last but not least, I love the connection it creates. As opposed to cross-stitch, crochet and knitting where you generally need to keep count, free modern hand embroidery can be completely abstract.

There are lots of rules (as with anything) in traditional embroidery, and I suppose I represent the modernization and “artistification” of this ancient medium, you don’t have to follow certain rules.

When I teach workshops it’s more about feeling the art, learning the basics and especially how to COMBINE few techniques into infinite satisfying and beautiful compositions!

To abstract counting and rule-following you’re free to create while being engaged and connected with your surroundings. I frequently bring my embroidery with me for outings, so that I can add some stitches here and there as we wait for food, or are in the car etc.

I can talk and socialize while still creating. It’s marvellous (actually it adds a sixth satisfying element, which is its portability/mobility/flexibility).

Process-shot of another French knot only design… Here on an airplane to illustrate the absolute flexibility (I always keep miniature scissors and needle in my wallet… so far I’ve never had to give them up at the security check haha!)

You can embroider anywhere, and for as long or short moments as you wish.

Do you think I missed anything here? Why do YOU find embroidery satisfying? What made you fall in love with it?

Let me know in the comments! 💖

Thank you for reading!

Elin, xx

For further learning:

There was a mix of examples mentioned in this article, here is a list with the direct links if anything caught your eye:

• Introduction to Sashiko Embroidery

• French Knot Realism class

• Beginner’s embroidery class (1hr workshop + pattern sheet)

  

  Perhaps you’re relatively new to embroidery? Then I’d recommend to check out this free beginner’s class first!