Why embroidery might just be the hobby you need
I’ve always believed that the best hobbies are the ones that are gentle, grounding and genuinely enjoyable to do. And for me, embroidery ticks every box. If you’ve ever been tempted to give it a try, let me make the case. It might just become your new favourite thing.
It’s cheap to start
Embroidery is cheap. You can pick up a small embroidery ring for a couple of pounds, threads for around £2 each (try Stitcher) , and you can stitch on scraps or leftover fabric from almost anything. Old pillowcases, offcuts from sewing projects, the corner of a worn-out shirt - they all work brilliantly. It means you can start almost immediately, without a big investment or the worry of ‘getting it wrong’.
It’s perfect TV-time stitching
I started embroidering in the evenings because it made me feel less guilty about doing nothing. You can happily stitch away while watching TV -it turns passive time into something satisfying and quietly productive. A little word of warning, though: subtitled dramas are out. And if your living room is a little dark, a daylight lamp is worth its weight in gold.
It’s very easy to learn
If you’re not a stitcher, embroidery is incredibly easy to pick up. There are thousands of guides, videos and tutorials online that walk you through everything from threading a needle to mastering different stitches. You can also buy a kit to give you a head start. Most people can pick up the basics in an afternoon, and from there it’s just practice. It really is one of the most accessible crafts out there.
You can turn your stitching into something special
One of the unexpected joys of embroidery is how useful those little stitched pieces can be. You can mount them on blank cards to make a handmade greeting card or gift tag, sew them onto a tiny drawstring gift bag, pop them into a small frame or use them to personalise presents. Even the simplest design can become a keepsake - something thoughtful, personal and completely unique.
It slows you down
Embroidery has a natural pace. You can’t go super fast, which means your whole body slows to match it. Your mind concentrates on the thread and the pattern rather than the ten million things swirling around your head. This quiet focus is surprisingly restorative, especially at the end of a long day.
And a few more quiet benefits
I’ve come to love how portable embroidery is. You can take a small hoop and a couple of threads anywhere - in the car, on holiday, waiting for an appointment. It’s also one of those hobbies where you can genuinely see your progress: neat stitches forming rows, colours coming together, a pattern gradually emerging under your hands. It doesn’t demand perfection or hours of commitment. It simply offers a moment of calm - and something beautiful to show for it.
If you’ve been looking for a hobby to help you unwind, give it a try. A hoop, a needle, a bit of thread, and you’re off.
Grounded | A space for slowing down and embracing life’s simple pleasures | www.bulbtobunch.com/blog