What Is Slow Stitching?
If you are not familiar with slow stitching, it is stitching using a needle and thread in the same way you’d use a paintbrush. It takes on more of a leisurely pace in terms of creating something beautiful. It’s about creating art BUT enjoying the process rather than worrying about the end product.
It is about taking a step back from our often busy and chaotic world. It also just happens to be a great way to repurpose and use up spare fabrics and old clothes.
The slow stitch movement was originally created by Mark Lipinksi, a well-known figure in the quilting industry.
After some health issues, he realized the need for slowing down – and the many benefits that can come from a mindful stitching practice. Modelled after the slow food movement, the point of slow stitching isn’t to be perfect, or even to make a cohesive final piece – although many pieces are beautiful pieces of textile art! – the intention is to enjoy the process one stitch at a time, to relax, and to not stress about all the things we might worry about if we were trying to make a perfect quilt or sewing project.
It can be so easy to get wound up in the details of any art project (myself included). Slow stitching takes the pressure off and encourages stitchers to become mindful of the practice itself.
Here’s What You Can Achieve With Slow Stitching
The sample above was influenced by slow stitching and is a panel of a larger art quilt project stitched and designed by one of my customers, Sheila. This particular panel was stitched exclusively with Colour Complements threads.
The panel measures 15-1/2″ X 12-1/2″, and is made from vintage linen and cotton fabrics that were hand-dyed. The threads are size 5 Perle cotton in three shades of green and the Kreinik ribbon from one of the Colour Complements older autumn coloured samplers.
Sheila tells me she has been trying to do different things with feather stitching, and going in this circular pattern helps her practice keeping her stitches consistent and spaced properly. This is proof that slow and steady can create beautiful pieces.
With all of the hustle and bustle that happens regularly, slow stitching is a great way to unwind and relax. Perhaps you might like to give slow stitching a try yourself. Thank you for sharing Sheila.
