50 Times People’s Embroidery Was Too Stunning Not To Share (New Pics)

We got in touch with a few experts who provided us with valuable insights into this beautiful craft. One of them is designer and textile arts instructor Kathy Barlow. According to her, one of the most common misconceptions about embroidery is that people think it “just cross-stitching cute sayings and pictures.” 

“Think Jacobean flora crewelwork in bold wool yarns flowing across bedroom curtains or a living-room throw pillow. Or a striking hexagon of Japanese Sashiko showcased on an artisan-sewn bag,” she told Bored Panda. “Or transforming a hole in one’s jeans into a feature, with a vivid, visible mend. Just a snippet of the possibilities.”

For Eric Turney, sales/marketing director and president of B2B merch company The Monterey Company, a common misunderstanding people have about embroidery is that it is “outdated” and “only suited for traditional designs.” But, as he explained, their work at the company often involves creating modern and custom pieces for various brands. 

“While at home, I use a simple one-head machine to make fun, creative designs for friends,” Turney said.

Many people may describe embroidery as a therapeutic pastime. According to embellishment designer Mariana Leung, it’s because touching materials that are soft and varied in texture is “grounding.” 

“Embroidery works can be used in practical applications like clothing or home decor, unlike flat art, such as a painting,” she said.

However, embroidery is more than just a therapeutic activity. For Turney, it is also meditative because it requires you to slow down and focus.

“It requires patience and attention to detail,” he said. “And the sense of accomplishment when the design comes to life is huge. I have a blast creating designs and presents for my family.”  

Barlow’s experience is quite different. According to her, she found a sense of community through this activity, thanks to the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. As a member of the Valley Quail chapter in Walnut Creek, CA, she relishes her experience of a “shared love of handiwork” and lifelong learning with her peers. 

“We help one another with how to complete various stitches, threads, and color choices; and mostly we enjoy the company of fellow creative souls,” she said.

Our experts collectively agreed that embroidery has been a life-changing experience for them. In Turney’s case, it’s been both a hobby and a career path. 

“Running a business around it has taught me how versatile and in-demand it is, while doing it at home reminds me of the joy and creativity that first drew me in,” he explained.

For Leung, taking up the craft has been beneficial since her days as a young fashion graduate. It has so far opened multiple doors for her. 

“Embroidery offered me the opportunity to work with some of the most famous designers I idolized, so yes, it was life-changing!”

We also spoke with Hannah Gomez, PhD, a senior editor at Kevin Anderson & Associates. She has been cross-stitching since the fifth grade in 1999 and has kept it as a hobby ever since. Gomez admits to initially seeing it as a “silly” hobby, but eventually learned to appreciate how it brings “joy and beauty.” 

“This is a hobby that is good for nothing except joy and passing the time. The most useful it gets is maybe if you cross-stitch a bookmark or the edge of a dish towel,” she said.

For Gomez, cross-stitching, in particular, is a “soothing” practice because of the “math element.” As she explained, it involves rules, grids, and counting without the need to be fluid with a paintbrush or “agonize over the swoop of a curve.” 

She also enjoys how it encourages her to avoid screens and instead engage with enriching materials like audiobooks or podcasts. “That's refreshing and probably good for eye health,” she said.

Gomez brought up another good point: a hobby like cross-stitching not only makes you less dependent on technology, but it can also be a source of happiness, both for the person doing it and the people enjoying the final products. 

“I think it is so valuable to have a hobby that doesn't require a screen and that you can't really do anything with except make people smile, because our lives are too often subsumed by survival or monetization.”