Is Needlepoint a Dying Art? – Sunday Morning Coffee
For years, there’s been a common belief that needlepoint is a dying art, something only our grandmothers once enjoyed.
I’ve personally loved needlepoint for decades. Thirty years ago, I painstakingly stitched three needlepoint Christmas stockings for my sons, each an investment of time, patience, and love. Every stitch was a labor of love, and each took almost a year to complete. I can’t wait to share more and welcome to Sunday Morning Coffee.
Season 4 Volume 5
About Me
Is Needlepoint a Dying Hobby?
In reality, needlepoint is experiencing a resurgence, with more people than ever embracing the craft. What was once seen as an old-fashioned pastime is now gaining popularity among all generations, with modern designs, fresh color palettes, and even social media fueling its revival.
If we fast forward to today, I’m back at it too! Last year, I started working on a stocking for my daughter-in-law Charlotte, and just recently, I purchased a new canvas to begin one for my grandson, Graham.
As you can see, I am almost done with Charlotte’s stocking. The stocking is from Strictly Christmas, and I bought it, along with the threads, at A Stitch in Time, located about ten minutes from my home. I also attend a class every few weeks to learn new decorative stitches for my projects.
Once I finish Graham’s stocking, I will start on Ellie’s. So, I will be busy needlepointing for the next year! Of course, I hope I need to make a few more stockings in the next few years!
I find myself utterly obsessed with needlepoint again, and I’m curious—are any of you?
Why Is Needlepoint Becoming Popular Again?
Despite the assumption that needlepoint is a fading hobby, there are many reasons why it’s making a comeback:
A Creative and Relaxing Escape
Needlepoint offers a meditative rhythm that many people find incredibly soothing. With the hustle and bustle of modern life, slowing down and working on a long-term craft project provides a welcome break from screens and everyday stress.
The Rise of DIY and Handmade Trends
There’s a growing appreciation for handmade and heirloom-quality items. People are drawn to crafts that allow them to create something unique and meaningful, and needlepoint perfectly fits that bill.
More Accessibility and Modern Designs
Gone are the days of only seeing traditional floral and Victorian-style patterns. Today, you can find contemporary needlepoint canvases with bright colors, pop culture references, and modern aesthetics. This has helped bring in a younger audience who might not have otherwise considered needlepoint.
Social Media and Community Growth
Needlepoint has found a new home on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Crafters share their progress, swap tips, and celebrate finished projects. Many new needlepoint brands and small businesses have also emerged, offering accessible kits, online tutorials, and fresh designs that make it easier than ever to get started.
A Sense of Accomplishment
Few things compare to the feeling of finishing a needlepoint project. Whether it’s a small keychain or a full-size Christmas stocking, the piece’s sense of accomplishment and lasting beauty make it all worthwhile.
The Value of Heirloom Needlepoint
When I stitched my sons’ stockings all those years ago, I knew they would become treasured heirlooms. And now, as I stitch stockings for Charlotte and Graham, I feel the same deep sense of tradition and love in each stitch. Needlepoint takes time, which makes it so unique—it’s a labor of love that lasts for generations.
What about needlework in general? Do you love needlepoint, embroidery, or cross-stitch? I’d love to hear if this craft is part of your life, too. Let’s keep the art of needlepoint alive together!
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My Latest Project
One of my favorite Christmas presents was an OONI pizza oven.
My son Matt gifted this to Dave and I. So, I am finally figuring out how to use it!
I am hosting a going away party for my best friend and 25 of our friends, and I have made homemade San Marzano pizza sauce and sourdough pizza dough. Tonight, I will make 13 pizzas for the party. I am making seven different types of pizza, and I am so excited.
I cannot wait to share everything with you after the party ends.
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My Biggest Challenge This Week
Aargh! I mentioned last week I would be done reorganizing the 3rd floor and I lost momentum when my best friend decided to move instead of occupy our third floor!
I am sad she is moving out of state, but I am also so happy for her. She is excited, and she has found the most adorable home! It is all working out so well.
That said, I am going to finish the third-floor organization. I am close but still need a few more days to finish. I decided I needed to reorganize every single thing which tripled the size of this project! Yikes!
- Finish 3rd floor re-org.
- Finish Valentine’s crafts.
- Needlepoint!
My friend Janine at Happy Happy Nester made this Easy Fruit Trifle Recipe.
I loved this, The Lost Art of Polishing and Ironing.
How to Make Valentine Sugar Cookie Bars: a Step-by-Step Recipe.
The “Rule of Thirds” Is the Artist Trick You’ll Want to Try on Shelves is just brilliant.
And what a week it was!
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- Easter Basket Flower CakeYes, you read that correctly. Easter basket flower cake. Are you looking for a stunning centerpiece for your Easter table? This is it! Is there anything as pretty as a cake adorned with flowers? These flowers are made with buttercream frosting….
- A Pretty Table with Easter DecorI created a table with Easter decor using decorative napkins, small egg pots, and a beautiful floral arrangement. I am in love with these Easter colors, as blues and greens are my favorite spring colors. I also shared how to make…
- Floral Candlesticks: A Fresh Spring Decor Idea
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I love everything lemon, and these Lemon Scones do not disappoint.
- A forty-five-minute wreath DIY
- A fun way to package Valentine’s Cookies
- Quick and Easy Valentine’s DIY
- Valentine’s Day Dining Room Table Decor
- A Gallentine’s Party
- A new Valentine’s Craft
- Crafting and Sunday Morning Coffee – S4/V4
- My Love For January – S4/V3
- A Week to Remember and Forget – S4/V2
- A Good Year – S4/V1
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I learned embroidery from my mother at a young age. I did needepoint in my 20’s (am now in my early 70’s). Then I did mostly quilting and other sewing in the years since. I have, however, been very drawn recently to renewing my love of hand needlework.
I have been looking on Etsy and also Ebay for kits that are affordable, but also ones that I feel like I would actually enjoy doing, finishing, and using. You are right, there are so many modern designs available on Etsy and I’m sure other sources that should appeal to younger people. I have selected a needlepoint and a crewel kit and can’t wait to get started. I also feel that it is very important to keep working aging hands to maintain strength and flexibility, not to mention working the old brain while at it. I truly enjoy your posts. Thank you.
I love this Win. So amazing that you’ve kept with it, it’s such a special skill and of course the results are amazing. I’m sure you have tons of great tips. Thank you for being here!
Hello Leslie, The Link to the Rule of Thirds article does not take you to the article. This is the third time in two weeks that your links didn’t work.
Thought you would like to know. Thank you
January was a tough month here and I will admit the first two mistakes are mine. But I did just check the link to the Rule of Thirds and it took me to the article. Can you try again?
Leslie
Yes, I agree! Needlework has come back. There are so many tutorial videos on YouTube! One of my favorites is Sarah Humphrey and she teaches traditional English embroidery. She has such patience and you can tell she is passionate about her craft!
My mother had taught me when I was a preteen how to embroider. I continued embroidering until I hit 17 when my father gave me a Mustang and the car keys. I took off and left my needle craft behind. I greatly regret that.
Back in 2017, a coworker of mine (Donna) could no longer do any form of needlecraft and so she gifted me four binders of DMC embroidery floss organized by number. Every color can be found in those binders. I was stunned by the generous gift she provided. In 2019 a friend of mine asked if I would like to join a Christmas ornament exchange brunch which takes place every November. I accepted, and that’s when I started cross stitching Christmas ornaments.
I’m now at a point where I would like to get back into traditional embroidery. I found a simple Christmas ornament pattern that I should be able to do since it only requires a few stitches. I’ve learned to practice on a hoop any new Stitches I’m not familiar with, before starting a project. What do I love about it? Besides creating something beautiful that someone can use, whether that means a Christmas ornament, a book marker, or something lovely to frame and hang on the wall, it is also very meditating because it takes my mind away from everything… my entire focus is on the project I am working on. It helps me to relax. 😊
It always encourages me to read articles such as yours which I truly enjoyed. Don’t ever stop stitching! It is a marvelous craft at any age! I certainly hope more young ladies take interest! Hopefully there’s someone in your life that you can teach so that you can pass on your skills. Take care!
Thank you for sharing Delia! Loved reading this and your journey. I so appreciate the encouragement and inspiration!
Hi Lesley
Thank you for sharing the gorgeous images and information about your needlepoint projects. I have never tried this craft myself but have done traditional embroidery as well as cross-stitch. I am currently making Christmas stockings for my grandchildren.
I notice that you put pretty cord around the edges of your boys Christmas stockings. Did you hand stitch the cord on or did it come with a seam allowance to sew into the side seams of the stocking?
I am really enjoying your blog and the wonderful creations you share. Take care.