There is something to be said of this old-timey pastime. Its mediative repetition not only helps calm the mind, it also gives the stitcher a lovely feeling of satisfaction once it’s all stitched and hung. 

Here are three reasons you should try cross-stitch: 

1. It’s an anxiety buster: Cross-stitching has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. By forcing you to take time and work slowly, studies show that cross-stitchers experience a lowering of blood pressure and a decrease in their heart rates. Yay for science! As such, it’s a great way to help you relax after a busy day and get a moment to yourself (and it also reduces the amount of time you spend in front of a screen!).  
   
   “As strange as it sounds, cross-stitch has been the only thing that has actually helped with my anxiety, particularly in these uncertain times” – Vee 
   

2. It’s super easy to learn: Out of all the different types of embroidery, cross-stitch is the easiest to learn. It’s basically just a bunch of little crosses. And if you can do one cross, you can do them all! The rest is just following simple pattern grids and watching your creation emerge.  
   

3. It’s portable: Heading away for the weekend? No problem. Just pop your cross-stitch kit in your bag and your hobby is right there with you. No fiddly setups, just pick it up right where you left off. 

If you are a seasoned cross-stitcher, get your free pattern here. If you’re just getting started, check out our wattle kit. With a simple pattern and just a few colours, the finished product is amazing and will have you hooked!