A love letter to needlework in uncertain times
You know that moment you settle into your favourite chair with a cup of tea, your stitching in hand, maybe a flosstube, your favourite show or audiobook playing in the background?
That’s not just a moment with a quiet little hobby.
That’s your nervous system exhaling.
That’s your body entering a state of restorative calm and lowering your heart rate, quieting cortisol, and releasing serotonin. Research shows that engaging in hobbies like cross stitch and embroidery activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting mental clarity. Just 20–30 minutes of focused creative time can noticeably boost your mood and lower anxiety level [source: Utah State University Extension].
And you know that warm little buzz you get when you finish a motif or see the colours start to bloom just as you imagined?
That’s your brain rewarding you.
Dopamine, or your “feel good” neurotransmitter rises with each small achievement, creating a sense of pride and progress. That feeling of accomplishment has been linked to improved self-esteem, resilience, and even better sleep.
That’s pretty powerful for a quiet little hobby!
💡 Did you know
People who engage in creative hobbies like embroidery are less likely to experience symptoms of depression . A 2021 study found that adults who regularly pursued creative leisure activities had higher life satisfaction and emotional resilience .
👉 Source: British Journal of Psychology
Embroidery and cross stitch as gentle medicine
We’ve seen this truth unfold again and again in our community.
In Meet the Designer: Amy Kallissa, Amy shares how stitching became her compass through the stormier chapters of life, including severe depression and burnout in her twenties. What began as a quiet act of healing, of seeking calm and a sense of accomplishment through simple, beautiful projects grew into a vibrant business rooted in accessibility, creativity, and compassion. Amy’s “weekend achievable” designs are crafted with care for those just beginning their stitch journeys, offering not only artistic joy but also a mental reset. Her story reminds us that needlework is more than a craft, it’s a powerful tool for mindfulness, recovery, and connection. As Amy puts it, “There’s a mindfulness that comes with being able to sit and just stitch something beautiful.” Read more...
In our Inspired: Tiny Stitches with Elk and Tom feature, artist and mum Lizi Klavins shares how embroidery became her lifeline through postnatal depression, anxiety, and the sleep-deprived haze of early motherhood. What began as a quiet act of survival—stitching with a baby strapped to her chest—blossomed into a vibrant creative practice and a way to reconnect with herself. Her tiny, jewel-like embroideries are born from sensory memories of thunderstorms, native blooms, and the healing landscapes of regional Australia. Lizi’s story is a powerful reminder that needlework isn’t just a craft—it’s a tool for grounding, a pathway to recovery, and a bridge to community. “You feel less alone if you can share these things when the world seems to be a very dark place,” she says, and sometimes, all it takes is a needle and thread to begin stitching your way back to yourself. Read more...
💡 Did you know
Just 30 minutes of crafting —including stitching, knitting, or painting—can lower cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone) and induce a state similar to meditation , helping reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
👉 Source: Journal of Public Health
Calm in the Chaos: Discover Cottagecore
Our newest thread collection, Cottagecore, is a gentle nod to the slow, comforting rituals of rural life - blooming hedgerows, soft light through linen curtains, time measured not by clocks but by cups of tea and quiet stitches.
We designed this palette to be a soft sigh - warm, nostalgic, and earthy. A balm for the senses in times of noise.
And the timing couldn’t be more poignant. When the world feels uncertain, forming simple, soothing habits like daily stitching isn’t just comforting, it’s scientifically grounding. Studies show that even 20 minutes of creative focus a day can lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, and increase dopamine and serotonin levels - chemicals linked to improved mood, sleep, and emotional regulation.
In times where hobbies like needlework are a choice, they’re often pushed aside for more pressing priorities. But what could be more urgent than your own health and wellbeing?
Needlework was once compulsory - taught as a skill of survival. Now, it’s a quiet rebellion. It’s an act of reclaiming. It’s taking your health into your own hands.
When chronic stress is one of the leading contributors to disease, including heart conditions, autoimmune issues, and anxiety disorders[source: American Psychological Association ],
You could say that we are choosing one needle over another- a stitch a day keeps the ouch needles away! That moment you look forward to - stitching in your favourite chair, a hot cup beside you - isn’t indulgent. It’s essential. And Cottage Garden Threads invites you to make that ritual a regular part of your wellbeing.
Find Comfort Close to Home
Whether you're in the heart of Texas or the hills of Tasmania, there’s something deeply restorative about finding your community and supporting your local craft store at the same time.
You can find our threads in beautiful, independent shops across the world - spaces where creativity and connection live side by side.
Because when you connect with a community, when you chat with someone who understands the joy of embroidery or cross stitch - the health benefits multiply.
Studies show that social connection enhances the positive effects of hobbies, further reducing stress, boosting mood, and even improving longevity.
So whether you’re shopping in person or online, you’re not just finding calm.
You’re sustaining it, in yourself, and in the creative communities you help thrive.
Explore our stockist list here
💡 Did you know
Hobbies that involve hands-on, repetitive motion (like stitching or quilting) are linked to increased dopamine production , which helps the brain feel pleasure, focus, and motivation - especially helpful for those managing anxiety or depression.
👉 Source: Occupational Therapy International
A Thread though it all
Needlework won’t fix the world but it can help us meet it with steadier hands and softer hearts.
So if you’ve been feeling off-kilter lately, come home to your hoop.
Let the soothing pull of thread through fabric be your reminder:
You’re allowed to pause.
You’re allowed to feel joy.
You're allowed to stitch yourself a prescription to better health.