A Stitch in Time
Cross stitch is the latest craft to become cool again. Holly Hardiman finds out that for the older generation, it never really went away.
Cross stitch has seen a recent revival on the high street, from embellishment on clothing and accessories to cross stitch kits being stocked in Topshop.
This new wave of cross stitch can only be described as crafting with a twist. These kits are geared towards a younger, more culturally aware audience and feature designs which include the retro gaming icon Pac-Man and the ironic street artwork of Banksy.
The idea of craft as a ‘new phenomenon’ has been reinforced by television programmes such as Channel 4’s ‘Kirstie’s Homemade Home’ which gives viewers an idea of how to start, where to buy kits and how much it will cost.
Lucy Arthur, a 19 year old student from Newport, South Wales, explains where her love of cross stitch started and that stitching is not just for the older lady:
“I was ten years old when I completed my first cross stitch piece, a ladybird. My mum was, and still is, an avid stitcher. She introduced me to it and helped me learn the basic stitches. It’s just a hobby for me, I find it very therapeutic but I do think that cross stitch is becoming more accessible to younger people.”
“However, it is still seen by many as old fashioned and a craft for the older generations.”
Cross stitch has always been inherent in British society, but not all is well amongst the older generations of stitchers. Barbara Nutland, 68, ran a group called Cross Stitch Nutters in Burgess Hill, Sussex for thirteen years and has
recently closed the group due to lack of interest.
“It started out as a group of friends who were keen on cross stitching, including my daughter who was about 15 at the time. The aim was to help each other, we had two or three members who were disabled and cross stitch was ideal for them, a chance to get out of the house and get to know different people.”
“It was really self sufficient, if anyone was in trouble, someone in the group would have the knowledge and be able to help. We were a community, we even had an annual outing to the Stitch & Craft Show in London.”
“I’ll never give it up. Cross stitch is an art form, the creativity it provides is overwhelming.”
One thing that’s clear through both Lucy and Barbara’s experiences in cross stitch is that the craft is born out of community, being passed down from mother to daughter and amongst friends as it always has been in society.
When asked about their thoughts on the Topshop kits, both women agreed that it’s a good thing for the craft and that more young people will be encouraged to get involved.
Cross stitch is undoubtedly popular trend right now and the increased awareness in the high street can only be a good thing for the future of this British past time.
John Edwards from the award winning needlework and crafts online shop, Material Needs, says:
“Cross stitching is more than a trend. It is ongoing but there are times when people seem to lose interest… it comes back into fashion as it is now. People are definitely back in to crafts.”
For more information about Material Needs and the Stitch & Craft Show, visit our website.
