Needlepoint as Meditation: Discover the Calming Power of Creative Hobbies for Self-Care
By now, you’ve probably heard about meditation and all the benefits. Whether it was from reading Lauryn’s blog posts or hearing about it in many episodes of The HIM & HER Show, the benefits of meditation are REAL.
It’s well-known that it can be hard to start a meditation practice, but today we have a blog post that might open your mind to a different type of meditation. Hobbies. Specifically, needlepoint.
A lot of people find their own form of meditation through cleaning, cooking, walking, running, yoga, coloring – you name it. If it’s something that relaxes your body and clears your mind, we’d say that’s some form meditating.
Today on the blog we have Rachel, the founder of Rachel Barri Designs, a needlepoint company that focuses on modernizing this hobby. Her designs are on the pulse and we’re so lucky to have her here today to tell us why needlepoint is good for self-care, confidence and connection.
Let’s welcome Rachel to the blog.
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Hi, I’m Rachel.
I’m the founder and creative behind Rachel Barri Designs, a modern needlepoint brand I launched in 2020 after quarantine separated me from one of my favorite places—my local needlepoint shop!
After I got laid off, I found comfort and an artistic outlet in designing, painting and stitching canvases (and finally got to put my Parsons degree to use). The response was more enthusiastic than I could’ve imagined, and with a long list of ideas (and a little nudge from those close to me), I launched Rachel Barri Designs from my parents’ dining table. Inspired by my love of fashion, the energy of New York City, lake-filled summers, and all things pop culture, I’ve created a needlepoint line that’s bright, modern, and accessible to stitchers of all levels.
A few years into focusing on canvases and engaging with my customers about the market and its needs, I started manufacturing self-finishing leather goods to address the long lead times and expensive finishes customers were facing.
By the way, ‘finishing’ refers to the process of turning your stitched needlepoint canvas into its final form. Think pillows, stockings, ornaments, purses etc. The world is your oyster with finishing, and it’s a great way to get creative with a needlepoint project.
Needlepoint has truly infiltrated itself in all facets of my life and has become my form of self-care, creativity and meditation that I truly believe everyone can benefit from and here is why.
Discover the Calming Power of Creative Hobbies for Self-Care
Stitching is Meditation in Motion
Needlepoint has a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality to it. The act of pulling thread through canvas, one stitch at a time, naturally slows your breathing and centers your attention. For me, it’s the one time of day I’m not looking at a screen, juggling tabs, or scrolling. It’s a digital detox I look forward to—one that’s productive, calming, and personal. Stitching this way does take a bit of practice and muscle memory, but I always tell those who are interested in learning that there is a 2-3 hour barrier to entry into learning how to needlepoint and it is so worth it.
Needlepoint Keeps the Brain Engaged
There’s a misconception that stitching is passive, but needlepoint actually requires focus, spatial awareness, and counting. Stitching in a basic stitch like ‘continental’ or ‘basketweave’ stitch can be quite meditative, while working with decorative stitches can require math, counting and planning. It’s like giving your mind a workout, but in the coziest way possible.
It’s a Built-In Confidence Booster
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something with your own hands. Whether you’re finishing your first canvas or tackling a complex project, every stitch is progress. I’ve had customers tell me they never saw themselves as “crafty” until they needlepointed—and now they’re hooked! Watching your piece come together from start to finish? That’s pure magic. And let’s be honest, there’s no better feeling than someone saying, “I love your bag!” and getting to reply with a casual, “Thanks, I made it.” It’s not a humble brag… it’s just the truth.
A Portable, Personal Self-Care Ritual
Needlepoint is the kind of hobby you can take with you everywhere—on a plane, by the lake, in bed after a long day. It becomes a ritual: selecting your canvas, organizing your threads, making progress day by day. It’s self-care that doesn’t require silence or a yoga mat—just a needle, some thread, and a few stolen moments with your canvas.
Even if you’re short on time, you can totally habit stack and stitch while listening to your favorite podcast (cough cough, The HIM & HER Show) or while sipping on a warm cup of tea.
It Connects Us Through Craft
There’s a whole world of stitchers out there, and it’s one of the most welcoming communities I’ve ever been a part of. From virtual stitch nights to Instagram DMs with fellow needlepointers, I’ve met some of the most creative, generous, and hilarious people through the community. Most major cities across the country have stitch clubs and local needlepoint stores that are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the world of needlepoint.
At Rachel Barri Designs, I’m continuing to release new canvases and expand our curated collection of leather goods for self-finishing (because completing your project should be just as fun as stitching it.) I’m also working on more beginner-friendly content and tutorials to help more people fall in love with this art form.
If you’re new here or just needlepoint-curious, welcome! I hope my designs bring a little brightness to your stitching and a lot of joy to your everyday life.
You can find me at rachelbarridesigns.com or on Instagram @rachelbarridesigns where I share behind-the-scenes peeks, new launches, and a lot of stitching inspiration.
Happy stitching,
Rachel
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Do you have a hobby that’s meditative for you? Let us know below.
And be sure to check out Rachel’s shop. She sent us some super cute TSC designs and we’re in love.
x, The Skinny Confidential team.
+ Lauryn’s favorite self-care habit stacks here.
++ Manifestation for beginners with Roxie Nafousi.
