The Wellness Benefits of Crafting and Needlepoint
Executive Summary
In a world increasingly affected by burnout, anxiety, and disconnection, crafting—particularly needlepoint—offers a powerful,research-backed way to enhance well-being. Studies show that engaging in creative arts, especially those that include a repetitive physicalcomponent, can be a tool to reduce stress, improve happiness, and build a lasting sense of accomplishment. As both a hobby and a mindfulness practice, needlepoint presents asolution that is easy to learn, while leaving endless potential for increasing difficulty to continue to be a mentally stimulating hobby.
The Science Behind Crafting for Wellness
Proactive Leisure for Recharging and Growth
Modern wellness research suggests that how we engage in leisure activities can significantly impact our personal growth and satisfaction. According to Harvard Business Review, "by shifting your perspective on leisure from passive recovery to proactive self-development, you can unlock a powerful tool for personal and professional growth". Structuring leisure time to achieve small goals, learn new skills, and build social connections—also called leisure crafting—leads to significantly higher levels of well-being. In a 4-week randomized study, participants who engaged in structured leisure crafting experienced a 1.6x greater increase in self-reported well-being, how meaningful they felt their life was, and how satisfied and fulfilled they felt, compared to a control group. Dr. Frank Clark, a psychiatrist and poet, emphasized that “all forms of art can be beneficial in boosting mental health. Benefits include: increase in self-esteem, reduction in anxiety/stress, improving communication, and fostering creativity."1
Reduced Stress and Increased Happiness
Engaging in artistic activities directly impacts physical health markers, particularly stress levels. Research shows that creating art reduces cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. In a 2016 study investigating the impact of visual art making on the cortisol levels of 39 healthy adults, cortisol levels were lower for 75% of participants.2 However, it is important to note that skill or mastery of a craft is not a factor. In a 2019 study from the UK of 6209 children, the level of mastery or ability did not impact the benefits of crafting; however, regular participation by parents did increase the benefits to children.3
The Power of Learning and Accomplishment
Dr. Helen Keyes, cognitive psychologist and head of the school of psychology and sport science at Anglia Ruskin University, and her team conducted a study of 7,182 adults in the UK to explore whether engagement with Creating Arts and Crafting predicted subjective well-being. Crafting activities like needlepoint inherently provide a sense of achievement—an essential element for well-being. "People can see their progress and be proud of what they are producing," noted researcher Keyes. This visible progression fosters resilience, confidence, and a tangible sense of achievement.4
Further studies on crochet as a parallel crafting activity found that 89.5% of participants reported feeling calmer after crocheting, and 82% reported feeling happier. These activities were also linked to higher self-perceived usefulness and a stronger sense of personal contribution.5
Needlepoint as a Unique Crafting Practice
Accessible Mindfulness
Needlepoint offers a repetitive, rhythmic stitching process that promotes a meditative state. Its compact size makes it easy to travel with, allowing for a therapeutic break at home, on a plane, or wherever needed. Continuous innovations in needlepoint products make needlepoint more accessible and exciting for all ages.
Needlepoint combines goal-setting (completing a project) with creativity and skill-building, aligning perfectly with the principles of structured leisure crafting.
A Growing Trend in Wellness and Arts
The global arts and crafts market is estimated to be at $33.8B in 2024 and projected to reach $61.3 B by 2034, underscoring the increasing popularity of creative hobbies. Needlepoint, once considered a niche pastime, is part of a broader movement recognizing arts engagement as a tool for personal wellness and community building.
Conclusion
Crafting, and needlepoint in particular, is far more than just a hobby—it is a powerful tool for enhancing mental health, fostering creativity, and building emotional resilience. Whether pursued independently or as part of a community, needlepoint stitches together artistry, accomplishment, and peace of mind, offering a beautiful and lasting remedy to the stresses of modern life.
Refrences
1 Lumer, R. (2024, September 20). Making arts and crafts improves your mental health as much as having a job, scientists find. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/15/health/arts-and-crafts-increase-mental-health-wellness/index.html
2 Kaimal G, Ray K, Muniz J. Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making. Art Ther
(Alex). 2016 Apr 2;33(2):74-80. doi: 10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832. Epub 2016 May 23. PMID: 27695158; PMCID: PMC5004743.
3 Mak HW, Fancourt D. Arts engagement and self-esteem in children: results from a propensity score matching analysis. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2019 Aug;1449(1):36-45. doi: 10.1111/nyas.14056. Epub 2019 Apr 15. PMID: 30985011; PMCID: PMC6767447.
4 Keyes H, Gradidge S, Forwood SE, Gibson N, Harvey A, Kis E, Mutsatsa K, Ownsworth R, Roeloffs S and Zawisza M (2024) Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective wellbeing. Front. Public Health. 12:1417997. doi:
10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417997
5 Burns P, Van Der Meer R. Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing. Perspect Public Health. 2021 May;141(3):149-157. doi: 10.1177/1757913920911961. Epub 2020 Apr 3. PMID: 32245337.
6 Zion Market Research. (n.d.). Global Craft Kits and projects market size, share, growth 2034.
https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/craft-kits-and-projects-market#:~:text=The%20global%20craft%20kits%20and,6.14%25 %20between%202025%20and%202034.