4 Reasons to Take up Quilting
What is Quilting?
Quilting is the process of stitching together layers of fabric to create a larger, padded, patchwork effect. Typically, quilting includes three layers of fabric consisting of a top layer, which is often colorful or decorative, a middle layer that is padded or offers some kind of insulation, and a bottom layer.
While many people have taken this up as a hobby, the history of quilting dates back many years with its origins tracing back to ancient Egypt. It has also been used to make garments in regions like China, North Africa and the Middle East. Today, quilts are commonly fashioned into bed coverings, wall hangings and cushion covers.
Fabrics appeal to our tactile and visual senses and can evoke feelings of comfort and well-being. The way a fabric gently caresses our skin can help soothe us unknowingly, just as our favorite cuddly toy or security blanket once did.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons quilting has developed as a therapeutic and emotionally rewarding activity, often done in groups. Rather than lying on a psychologist’s couch or undergoing EMDR therapy sessions, many people are turning their hands to sewing as a form of stress relief and reaping many more benefits. In this article, we’ll explain quilting in more detail and reveal some of the reasons why you should consider taking up this activity.
The Benefits of Quilting
Quilting offers participants a vast array of mental, emotional and physical benefits which we will explore in more detail below:
1. Lower Stress
Sewing is known to have a calming effect on participants. This is largely due to its ability to pull people into the present by requiring them to focus on each stitch and enjoy the meditative aspect of piercing and sewing fabric. This intense focus and absorption can distract people from their daily worries and responsibilities, helping them lower their stress levels and regain their balance.
2. Better Brain Function
Sewing has been found to be one of the hobbies that can help keep our brains healthy as we age. According to research, people who engaged in crafts such as sewing were 45% percent less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who didn’t. This can help to ward off neurological disorders such as dementia.
3. Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
Quilting is a great way to develop your fine motor skills which is something that can decline with age. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, sewing can help to sharpen your hand-eye coordination, making quilting the ideal activity to hone this area of your health.
4. Boost Self-Esteem
The sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from creating your own quilt cannot be underestimated. Having taken the time to stitch together various pieces of fabric to create a patchwork that you’re proud of and can show to others can instill a real sense of joy and craftsmanship which is hard to replicate elsewhere. Quilting also offers a great way to spread joy by making gifts for others who also appreciate your hard work and artistry, helping to further boost your self-esteem.
With just a few materials and the simple tools of a needle and thread, you too can tap into the myriad benefits that quilting offers.
Mohammad Noor Nabi, known by his author name Noor Ahmed Raaz, is a PhD Fellow at Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) and the Founder & Editor of Textile Merchandising. He is also an Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Textile Engineering Department at a renowned university in Dhaka, Bangladesh. His research focuses on textile innovation and sustainability. Awarded the Research & Development Fellowship twice from the Ministry of Science & Technology in Bangladesh, Noor Ahmed Raaz is dedicated to advancing textile engineering through education, research, and industry collaboration. For inquiries or collaborations, contact Noor Ahmed Raaz via email at textilemerchandising1@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +8801673758271.