Health Benefits of Sewing and Quilting

Is quilting good for you? What about sewing a few shirts, bags, or blankets throughout the year? You bet! Think of sewing and quilting as the indoor version of golf. It not only gives you a ton of enjoyment, but it works out both your body and brain! 

Quilting and Sewing are Therapeutic

For a beginner, sewing seems stressful. However, after you've had some practice, it becomes very therapeutic. Leave the deadlines and stress aside, and instead, take on projects that you'll enjoy.

Look at the alternatives for de-stressing through your day. Sewing is better than watching TV. Movies and shows can raise your stress levels, draw you in, and even make you lose sleep from binging. Ditch the TV and instead focus on accomplishing something, such as a project or craft.

It’s also a great social activity. Sew with some friends or walk into your local sewing supply store and ask around about sewing circles. Sewing and quilting doesn't have to be lonely activities.

Instead, a sewing circle has everyone packing up their sewing machines and heading to a chosen destination. Then everyone sets up shop, and usually, they will work on similar projects or one big project together.

Another way that sewing is therapeutic is that it forces you to focus on one thing at a time. Sewing isn’t inherently dangerous, but it can be if you try to multitask. You cannot do multiple things while operating a sewing machine or working a rotary cutter.

It Makes You Work Out Your Brain and Mind

That's right, and it works out your brain as well as your mind. First, it decreases your levels of depression because it releases dopamine (the feel-good chemical). Then there is a sense of accomplishment. Not only are people more apt to continue an activity that gives them some degree of achievement, but you get that in stages with sewing.

Having all of your pieces cut, or ironed is one massive wave of success. Then you get another through each stage of your project, which brings us to how it works out your mind. Unlike other hobbies, sewing and crafting make you take on the role of a project manager.

You are responsible for finding a pattern, your materials, and then measuring out the small necessary steps for a successful result. Managing and planning out projects gives boosts of confidence and self-esteem.

Older sewers have a different benefit, as well. As crafters age, they are less likely to experience dementia. Although sewing isn't the only hobby known to stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s, it’s the one that seems to keep your mind active in different ways.

Physical Benefits for Your Health

Okay, sewing itself doesn't seem outright physical, but anyone who's bent over a board cutting fabric for an hour knows that it is. You can get a bit winded or feel your arms become heavy after working on a mannequin.

Sewing keeps your brain active, but it also helps you build strength in your heart and control your blood pressure. The Home Sewing Association did a study and found that the average sewer had a blood pressure of eleven beats slower per minute when they were sewing.

Sewing can also help you keep your fine motor skills sharp. Although many people experience some pain that comes with sewing through the years, it also keeps those muscles well-honed. It improves your hand-eye coordination as well as keeping your hands nimble.

Keep on Sewing

From your brain to your fingertips, sewing can deliver many health benefits. Keep stitching, but think about the benefits that come with it. Plan out social events, participate in sewing circles, and make sure to stretch your hands while you work. 

Most of all, enjoy your time sewing. Make sure that sewing isn’t stressful, and make sure that it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Those are the best ways to get the most out of sewing.

Next time you find yourself stressed out with the challenges that life throws at you, start us a sewing project. GoldStar Tool has everything you need to help you get your next going.