Why everyone should take up sewing

Learning to sew may seem to be an insurmountable task to someone with a job to go to, children to care for and a busy home to run. However, sewing provides a creative and immensely satisfying release for your psychological mind-set and should be pursued as a natural remedy for the tension and stress caused by the pressures of modern life.

3 Reasons to take up sewing

1. Keeping your mind healthy

Neuroscientists are beginning to see the benefits of cognitive activities (such as doing crossword puzzles) on mental health. The effect on your brain of concentrating and problem solving whilst doing a crossword could be reflected during the process of concentration and problem solving required whilst figuring out a difficult sewing pattern or a tricky stitch. Activating the particular neurons in the brain through these activities will ensure a healthy mind for years to come.

2. For the pursuit of happiness

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has linked the intense focus on a stimulating activity with the effects of meditation. Csikszentmihalyi first described this phenomenon as "flow", stating "The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times…The best moments usually occur if a person's body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile". Sewing can definitely be difficult, and it is always worthwhile. The immense satisfaction felt as a result of completing a difficult sewing project and holding in your hands a product solely created by you is like no other.

3. Sewing machines are readily available

Sewing machines of all shapes and sizes and to suit all budgets are available locally and internationally, so there is no excuse! Try to choose a sewing machine that is going to suit your needs. The range of machines available is quite extensive, but if you are a beginner sewer looking at creating simple garments, you are unlikely to need an industrial sewing machine. There are a range of specifically designed beginner sewing machines, and various features you should look out for in selecting the machine that will work best for you. Additionally, if you are still unable to find a machine within your budget, consider getting a secondhand sewing machine. So long as a machine has been cared for properly and serviced reasonably regularly, a second hand machine will work wonders.

The psychological benefits of crafting generally are being researched by scientists. Suffice to say at this stage, the satisfaction alone gained from hand-making your own garments, blankets, curtains or toys is incomparable. Taking up sewing will keep your mind healthy and active, as well as ensuring happiness and a sense of "flow" in your day-to-day life.