4 Health Benefits of Quilting

All quilters know that the art of quilting is an excellent creative outlet, but did you know that quilting can improve your mental and emotional health? Keeping ourselves mentally and emotionally healthy is related to our overall physical well-being, which is why creative arts like quilting, sewing, and other crafting is so important in our daily lives. Not only does quilting carry on a time-honored tradition of artistry and skill, but it also brings people together and allows us to express ourselves using fabric and textile art. We’ve compiled the top 4 health benefits of quilting to show how participating in your favorite pastime is beneficial for your body and mind as well.

1. It Lets You Unplug from the Modern World
   Let’s face it: we are all addicted to technology. And this isn’t completely a bad thing! Within the past ten years, tons of quilting communities have sprouted up online and have allowed quilters to communicate with each other around the globe. The physical act of quilting, from choosing your fabric to cutting and piecing together blocks, is time set aside that lets you unplug and instead focus on creating. The environment of quilting also helps you focus on completing tasks as opposed to shortening your attention span, especially since quilting is an art that requires your full attention.
2. Playing with Color and Geometry is Good for Your Brain
   One of the other major health benefits of quilting is the process of combining color and shapes. According to an article published in the Daily Mail, titled “Why Quilting is ‘Uniquely’ Good for Us”, “The use of bright colors was ‘uplifting’, the activity distracted from the stress of work, and quilting offered challenges such as maths and geometry.” Not only does determining a color value and combining different colors uplift us emotionally, but it also brings an element of play into our lives, something that is key to stress relief.
   Figuring out different block designs and quilt patterns is also a prime example of the health benefits of quilting. Playing with different geometric shapes helps develop important problem-solving skills. According to a study completed by the Journal of Public Health titled The Relationship Between Quilting and Wellbeing, “Mastering new techniques and overcoming challenges led to feelings of satisfaction and boosted self-esteem particularly for those whose social roles had changed. Older participants identified that quilting helped to maintain mental agility.” Because quilting requires exact measurements, placement of specific patterns, and the use of problem-solving, the brain is consistently engaged and developing.
3. The Physical Act of Quilting Relieves Stress
   The nature of quilting itself is extremely calming and is another example of the health benefits of quilting. The repetitive motions of quilting and sewing help to relax our brain, which lessens the flight or fight response triggered by stress. The sense of accomplishment quilters feels when completing a project also ties directly into stress relief, as it boosts confidence in our creative abilities.
4. It Provides a Community of Quilters
   Quilt guilds have long been popular with quilters, and it provides a safe, relaxing environment to communicate with others who share your same creative interests. As Mayra Cecilia Morales writes in her article, “The Many Amazing Benefits of Quilting“, “Humans are social animals. Friendships and community are essential for keeping us connected and healthy.” Quilt guilds and online forums provide quilters with the chance to discuss their craft, to talk quilting tips, or to create friendships.
5. Stress-Relieving Quilt Patterns
   If you’ve been stressed lately, or are just looking for a fun project to try, then come to Heart & Hand to check out some stress-relieving quilt patterns. These repetitive shapes are the calming activity that you’ve been searching for.

Stop by Heart & Hand and find all you need to start quilting today!

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