Stitched into Style
Olivia Brand, Digital Managerial Editor
At any given moment, a person has billions of new social media content available to them. From cooking to sports to shopping hauls, there is an avenue of content for everyone. People commonly have a false sense of security in believing that they have control over the media shown to them. Companies coined the term “for you page” to reinforce this idea. However, it is quite the opposite— media influences the consumer.
The power social media has is undeniable, especially when it comes to controlling trends. In the past few years, people have seen trends from prior decades–2000s, 1980s and more–resurface. The reach extends beyond makeup and clothing to hobbies and practices. One of the most notable hobbies from the past that is on the rise is needlepointing.
Needlepointing often has connotations of being a hobby for older individuals. However, social media is challenging this belief. Just the hashtag “needlepoint” has around 143,300 posts on TikTok and 913,000 on Instagram! The numbers are astonishing. It presents a question: What is the reason for its newfound popularity?
Many factors make the art appealing. First, it is not a very difficult skill to master. Moreover, it is the perfect balance between dedication and practicality. A needlepointing canvas can range in size, but the tiny stitches required to complete each one make it a lengthy process. It adds to the rewarding feeling of completing it. Once a person learns the basics, it is an easy process that does not require total attention. It can be done while watching movies or talking to friends.
Another aspect that makes needlepoint enticing is creativity. There are a variety of stores that sell a multitude of canvas prints. Additionally, they can be finished, or turned into items, in many different ways: belts, pillows, coasters, sunglass cases and more. A person has complete control over which color threads to use for their design, allowing each piece to be customized to their desires.
Molly Sweeney is a junior at St. Joe who loves to needlepoint in her free time. She shares her experience with the hobby.
“I have always known of needlepoint from my grandma. She always wanted to teach me how to do it. When I saw it on TikTok, I decided to take her up on the offer. I think that TikTok has influenced its popularity, because whenever I go to my needlepoint store, I feel like I see a lot more young girls along with older ladies,” Sweeney said.
It is obvious that the newfound popularity has connected generations. Even if a person does not participate in the hobby, there is a higher likelihood that they now know what it is due to social media. The shared understanding is not just between teenage girls, but parents and grandparents as well. Needlepointing is no longer simply stereotyped as an older hobby; it is trendy.
Madison Elmore is another junior who has recently gotten into the art. She shares her journey in getting involved with it.
“Social Media definitely influences me to pull the trigger, because needlepointing is a very expensive hobby. Those canvases can really get pricey,” said Elmore.
It is true that the price of the supplies for the craft can get steep. The most expensive item is normally the canvas, because it must be done by hand. Its price is often hiked up to compensate for the tedious and immense hours it takes to complete just one design. Social media once again does what it can do best: sell a product. The constant stream of videos is very successful at convincing people to try the hobby. Furthermore, it gives businesses the chance to advertise their prints directly to potential customers.
Overall, needlepointing is a fresh example of an old trend coming back into style. It connects people, offers a new way to pass the time and encourages creative experimentation. As entertaining as this hobby has been to dabble in, it is also exciting to see what the next trend, recycled or new, will be.
