Stitching Through the Chaos: Why I Always Carry a Cross-Stitch Project
At all times, I have a cross-stitch project with me.
Always.
There’s always one that lives on the passenger side seat of my car, just in case I get caught in an unexpected moment of down time. And if I know I’ll be somewhere with guaranteed waiting time —like the school pickup line— you can bet there’s a project bag under my arm as I head out the door. Stitching has become my secret weapon: for staying calm, feeling productive, and making the most of otherwise idle moments.
The Art of Mindfulness (and Sanity!)
Cross-stitch isn’t just a fun way to pass the time. For me, it’s a lifeline. As someone with ADHD (diagnosed as an adult, because of course), the world is often a noisy, overwhelming place. Stitching gives me structure when my brain wants to do a hundred things at once. The repetitive, rhythmic motion of the needle helps me focus. It slows my thoughts and grounds me in the present.
There’s something meditative about watching each tiny × appear on the fabric, gradually forming something beautiful. It’s like my brain gets to exhale. And when life feels chaotic —which, let’s be real, is most of the time— those little stitched ×s feel like quiet victories.
My Daily Ritual
Every school day, I spend about 30 minutes in the pickup line, waiting for my girls to end their day. That chunk of time could easily be swallowed up by mindless doomscrolling or getting frustrated at the wait. But instead, I stitch (often with an audiobook or music playing). Sometimes I’m working on something with a deadline. Other times, it’s just whatever makes me happy in the moment. But no matter what, that half hour is mine. It’s become a tiny pocket of self-care built into my day.
Portability is Key
I keep my cross-stitch projects in cute, functional project bags — of which I have, well… let’s say more than a few. Each one holds everything I need: my fabric, thread, scissors, needleminder, ort catcher and a printed pattern. It takes up hardly any space, but provides an enormous return in joy and calm.
They’re light enough to come with me to appointments, car rides, playdates at the playground — you name it. If I’m stationary and my hands are free, I can stitch.
(Also: let’s be honest. If I’m sitting still without something to do with my hands, I will absolutely either doomscroll or start picking at my nails.)
The Benefits of Cross-Stitching
Cross-stitching offers a bunch of benefits beyond just being a lovely hobby. And the more I do it, the more I realise how powerful those benefits really are — especially for someone like me.
- Stress Relief – There’s a reason repetitive crafts feel calming. That state of flow reduces stress and helps my brain settle.
- Improved Focus – Working on a pattern keeps my attention engaged and gently trains my brain to stay on task.
- Cognitive Workout – Whether it’s counting stitches, reading a chart, or figuring out a colour blend, there’s always something keeping my mind active.
- Emotional Outlet – Stitching lets me express myself in ways words sometimes can’t. It’s a quiet way to process feelings and turn them into something tangible.
And for those wondering, no — car stitching is not dangerous. I am not stitching while driving! Only when parked, waiting, and completely stationary. I promise. (Though all that time spent driving… I often wish it could be spent stitching.)
Just a Stitch Ahead
So why do I always have a cross-stitch project with me? Because life throws a lot at us, and having something simple, beautiful, fulfilling, and screen free at my fingertips makes all the difference. Whether I’m soothing my ADHD brain, passing the time creatively, or just keeping my hands busy so I don’t get snacky in the car line — cross-stitch is there for me.
If you’ve ever thought about starting, or bringing your stitching out into the world, this is your sign! Toss a small kit into your bag. Find a project that makes you smile. Stitch through the chaos of life, one tiny × at a time.
