Making Together: How Crafting Can Be An Antidote To Loneliness
This weekend, Katie and I got together with a group of our girlfriends and took a precious afternoon to just sit and make together. Victoria baked a banana loaf, Lindsay opened the wine and we sat around my dining table and made a pair of embroidered sheepskin slippers each...
We had bought kits from Sheepers.co.uk and they were really satisfying to make. But even though everyone went home with a cosy pair of handmade slippers, the benefits of just sitting amongst your friends, chatting and making, were felt for the rest of the weekend. It was like a warm hug of love and kinship. We all agreed that if we could do this more regularly we would all be much happier.
At this time of year, as it starts getting dark at around 5pm - just as we are leaving the office to head home, in can be particularly beneficial to book in time to create with friends. The dark evenings can tempt us to retreat indoors and quietly hibernate with our remote control until spring! 'Getting Cosy' is a popular social media trend and a little of that is good for our mental health, of course, but too much can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection - the symptoms showing up long before we really recognise the cause.
Creative group activities can offer us an easy and enjoyable way back to other people.
Making alongside others removes some of the pressure we can feel in purely social situations. We don’t have to maintain constant eye contact or keep the conversation flowing. Our hands are occupied, comfortable silences feel natural and the project gives us an immediate piece of common ground. So even if you've had a long week, you haven't had time to wash your hair and you would otherwise cancel a night out, a crafty session can be a really laid-back way to hang out with other.
The science of making together
Researchers are increasingly interested in the relationship between creative activity and wellbeing. Here are some interesting stats:
A study involving 7,182 adults in England found that taking part in arts and crafts was associated with greater happiness, life satisfaction and a stronger sense that life was worthwhile—even after the researchers accounted for factors including age, health, employment and deprivation.
Research into knitting has highlighted the social benefits of making. In an international survey of 3,545 knitters, people commonly described knitting as a source of relaxation, creativity and stress relief. Those who knitted in groups reported greater happiness, social contact and communication with others.
A 2024 review of 25 studies examining needlecraft and mental wellbeing found several recurring themes: social connection, belonging, purpose, achievement, personal identity and the pleasure of carrying skills and traditions forward.
It appears that crafting gives us more than a finished object. It gives us something to share.
How can we help?
Did you know that we offer bulk discounts to craft groups? Simply email me rachel@berginandbath.co.uk to enquire. We can either send you a discount code if you'd like full kits or we can put together a bumper box of parts with sets of instructions for your group host. Both can save you money and you can choose whichever project you like from our entire catalogue!
We can also come and host a workshop in a venue of your choice. You will need a minimum of 8 guests and prices start at £30 per head for a needle felting class. Do get in touch if you'd like us to come and teach you and your friends.
Sources and further reading
Happy crafting everyone xxxx
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