Creative Confidence: How Embroidery Can Help You See Yourself as an Artist
Hello, my artsy friend! If you've ever caught yourself saying, "Oh, I'm not really that creative" or "I'm just not an artist"—this one's for you.
I think about one of my students who started her first embroidery kit convinced she had "zero artistic ability." She'd always admired handmade things but thought creativity was something other people were born with, not her. Fast forward six months, and she’s posting photos of her gorgeous floral tote bags and custom embroidered jackets on Instagram, calling herself "a maker" for the first time in her life.
What changed? Not some magical artistic awakening—just the simple act of picking up a needle and thread.
Today we're exploring how embroidery has this incredible power to help you shift your mindset, trust your creative instincts, and finally claim your identity as an artist. Because spoiler alert: you already are one.
Let's Redefine "Artist"
First things first—we need to have a little chat about what it means to be an artist. Somewhere along the way, we got this idea that you have to sell your work, have formal training, or create masterpieces to earn the title "artist." But that's just not true.
Artists are anyone who creates with intention, joy, and self-expression. That's it. You don't need a degree, a gallery showing, or even a dedicated studio space. You just need the desire to make something beautiful with your own hands.
And here's what I want you to know: embroidery is just as valid a medium as painting, drawing, or any other art form. When you choose thread colors, decide on stitch placement, or add your own flair to a design, you're making artistic decisions. You're creating art.
The woman stitching flowers on her daughter's backpack? Artist. The person adding custom lettering to their favorite sweatshirt? Artist. You, working on that little project tucked in your bag? Definitely an artist.
Why Embroidery Builds Creative Confidence
There's something uniquely confidence-building about embroidery that I've seen transform person after person. Here's why I think it works so beautifully:
You see tangible wins as you stitch. Unlike some creative pursuits where progress feels abstract, embroidery gives you immediate visual feedback. Every stitch is visible progress, every finished motif is a small victory. That builds momentum in a way that's honestly addictive.
The pressure is wonderfully low. You can start with something tiny—a single flower, a few letters, a simple line drawing. If you make a "mistake," you can rework it or embrace it as part of your style. There's no blank canvas staring you down or expensive materials to waste.
The meditative rhythm helps you tune into your intuition. Something magical happens when your hands are busy with repetitive motion—your creative mind starts to relax and flow. You stop overthinking and start trusting your instincts about color, placement, and design.
Most importantly, you're literally making something from nothing—transforming plain fabric into something meaningful and beautiful. That's incredibly powerful for your creative confidence.
Embracing Imperfection
One of embroidery's greatest gifts is how it teaches you to embrace imperfection as part of the process. Those slightly wonky flower petals? The line that didn't go exactly where you planned? The french knot that's a little lopsided? That's not failure—that's your unique artistic style emerging.
Stitching teaches patience and flexibility in a way that's so gentle and forgiving. You learn to work with what happens rather than forcing a predetermined outcome. You discover that "mistakes" often lead to the most interesting and beautiful results.
The more you practice, the more your personal style starts to shine through. Maybe you love bold, loose stitches, or perhaps you gravitate toward tiny, precise details. Maybe your color choices are always a little unexpected, or you have a signature way of spacing your elements. That's not accident—that's your artistic voice.
Trusting Your Taste
Here's something I want you to really hear: every time you choose a thread color, decide on a stitch type, or modify a pattern, you're making artistic decisions. You're already designing, whether you realize it or not.
That moment when you swap out the suggested pink for a deep burgundy because it "feels more you"? That's your artistic eye at work. When you decide to add extra leaves to a floral design or change the spacing of lettering? You're designing.
Your artistic taste develops with every single project. You start to notice what colors make you happy, which styles feel authentic to you, what kind of projects you're drawn to create. This isn't just crafting—this is developing your creative voice.
You're Already an Artist—Here's How to Own It
Ready for the mindset shift? Here are some gentle ways to start claiming your identity as an artist:
Start calling your work what it is: art. Not "just a little project" or "something I'm messing around with." It's your art, created by your hands, guided by your creative choices.
Share your process on social media or with a friend—even the messy, imperfect parts. Show the wonky stitches alongside the gorgeous finished pieces. This helps normalize the creative process and inspires others to try.
Display your work proudly. Hang that embroidered piece on your wall, wear that customized jacket, carry that stitched tote bag. Your art deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Keep a stitching journal or progress photo album so you can see your growth over time. You'll be amazed at how much your skills and style develop, often without you even realizing it.
Your Creative Challenge
Here's my gentle challenge for you this week: stitch something without a pattern. I'm not talking about creating the Sistine Chapel of embroidery—maybe just a simple flower, your initials, or a few abstract lines. Follow your instincts about color and placement. See what happens when you trust your creative voice.
The goal isn't perfection—it's connection. Connection to your creativity, your intuition, and your identity as someone who makes beautiful things.
Remember: you don't have to be perfect to be creative. You just have to begin.
Your artistic journey is already underway, my friend. You might not have recognized it yet, but every stitch you've made, every color you've chosen, every project you've completed has been building your creative confidence and developing your artistic voice.
So the next time someone asks about your "little hobby," I want you to smile and say, "Actually, I'm an artist. I work in thread."
Ready to embrace your inner artist? Stitch something freestyle this week and share it with me @artsylyons or tag #artsystitches so I can cheer you on! I can't wait to see your beautiful, imperfect, uniquely you creations. Stitch your style, trust your voice, own your art. 🎨🧵
Ready to get started?
I'd love to be part of your journey, so I’ve created a fun 15-stitch sampler guide with patterns that let you learn while creating something you’ll actually want to keep! Download your free pattern and guide to stitch along with me! The pattern has 15 different stitches for you to practice. And if you need help, I’ve got you! Hop over to my master stitch list or connect with me on YouTube to watch step-by-step videos for each of the stitches.
Want more accountability? Share this it with a fellow crafty friend who could use some creative inspiration in their life—because the more, the merrier!
Happy stitching, my artsy friend! 🪡✨
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