A simple but satisfying sewing thing I can do in front of the tv

[Thepleasureofyourcompany]

I like cross stitch but find a lot of the patterns very twee. I've just spent a happy couple of hours hemming things and really enjoy simply sewing! I've broken the top of my arm but I've discovered I can still sew.

Any cross stitch patterns that I'd actually want to display afterwards- nothing to twee OR sweary! Or something other than cross stitch - I could probably manage some basic embroidery! Thanks!

How about slow stitching? You can do it from your own scraps of fabric or buy some lovely kits. I have a couple from here (as recommended by someone on mn before)
There's lots you can from others though. There is a post on this site too that explains how it can also help relax/mental health etc. It definitely works 😀

sandscreative.co.uk/product-category/slow-stitching/

Patchwork?

And I've been fancying making a quilted cotton jacket with this Indian running stitch technique - it looks as though it's quite simple to do:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1194782958/indian-frida-kantha-kimono-jacket?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=indian+cotton+quilted+jacket&ref=sc_gallery-1-2&pro=1&frs=1&plkey=0714bda1624c189e83256d317b03852f47c343fe%3A1194782958

I love Emily Peacock tapestry sets and Crafteratti. Designs are fun rather than twee and easy to do in front of the tv because there aren't loads of colours to keep track of!

If you Google Paraffle one of their kits might appeal.

Might you fancy the idea of Sashiko?

Create your own image for cross stitch - this is an Amazon link but there are other companies. Based on a photo.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Personalized-Printed-Embroidery-Customized-Needlework/dp/B0BGF9T7H7/ref=ascdff_B0BGF9T7H7/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=638612257374&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2158802662847419711&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046775&hvtargid=pla-1929191176698&psc=1

I think there are websites that will convert a photo to cross stitch if you like. So you could choose any image that you like - a pet, your own DC, your house, a familiar landscape etc?

If you know basic embroidery and have a hoop and needles I’d go to a really good haberdashery and choose a fabric with a beautiful pattern and then buy silks and sew over the pattern.
Or you could do a duvet cover or pillowslips.

Or if you learn how to do basic pixel art you can convert that to cross stitch.

If you like maps and needlepoint this designer might be of interest:

hannahbass.com

Or this one for lovely needlepoint Christmas stockings

www.jollyred.co.uk

Or look up English Paper Piecing patchwork- the type where fabric is shaped around thick paper templates then hand sewn together.

I know what you mean about cross stitch, it can be really hard to find things that suit your taste. Longdog Samplers are very different from the usual run of stuff and on Etsy I've managed to find some stuff that I like - this for example and some of these.

You may find it easier to find blackwork patterns that aren't as naff. Have a look at Blackwork Journey (also good for sashiko and some cross stitch) and The Steady Thread.

Boro and Sashiko patching: use up all your fabric scaps!

Great suggestions thanks

I love these suggestions xxx

Echo a lot of what's been said. Lots of good slow-stitching inspiration on Pinterest.

Hannah Bass and Felicity Hall do lovely kits
Satsuma Street on Etsy do really cheery pdf charts.
Emma Congdon's cross stitch pattern books are lovely.
Julie Jackson's books are brilliant for Subversive snarky messages.

Also, for contemporary cross stitch try XStitch magazine (an e-magazine with really cool patterns. Nothing twee allowed.)

What's slow stitching?

Thanks for this, I really like Longdog Samplers!

Isn't slow stitching just a recently-coined label for hand sewing?

Ha ha is it! I love hand sewing.

Sort of, but it's using up little scraps of fabric and sometimes different embroidery stitches to make a nice piece of artwork.
Basically similar like sashiko as mentioned above.

Yes they are lovely!

I also love cross stitch and hate twee designs. Some suggestions up thread which I was going to make which have worked for me:

etsy - I have had game of thrones and friends themed designs, and commissioned one of my family cartoon style as a present for my husband on there (appreciate the last one might come under ‘twee’!), there’s so much choice depending on your taste

photo conversion - I’ve done a couple of these, they aren’t cheap (though tbf I’ve not bought one for 10+ years) and take literally years to do but obviously can be anything you want and ends up looking beautiful

I recently (well 3 years ago) bought one on Amazon which has the design printed on the fabric (rather than a paper chart to follow. Absolute game changer for watching tv!!! So much less concentration required, no counting, just pick a colour and off you go!

Definitely second a lot of these including English paper piecing. Making a handmade 1inch hexagon quilt - I do all the prep etc in weekly stages (cutting the fabric etc) so I can just mindlessly sew of an evening. Takes almost no skill and minimal investment. You can use up old scraps for a multicoloured patchwork type quilt or do something more intentional with pattern like an ombré effect. You can even use old sheets and quilt covers for fabric - which can be picked up super cheap in charity shops. The only thing I would recommend buying specific for it are the paper shapes cause accuracy is really important, and some sharp milliners needles.

I also love cross stitch but it requires counting etc and sometimes I just want to zone out and watch tv but still do something with my hands - epp is perfect for that

Oh and long dog samplers are amazing - I have started their death by cross stitch design, it may be an accurate title!

OP look up sashiko. It's really simple, just a long running stitch, but in nice patterns. You mark out the pattern then sew it. Give it a go!