- by Harry Davies @harry_davies
A movement that celebrates artisanal production values and a slower process of embroidery
If traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations have shown us anything, it’s that it’s not always necessary to produce a lot and quickly, nor the perfect piece, to produce well.
There is a movement within the world of embroidery that consists precisely of enjoying the journey, delighting in each stitch, and experimenting with the possibilities that arise when we dedicate time to planning each step–or we just let it flow. It’s known as slow stitch, and the Mexican textile artist Gabriela Martínez (@ofeliayantelmo) is one of its biggest ambassadors.
We spoke with her to find out slow stitch is, what the movement consists of, and how to join it.
What is slow stitch?
Slow stitch is a branch of the Slow Movement, which advocates a return to pre-industrial techniques and gradual processes that provide quality and personal value to objects. It is about slowing down and creating from a sustainable balance; about reusing; about doing things as well as possible and not as fast as possible; about savoring time, not counting it.
Slow stitch isn’t a specific technique; it’s an invitation to embroider with a deep appreciation of what happens while you do so. ‘Slow’ refers to much more than the time it takes to do things. Rather than seeking a specific result, it’s about being more conscious and mindful of our creative process and the simple pleasure of the path.
Hand embroidery is a technique that is naturally slow. It’s a repetitive process that requires you to be present but can also take you to a place of connection with your body, your materials, and your environment. Embroidery–and textile art in general–are historically recognized as practices performed in community to form memories.
Slow stitch is simply embroidery done with a tool that slows the process and makes you present.
Who can practice slow stitch?
Slow stitch is for anyone who wants to change pace at any point and leave their mark on an object. All you need is time and a little practice.
What materials do you need?
The materials needed are needle, thread, and any textile support available: everything can be used for reuse. You need basic knowledge, which you can learn quickly and adapt to your hand, through the repetitive activity of putting the needle in and taking it out.
How did you find the philosophy of slow stitch?
I learned the term and philosophy from the book Slow Stitch, by Clare Wellesley-Smith, that came to me shortly before I decided to quit my job and begin a career in textile art. I initially bought it because I loved the edition; I was impressed by the aesthetics of all the photos inside.
It is a book that is wonderful to touch, and the content is so valuable. When I started reading it, everything made sense to me: it laid the foundations of why I do what I do today and set an important path of a project that shaped my philosophy and the way I want to live.
Where did slow stitch begin?
Clare Wellesley-Smith explains the movement began in the 80s with the Slow Food Movement, in Italy, as a protest against multinational companies that were destroying the land, the quality of food, and the connection that is born from eating well.
Similar movements later grew, such as slow cities, slow fashion, and slow business. A cultural revolution against the belief that fast is always better, that time is money, and that the only important thing is to sell. It is a movement that proposes slowing down processes to create a sustainable balance and connect with ourselves.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started in slow stitch?
Don't fear embroidery! There is no right way to do it, and the wonder is that, as it is a slow activity, decisions are made on the fly. There is always the option to cut the thread, come back, and take another path with a different end.
It's a noble technique, and its possibilities are endless. Also, it is a good opportunity to try an alternative way of meditating with thread.
Gabriela Martínez, creator of the textile art brand Ofelia & Antelmo teaches the Domestika course Designing Handicraft Garments from Scratch. The course will show you how to create and embroider textile works by hand, following the slow stitch philosophy, letting you enjoy the traditional techniques involved.
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- The Best Unconventional Embroidery
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- 5 Free Hand Embroidery Tutorials for Beginners
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