Needlepoint is ‘no longer just for your grandma’

STORY: Renewed interest in this old craft

has led to a serious glow-up

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

(Annie Zigman, Needlepoint designer)

“I think that there are so many generations that have done needlepoint over time. In the past, it is something you think of almost as your grandma's hobby and your grandma's activity, but today, it's no longer just for your grandma.”

Zigman was no stranger to needlepoint but when

she picked it up again during the health crisis

she couldn’t find modern designs she liked

“A lot of the designs were something that I felt weren't necessarily my style at the time. So I thought, 'Oh, I could paint something that I want myself.'”

Thanks to social media, Zigman’s

needlepoint designs have blown up

and stitchers around the

country have taken note

(Sarina Cannizzaro, Stitch Club New York City member)

"I think it's kind of taken a turn. I think there's a lot of young designers of needlepoint, and it's become pretty trendy, almost. The designs are much more millennial and Gen Z focused now, and I think that's what attracts younger people to doing it.”

(LeighAnne Tucci, Stitch Club New York City organizer)

“It's just really fun. We go and explore different shops each month and I just like it. It's nice. It gives me something to do when I get home from a long day at work, instead of being on my phone all night.”

(Zigman)

“There are incredible needlepoint stores in every single city you can imagine.”