Meditation Scrolls

Have you ever heard of "Slow Stitching Scrolls" or "Meditation Scrolls"? I am particularly drawn to the name "Meditation Scroll" because it beautifully reflects the heart of this craft - slow, repetitive soothing stitching that bring a sense of calm and comfort without any pressure.

Fabric meditation scrolls are small, hand-stitched strips of fabric wrapped around wooden spools, blending creativity and mindfulness together. Each scroll is like a personal keepsake that reflects your ideas and inspirations through slow, intentional stitching. There are no rules to how a scroll should be completed. It is totally up to the creator what and how to incorporate into a scroll. It's almost like a journal that is made with scraps of fabric and snippets of embroidery floss.

The process of creating a scroll is liberating, but yet incredibly grounding. With each stitch, you are not just sewing fabric together - you are stitching together moments, thoughts, and emotions - you are "drawing" your story as you go. The mix of different textures, colours and stitches makes each scroll unique and special. Working on these scrolls is a mindful process that lets you be present and makes you embrace imperfections, and find joy in slow hand stitching.

You might wonder how the Slow Stitching Scrolls are used. The main purpose of them is the process itself - the slow hand stitching that lets you find peace and calm. Some makers use scraps from past projects to create a keepsake of their work and display them in their sewing spaces as a source of inspiration. Others incorporate snippets of the scroll into new projects, just like a decorative ribbon. There is no right or wrong way to use them. It is all about enjoying the process, embracing the slow rhythm of stitching, and letting the fabric tell its own story.

Creating a Meditation Scroll is simple and requires just a few basic materials that you already might have in your stash. You will need a spool, preferably wooden for a more vintage look, fabric and embroidery floss snippets, scissors, a strip of cotton or linen for backing, thread or glue for basting.

First, arrange a few pieces of fabric in any way you like on your backing strip of cotton or linen. You might want to tell a story using some whimsical prints or arrange fabric scraps in a particular pattern. Use a needle and thread or a bit of glue to baste the pieces in place. Then stitch them down using snippets of embroidery floss, adding colour and texture to your scroll. You can keep your stitches simple, going in one direction, or play around with as many different stitches you like. There are no rules here - just your creativity.

I love the messy back side of the Meditation Scroll just as much as the front. There's something special about the back - it is imperfect, raw, and full of handmade character. I stitched four rows of simple running stitches in different colours, adding to the charm of the piece.

When your scroll is complete and you are happy with the details, wrap it around the spool and secure it with a few running stitches.

A small loop and button were the perfect finishing touch to keep the scroll secure, adding a neat and practical way to keep it in place.

As I worked on this scroll, I realised that this would be a perfect "therapy" for those moments when a creative block sets in or I lose my sew mojo. This kind of project is a wonderful way to gently spark creativity. There is something about simply playing with fabric - feeling the texture, arranging scraps without overthinking that lets your creativity flow naturally. Without the pressure of a plan or pattern, your mind begins to settle, your creativity starts to flow and new, unexpected ideas begin to appear.

How did I get interested in Meditation Scrolls? It all began last year when I came across a beautiful post on Instagram - a video featuring a glimpse of a beautifully stitched large scroll by a talented maker. This lovely Lady from France, who saw my interest, generously sent me a few large wooden spools hoping I would find a good use for them. Inspired, I started exploring fabric scrolls and how others made and used them. That's when I discovered small Slow Stitching Meditation Scrolls, and without hesitation, I stitched my very first one. Do you feel inspired to make one? 😊

You can see the full scroll here.

Larisa xo