Needlepoint gains popularity with a new generation of crafters

SHREVEPORT, La. — A classic hobby is finding new life among younger generations, and local needlepoint enthusiasts say social media is helping fuel the trend.

KTBS contributor Bethany Nolan visited Hanging by a Thread in Shreveport, where owner Carmen Walker Mijalis and her mother, Suzie, are seeing more newcomers pick up a needle and thread.

“I think people want to stay off their phones. I think they want to do something with their hands,” Carmen said. “I tell people all the time, needlepoint is my therapy.”

While needlepoint has long been known for creating heirloom-quality pieces such as stockings, ornaments, and pillows, many younger crafters are discovering the hobby through platforms like TikTok. Nolan said she first became interested in needlepoint after seeing videos online and was drawn to the idea of creating something beautiful while unplugging from technology.

Store owners say beginners should start with a simple project they genuinely enjoy. Hanging by a Thread offers starter kits that include everything needed to learn the craft, from canvases and thread to scissors and stitching tools.

For many, needlepoint is about more than creating art. It's a way to slow down, focus, and build lasting traditions that can be passed down for generations.