Learning to Sew: How Needlework is Rehabilitating Prisoners' Lives

[@velvetindigonight]

Fabulous in so many ways. Thank you all

[@Thespinningwoman]

Our church has a beautiful wedding kneeler commissioned from these guys and it is much appreciated.

[@Annie-ex3ge]

2% reoffenders! That is groundbreaking. This should be made public to every prison in the world!

[@marilynsullivan4361]

I agree.

[@robinaanstey3734]

This is simply beautiful! As a sewer myself, I know how therapeutic and rewarding stitching can be . Brilliant!! Thank you for sharing.

[@jasperhorace7147]

I agree. And the urge to just put in another stitch, then another and another, just to see the work develop can actually be very exciting. It’s calm work which can easily be picked up and put down. That calm time also gives plenty of time for thinking and developing ideas.

[@namelessgrace6319]

I love crocheting, and i was thinking that i would be unbelievably miserable if i ever were to be locked up! There should be constructive hobbies like this behind bars. It feels so good once you create something.

[@ace6285]

Needlework, knitting and crocheting are wonderful to do. They really build mental calm and the hand eye coordination builds brain cells, not to mention the immense satisfaction of making and designing. I started late in life and had no idea when I was younger what I was missing out by not doing it.

[@helend222]

Unique, creative artworks. Fabulous. Stitching is enjoyed by millions worldwide.

[@juliaprice-i4l]

Fantastic. I worked with women in maximum security here in Canada. I wish this would be offered to prisoners here.

[@carolineramage7480]

You could show them this video. 🤞

[@mariabolt3881]

From soldiers and sailors patching darning or sewing badges onto their own uniform, lighthouse men knitting their own jumpers, ect men sewing or doing needle craft is a long one. The mindful quality of such work has been overlooked. The hands being occupied, sitting in one place for 15 to 30 or however long, the meticulouness of precision of the needle in its pattern. Yes lots to be said for needlework of all kinds. Very creative and therapeutic and potentially saleable!

[@morganmorgan3904]

Most prisoners are inside because they are 'creative', so no surprise they can easily do this work, try some of them with free style machine sewing, they'll love that and could service and fix their own machines 😃. Well done to the brilliant mind/s that came up with this one!.

[@elzaaltmann]

I used to embroider myself, gave pieces away and kept some. Satisfying work, time flies when you are busy.

[@RoBirdie5804]

All the pieces of embroidery art is breathe taking. I love the fact that the inmates will and can take their sewing skills with them. Keep up the great work everyone.

[@trinidad2450]

Even before I heard the lovely British accent, I just knew this would be happening in the British prisons. Outstanding, absolutely outstanding!! Love from America!❤

[@gmtegirl]

This is lovely! Nice to see a program that allows folks to rebuild their lives and have a future. We need more of these programs.

[@elisekuby2009]

I have always firmly believed that if people are allowed to become productive/contributing members of society, they will do better because they feel better.

[@Bunefoo401]

Needlework can be very calming …. Good thing to re-direct someone’s energy/aggression often found in prisons

[@Sarah-bq7zo]

What a great project, crafts are a wonderful way to concentrate the mind. Good luck to everyone involved and thanks for sharing.

[@cathybabnick7326]

The repetitive nature of stitching gives folks solace and inner peace. Then you have the fee!ing of achievement and sense of accomplishment. So powerful. Wonderful to see stitching in a prison setting.

[@lovealwaysmom]

I loved the comment where he said he had to rip out an entire letter. It's OK to make a mistake, fix it, and move on. He learned a very valuable life lesson.

[@PupCake1025]

"I've learned that if you make a mistake, it's all right to make a mistake as long as you can rectify it at the end." I think he just summed up the platonic ideal of rehabilitative justice

[@22lyric]

People have GREAT ideas!!!❤️

[@BanFamilyVlogging]

I’m glad to hear that it’s voluntary. Which means they’re genuinely enjoying it ❤ I hope they’re being paid what they’re worth.

[@lindafarnes486]

Very beautiful. It reminded me of a quilt, made by female convicts in 1841 on their way to Australia. It was discovered in Scotkand in 1989. Also beautiful work. The convicts were supplied with the materials and taught the art of quilting. Sewing is indeed very relaxing and there are so many things you can do or decorate with needle and thread.

[@mostlyghostey]

I think it’s so interesting that they had to censor the man’s tattoos. I’d never thought of those being identifiable as a means of doxxing. I love this programme so much. It’s such a good way to help prisoners.

[@cerwelt]

I do needlework to reduce stress. I’m betting if these folks were tested before and after they started this, their cortisol levels were astronomical before and much lower after.

[@scottjohnson6173]

That’s a great thing to learn how to do, it’s teadious work to do, my mother did it for years

[@TarahMatson-zz2hj]

I think this program is genius! I always feel calmer and happier when I do embroidery and sewing. I feel a sense of accomplishment. It stands to reason that it would greatly benefit prisoners, and perhaps addicts. This program should be used worldwide. I love it!

[@patriciamsmith409]

Beautiful work

[@mothersuperior6751]

Fantastic idea. 2% reoffending rate is something to be very proud of. Thank you to all those involved.

[@janettaylor9058]

Stunning work .

[@heatherscott3008]

I love it! Nothing better for the mind and soul than needlework.

[@laradas6043]

What a wonderful program..Creativity at its best here. Fantastic idea

[@charlottetracy3970]

Wonderful idea and program! Keep it going!! From USA

[@katewilson9626]

Wonderful, thanks for sharing!

[@patburton837]

That's so great!! I'm a stitcher as well. Beautiful work.

[@blazefairchild465]

I love seeing prisoners doing this work it’s so soothing. I learned very young about 8 & my grandma & mom didn’t have a frame so I learned to work with out a frame & still do 60 years later.

[@jguitar23]

Some beautiful work. A true art form that requires planning and consistency. Bravo🎉

[@CancerianTarot]

Fibre crafts are extremely therapeutic for all people. I firmly believe that people encouraged to craft are calmer, happier and better at self-regulation.

[@jessk7240]

Absolutely brilliant! Some really gorgeous work being done.

[@Crazyempathichands]

I've often thought over my lifetime (since I mostly taught myself needlework) that, needlework has saved my life, and I'm sure it can help others lives too through many difficult times😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@Stitcher_in_MD]

What a wonderful program to help with rehabilitation. Great work everyone!

[@Ohio_Memory_Bears]

As a sewist, this makes me happy

[@sas1uk185]

Fantastic work. Well done teachers stitchers and facilitators!🎉

[@laurahoward7126]

Amazing how a little needle work can be so therapeutic ❤

[@marilynsullivan4361]

What a brilliant program!

[@suzilahlah]

This is such a great program. Thanks for sharing

[@margaretmlydon6910]

Beautiful video. Well done all concerned. 👏 👏

[@ruthbentley2090]

Glorious! A wonderful pathway to healing. 🙏🏾💕

[@lindalewis7559]

What a beautiful way to spend your time 🎉

[@jennyb7745]

This is one of the most wonderful things I've seen in a long time.Its so heartwarming to see the dedication of the volunteers & the prisoners tackling these beautiful projects & learning that they can achieve & ppl believe in them.👌❤️Magic

[@Darci3333]

I love needlework cross-stitch etc. I have no patience but find this comforting and love to watch it take shape into something beautiful that you did by hand❤❤

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

Stretching and finishing of needlepoint is a fine art and there are very few who do it. It would be wonderful to see this program expand to include that as well

[@473mishke]

Just wonderful in every way.

[@56ghostwriter]

Very nobel work, what a great program!

[@helenreidt3315]

Great..positive help ❤ somebody should also let them know that, world wide, men are amongst the best embroiderers and Fabric artists.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Amazing! Imagine treating people in prison like human beings?

[@sphhyn]

Great project

[@cowboycryptid]

this is fantastic!

[@tausa75]

Beautiful stitch work and such a great initiative.

[@carolinelawrie7142]

Such a positive impact ❤ love this project 😊

[@genevievegiella9066]

WOW BEAUTIFUL ❤️🙏

[@ElizabethBarber-tu9ey]

Oh MY!!! These are incredibly beautiful!! In other cultures, the men are the ones who weave and embroider. Women aren't allowed. I'm thrilled that these men have discovered how talented they are.

[@gailmarshall2555]

I have visited the Koestler exhibition, which is a vital sponsored artwork outlet for prisoners. I was taken with a velvet embroidered cushion a couple of years ago.

[@susanjones8938]

This is amazing. This should be done everywhere. I love this.

[@curlew-3592]

I bought one of these needlepoint cushions a number of years ago. It has pride of place in my dining room. It’s been absolutely beautifully made.😊👍

[@diannenaworensky6698]

I LOVE this idea !!

[@Iamgone1961]

Fantastic 👏👏👏👏👏

[@annfindleton9514]

Amazing work

[@carolbulmer8253]

This is brilliant!! Slow stitching, knitting, rug hooking, etc., are also possible for these fellows❤️

[@annamarielewis7078]

Productivity is always best for sanity. This work is so rewarding and beautiful.

[@jmsmom67]

This is freaking awesome!!

[@PS-bs8oe]

Give a hungry prisoner food and he'll be bored inbetween meals and hungry once getting out. Give a prisoner an opportunity to work and learn a trade and he'll bebusy inside and employable on getting out.

[@patriciawilson9669]

This is wonderful I’m so impressed, I’m a stitcher and I know the hours that are put into the projects.

[@h.a3567]

Wow what amazing work! Absolutely love this!! Beautiful ❤

[@robynnedorion3900]

Wonderful! The work is wonderful

[@cmvdoo]

Extraordinary.

[@christinahayward1887]

Fantastic story!

[@pamelamckenzie2685]

Fantastic great video hope you put this on the TV showing a positive is going on out there,

[@veroniquelebeau2692]

New meaning for 'snitches get stitches'!! Good job!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@christinevanzyl5951]

Wonderful. ❤😂😂😂

[@Orpilorp]

That is a lovely idea. Years ago where I live, a gentleman taught a course in our state penitentiary, on upholstery. The residents were able to work on state office furniture and then apon release they had a trade.

[@akristen4971]

Stitching is one of the activities which generates alpha waves in the brain. It’s healthy for the mind.

[@luckygardeniasdashboardcon9214]

Outstanding

[@n.w.414]

Very cool!

[@Peonies925]

This is an amazing idea! Our Creator God created us all to be creative. It gives us purpose and goals to finish when we are making something.

[@civilizeddiva]

They are redirecting energy into projects. I imagine while stitching, the mind has to quiet to allow the stitcher to focus on the task.

[@rosemaryannastrijbos6991]

I went to U. K. last year and heard about something similar including patchwork. It was great hearing about it and seeing what they were doing. Great way of giving them something else to do while in prison that leads to some for filling when they leave. 🇦🇺👋👍

[@bunnyduke1369]

Love it!

[@crystalperry6370]

They should sell on the Internet so all of us could purchase their work.

[@asjaasja7642]

Great❤️ Art is emotion

[@beckym5730]

Nice prison. Pretty crafts

[@erinmalone2669]

Not only is it a time honored, tradition and skill, but it gives them pride in their work, and the opportunity to be employed outside of prison. America needs more ideas like that, other than having prisoners work for pennies for corporations in sweatshops.

[@bluewren65]

I wonder what scope there is for the the prisoner's creativity. Don't get me wrong, it's lovely to see them stitching and getting all that meditative benefit from it, and many people do enjoy stitching designs created by others, but what I'd love to see is the prisoners design their own drawings and choose their own colours and materials.

[@junimondin]

Good idea!

[@kevindysart5533]

Have you thought about expanding into knitting and crocheting, even Pysanky egg making. These are some wonderful therapeutic crafts.

[@Su-ri5ob]

The sad thing is that they probably won't be able to afford to buy the kits once they've been released, as they are very expensive.

[@2eleven48]

You don't actually know what happens to men who are released and wish to continue stitching. The significant point is that while in prison they find a way of dealing with their feelings and emotions. That's good, isn't it?

[@not_ever]

"So we have two main bodies of work, the in prison work, but also the workshop in Battersea where we work with ex-prisoners, who take the kits after prison to create the pieces, to package the pieces and make them ready to sell" Does anyone else actually watch the video they comment on anymore or is it just me?

[@oscarp4328]

Fabulous

[@PS-bs8oe]

How interesting they are allowed to work with pricky needles. Trust is the keyword here.

[@bluewren65]

British prison, not an American one.

[@lauracarrolldebolt9233]

Needlepoint needles are round (blunt) tip, but could still be dangerous in determined hands.

[@lauraswan8647]

That's awesome

[@feeberizer]

Oh wow! I've heard of this before. What an asset to the community all these people are. I wonder if a similar program is here in the US. Some investigation is in order.

[@BanFamilyVlogging]

How much are they being paid?