One Thread at a Time: The Role of Textile Crafts on Well-being in Marginalized Communities

Authors

Michelle Burton, Montclair State UniversityFollow
Bianka Hausknecht, Kent State UniversityFollow
Ja-Young Hwang, Kent State UniversityFollow
Kim Hahn, Kent State UniversityFollow
Jihyun Kim-Vick, Kent State UniversityFollow

Date of this Version

2024

Document Type

Presentation

Citation

Textile Society of America 2024 Symposium

Shifts & Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles, November 12-17, 2024, a virtual event

Comments

Published by the Textiles Society of America

Copyright 2024, the author. Used by permission

Abstract

Racial injustice and social unrest have spurred support for marginalized communities, historically excluded from mainstream society's activities. Marginalized individuals may often feel powerless and experience societal discrimination and negative stereotypes resulting in diminished well-being (WB). Consequently, finding resources to promote well being in marginalized communities is paramount. One possibility is exploring the art of textile crafts (e.g., repurposing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting) to serve as a platform for rupturing exclusionary hierarchies and oppressive frameworks, fostering empowerment and community cohesion.

In this qualitative study we conducted focus groups and individual interviews to better understand the impact on marginalized communities. Participants in three focus groups discussed their subjective experiences and perceptions of textile crafts and the effects on their mental health. Participants reported experiencing joy, satisfaction, and accomplishment alongside frustration and anxiety. To provide more in-depth feedback on our initial results we also interviewed 15 women, experienced in making textile crafts, who self-identified as marginalized. Participants described a flow state experience and an emotional and expressive connection to self, cultural heritage, friends, and family while engaging in textile crafts. Despite facing challenges and barriers, such as lack of resources or societal stigma, participants expressed a desire for inclusive and supportive crafting spaces, reflecting the need to create safe environments for marginalized communities to engage in creative activities.

In sharing their experiences about textile crafts communities, participants spoke of three major areas: digital (social media), personal connections (family, friends), and local (workshops, classroom). Participants shared how engaging in TC served as a form of healing, providing a coping mechanism for stress or trauma, from health-related stress to stress experienced from transitioning from male to female. Some participants used quilting and embroidery as a form of textile advocacy (TA) to bring awareness to the experiences of various MC such as immigrants and refugees.

The data revealed engaging in textile crafts fostered a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and creativity while enhancing well being. Textile craft activities foster a shift for greater resilience and well-being and embrace uncertainty and experimentation for participants. Collaborations with communities and textile workers further explore the evolving landscape of textile craft activities within marginalized communities, emphasizing their potential for social change and environmental justice. In addition, creative interventions can thus promote holistic well-being and resilience, illuminating the positive effects of textile craft activities on mental health outcomes. Future research will investigate sustained participation in textile craft activities, their impact on overall well being, and how it can be used to connect with cultural heritage to promote understanding.