Nostalgic hobbies like cross-stitch and flower arranging are making a comeback

Have you got a little green-fingered lately? Perhaps you’re obsessed with cross-stitch, or maybe you’re still tending to that sourdough starter from lockdown. Well, you’re not alone.

Nostalgic hobbies like cross-stitch, flower-arranging, and watercolour painting are officially back in fashion.

New research found that arts and crafts provided people some much-needed respite and entertainment and not only that, but they’re great for our mental health, ability to learn – and, crucially, our bank balances.

The study, produced by Neutrogena to mark the skincare brand’s 50th anniversary of its Norwegian formula, involved speaking to 2000 adults.

It found that activities like sewing and model making, artisan activities like gardening and kneading dough, and outdoor hobbies like bird watching are back on trend and loved by many. 

And with over half (53%) of participants hoping to take on a new activity to get some respite from stress, and 26% saying that escapism from the strains of modern life is exactly why they love their hobby so much, it might be time for all of us to join in.

A spokesperson for Neutrogena said ‘We shouldn’t underestimate the physical and mental benefits a ‘hands-on hobby’ can bring into our lives.

‘Hobbies like sewing, painting or bird watching might sound old-fashioned, but the relaxing and rewarding nature of these pursuits clearly isn’t lost on the British public.’

The average Brit maintains three ‘active’ hobbies to fill their free time, but 76% still have room in their schedules to try something new to relieve stress and pick up a new skill.

With the amount of ‘plant mums and dads’ out there, it’s perhaps unsurprising to hear that 10% of those surveyed specifically said they would like to try their hand at growing their own food in a garden or allotment. And 9% think they would be successful at baking their own bread.

Traditional creative hobbies are also seeing a comeback, as Brits would like to take up pottery-making, calligraphy and crochet.

Almost half of those surveyed (46%) say it has become more fashionable to have a hobby, and a huge 64% want to encourage those without a hobby to find one, believing there is a pastime out there to suit everyone. In fact, 35% think the activities they do are an important part of forming their identity.

They add that, annually, the average Brit spends £215.83 and seven full days, pursuing their personal interests outside of work. But three in five are at their happiest when their hobby involves getting hands-on.

‘From our findings, we can see that maintaining a new interest doesn’t need to cost the earth or take up all of your free time for it to be beneficial to your mental health and overall happiness,’ said the spokesperson.

With these great mental health and stress benefits in mind, it’s worth picking up a crayon, camera, some ingredients, a needle and thread, or whatever else you can get your hands on, and start a creative hobby.