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Sewing and quilting require a lot of focus, patience, and dedication. They are known to be calming, therapeutic, and fulfilling activities, and many people find themselves drawn to these crafts as a form of relaxation or creative outlet. Adding essential oils and aromatherapy to your quilting or sewing practice can help enhance this experience by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, reducing stress, improving focus, and even boosting creativity.
When you begin incorporating aromatherapy into your sewing or quilting practice, it's important to do so safely and effectively. So here are my necessary disclaimers and words of caution as a casual user with no formal training in aromatherapy: Carefully read and follow the directions for using the specific oils. Finding the right essential oils to use is just as important as knowing how to use them. Not all oils are created equal; some can be harmful if not used correctly. It is important to always dilute essential oils appropriately and read up on any potential skin sensitivities, staining risks, or contraindications before use, as those are outside the scope of this article.
Once you have selected the right essential oils, there are several ways that you can incorporate them into your quilting or sewing practice.
Diffusing Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is a form of holistic healing that uses natural essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. Using a diffuser is one of the easiest ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your quilting or sewing practice. Finding unique or fun diffusers can be part of the enjoyment of starting this adventure! They can undoubtedly add dramatic flare to your quilting and sewing space, making the experience even more enjoyable. Amazon.com is filled with many diffuser options that are as inexpensive or elaborate as you want. Those with a flaming effect are my favorites.
For those who have never used a diffuser, they release essential oil particles into the air, filling your workspace with the scent of your chosen oil. Diffusing essential oils before beginning your sewing or quilting can create a calm and inviting ambiance, preparing you for the tasks ahead.
When used in a quilting or sewing environment, essential oils can help to reduce stress and create a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Essential oils can also help promote creativity and focus, allowing the quilter or sewer to stay focused on the task.
To use essential oils for aromatherapy, add a few drops of the desired essential oil to a diffuser or oil burner as directed. This will disperse the scent throughout the room, allowing the quilter or sewer to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.
Scented Candles/Wax Melts
Scented candles are an easy and effective way to add a pleasant scent to the quilting or sewing environment. Essential oils are added to the wax to give the candle a unique scent. This can help to reduce stress and provide a calming atmosphere while quilting or sewing. Using wax melts instead of burning candles is a cleaner option that avoids the risk of burning candles in your workspace and prevents smoky smells from affecting your fabrics. While there is a considerable market for wax melts, ETSY provides many homemade options that I enjoy experimenting with.
Roll-On Oils
Roll-on essential oils are a convenient and easy way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils while quilting or sewing. The oils are contained in a small bottle with a roller ball top, allowing users to apply them to their skin easily. This can help to reduce stress and create a calming atmosphere for quilting or sewing. Again, a reminder to follow all guidelines and precautions and do skin patch testing as directed before applying any essential oils to your skin.
Scented Fabric
While this is a popular option, honestly, it is not one I recommend, but will include for those that might be interested. Essential oils can also be used to scent fabric pieces for quilting or sewing. To do this, add a few drops of the desired essential oil to a cotton ball and place it inside the fabric. Techniques for using essential oils in the laundering process might also be worth considering for those who prewash their materials before sewing. This will allow the scent to linger on the fabric, providing a pleasant and calming atmosphere for quilting or sewing. While this one can be a fun option, the risk of staining fabric with this process makes it one I would only consider after careful research and testing.
Many different essential oils can be used in your quilting or sewing practice, each with its unique properties and benefits. For instance, lavender essential oil is ideal for promoting relaxation, while peppermint essential oil can improve focus and reduce fatigue. You could also try bergamot essential oil, the mood-lifter, or lemon essential oil, known for its stress-relieving properties.
Incorporating aromatherapy into your sewing or quilting practice can help you create a beautiful, relaxing, and therapeutic atmosphere, making the experience more enjoyable and productive. I incorporate aromatherapy into any activity I can. I love it that much!
It is essential to understand the correct methods for using essential oils to experience their benefits effectively. It's always best to start with a tiny quantity and gradually work up to a scent concentration that meets your needs. Also, please ensure that you purchase high-quality essential oils, as that makes a huge difference in scent quality and safety of use.