Sewing and Superstition

The Supernatural Side of Stitching

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Throughout history, sewing has been more than just a craft - it has carried deep-rooted superstitions, folklore and beliefs that have shaped traditions across cultures. From warnings against stitching on Sundays to the mystical properties of certain threads, sewing has long been connected to luck, fate and even the supernatural.

Sewing on a Sunday: Inviting the Devil?

One of the most persistent sewing superstitions warns against sewing on a Sunday. In many cultures, working with a needle and thread on the day of rest was believed to invite bad luck or even the devil himself. Some traditions claimed that for every stitch sewn on a Sunday, the seamstress would have to unpick them with her nose in the afterlife! Can you imagine that? It’s hard enough to use an unpicker!

This belief likely stems from religious teachings that discouraged any form of labour on Sundays, but it was also reinforced by folklore. Some stories suggest that stitching on a Sunday could anger the spirits or gods, who might retaliate by cursing the work or the worker.

Knots and Fate: The Red Thread of Destiny

In East Asian cultures, particularly in China and Japan, the Red Thread of Fate is a common belief that suggests an invisible red thread connects those destined to meet. Some believe that sewing with red thread strengthens the bond between loved ones or ensures protection from harm.

Similarly, in some European traditions, tying knots in thread while sewing was thought to bind a person to a certain fate - whether for love, good fortune or misfortune.

Dropped Needles and Broken Threads: Signs of Bad Luck

Sewing mishaps have often been interpreted as omens. A dropped needle was believed to signify bad luck or an upcoming disappointment. If a thread broke while sewing, it was seen as a warning that the project (or even a relationship) was doomed to fail.

Some sewers also avoided threading a needle at night, as it was thought to invite misfortune or trouble into the home. Personally, I wonder if it had more to do with it being more difficult to see at night with poor lighting and failing eyesight?

Others believed that leaving a threaded needle unattended overnight allowed spirits to weave mischief into the fabric.

Gift-Giving Woes: Thimbles, Scissors, and Needles

Giving sewing tools as gifts was once considered risky business. In some traditions, gifting a thimble to an unmarried woman meant she would never marry. Likewise, giving scissors or needles could “cut” the bond between friends or family members. To counteract this, recipients would often “buy” the gift by offering a symbolic coin in return, ensuring that no ties were severed.

Stitching for Protection and Magic

Despite the superstitions warning against sewing at the wrong time or in the wrong way, sewing was also believed to have protective and magical properties. In medieval times, people stitched small protective charms into garments, such as embroidered symbols to ward off evil spirits. In some cultures, sewing a child’s name into their clothing was thought to protect them from being stolen by fairies.

Even today, some needleworkers believe that sewing with intention - whether for a loved one’s well-being or for a special occasion - can imbue the fabric with positive energy. A sentiment I hold dear.

Created with Love in Every Stitch!

Wedding Sewing Superstitions

Sewing and weddings have long been intertwined with superstition. Here are some of the most intriguing beliefs:

• The Bride Shouldn’t Sew Her Own Wedding Dress – Many traditions warn that a bride sewing her own dress will sew tears into her marriage. To counter this, some leave the last stitch undone or have someone else complete it.

• A Stitch in the Wedding Dress for Good Luck – A tiny blue stitch is sometimes sewn into the hem for the “something blue” tradition, symbolising love and fidelity.

• Sewing Hair into a Wedding Gown Brings Doom – Accidentally stitching a strand of hair into a wedding dress or veil is thought to bring sadness or early widowhood.

• Sewing a Wedding Dress Before a Proposal is Bad Luck – It was believed that making or even buying a wedding dress before a proposal would jinx the relationship.

• Never Mend a Wedding Dress After the Wedding – Some traditions say that mending a wedding dress after the ceremony can bring misfortune to the marriage, while others believe cutting up a wedding dress for another project invites bad luck.

The Thread Continues…

Superstitions surrounding sewing have persisted for centuries, weaving their way into folklore and daily life. While modern-day stitchers may no longer fear sewing on Sundays, many still carry on traditions rooted in these old beliefs, whether knowingly or not.

Do you follow any sewing superstitions, or have you encountered any unusual ones in your family or culture? Share your stories in the comments!