Cozy room with art-covered walls. — The Southern Stitch Needlepoint store is located on Manning Place. They sell many different patterns to choose from, most hand-painted by artists. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Calling all crafters! Birmingham has a new store devoted purely to needlepoint, and it is a must-visit spot.

Located near Highland Lakes off Highway 280, The Southern Stitch Needlepoint held its soft opening Wednesday, Oct. 22.

Katie Brasfield, the owner of Southern Stitch, is a relatively new stitcher, but she fell in love with it as soon as she got started.

“My background is in web development, so I was tired of sitting on a computer all day. I was like, you know, I could try something new, and why not this? And I love Mount Laurel. I think it’s the cutest little town. It felt like a good fit, so I’m trying it out.”

Colorful threads organized on display — After picking out a pattern at The Southern Stitch, customers head to the thread room to choose the fiber and colors they will use to needlepoint. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Needlepoint is similar to cross stitch, but rather than basing designs off of a separate pattern, needlepoint patterns are printed directly on the cross stitch fabric, making it more simple to learn the craft.

The store, which also operates an online shop that’s been open for a little over a year, sells needlepoint patterns that are designed by all kinds of artists. Choices range from tiny designs for keychains to larger, more intricate artwork.

Some of the designs were Alabama inspired — such as the well-known “Go to Church or the Devil Will Get You” sign on Interstate 65, decorative outlines of the state and the state license plate design.

Colorful wall of decorative prints — Patterns available for purchase cover the walls of The Southern Stitch. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Needlepoint is an incredibly accessible craft, making it a great choice for people of a wide range of age and ability.

“My sister’s an occupational therapist, and she said that the repetitive motion of going back and forth with your hand keeps your brain healthy.

“I think it’s great for anxious people who need to do something with their hands, (instead of) sit on Instagram or whatever on their phone. It’s great. With cross stitch, you sit there and have to look and the pattern and go back and forth. You can’t really focus on anything else. But you can watch a TV show and do this.”
Katie Brasfield

Although they aren’t on the books yet, Brasfield hopes to offer classes by December so folks can come in, pick an pattern and learn how to needlepoint.

The Southern Stitch Needlepoint: 205-504-0892 | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Address: 46 Manning Place
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10AM-3PM (Open till 6PM on Thursday)

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