Stories in the Cloth: Art Therapy and Narrative Textiles

Abstract

In this article I weave together the relevance of narrative textile work in therapeutic and human rights contexts; showcase Common Threads, an international nonprofit that uses story cloths with survivors of gender-based violence; outline a master's level art therapy course in story cloths; and relate how textiles helped build a sibling relationship. Although seemingly unrelated, these elements are tied together within the context of culture, time, and purpose, shown in the article through stories and mythology, current practices, and personal experience. Art therapists and other mental health practitioners are increasingly using sewing as a medium, particularly in places where it is culturally relevant, to help people tell their stories graphically. Though art therapists may use textiles and fabric in practice, little is found in the art therapy literature that addresses textile work with trauma survivors. Similar to traditional art therapy groups and open studio, making story cloths in community provides connection with others and an opportunity to create, process, and cope with traumatic events.