Window to Peace
Stitching together and making a difference
The Embroidery for Peace is taking place in Switzerland for the 12th time, following an initiative originally started by a Swedish embroidery group. The slow craft of hand embroidery stands in sharp contrast to today’s “fast-paced” society and, in particular, the production of “fast fashion,” which brings with it unprecedented waste of resources and the exploitation of human beings. Through their work, embroiderers set a signal for greater mindfulness and deceleration, showing solidarity with fellow stitchers all over the world.
Whenever a sense of powerlessness becomes palpable, the act of creating can serve as a counterpoint. Stitching, painting, sewing: those who shape something bring beauty into the world and experience their own agency.
We often perceive ourselves as consumers, observers, or those affected by events, but rarely as active creators. Yet, a vibrant democracy needs exactly that: people who experience their own effectiveness, who ask questions, take responsibility, and help shape their environment.
Creating connects inner experience with external reality. It means developing ideas and changing the world around us. To create is to change; therefore, every form of creative expression is also a political act.
The theme for this year’s Embroidery for Peace is: Window to Peace
It invites us to pause, to look closely, and to use creative means to take a stand against exclusion, oppression, and fascism.
What does your “Window to Peace” show?
A window is a connection between the interior and the exterior. It opens the gaze outwards to what is happening in the world, without looking away, and simultaneously inwards to doubt, anger, hope, and longing. A window is never neutral. It is a transition between powerlessness and action, permeable to light, air, and voices.
What does the view outside reveal, and what is seen looking in?
What passes through your window: sounds, cries, or silence?
What responsibility arises from the gaze directed outwards?
Join this peace movement
Community Stitching: Sunday, 17 May 2026, 10:00 – 16:00
Location: Zürcher Stalder AG, Gewerbestrasse 9, 3421 Lyssach
Inspiration: Visit our collection of images on the topic on our Pinterest page.
Share your work: We would be delighted if you shared your creative process or finished work on social media using the hashtag #Friedenssticken.
Exhibition: You have the opportunity to present your embroidery from 18 October to 8 November 2026 at the Kulturort Garnlager. Further exhibitions in Kappel am Albis and Luxembourg are currently being planned.
Submission: To participate, please send your embroidery by 9 October 2026 to: Zürcher Stalder AG, Gewerbestrasse 9, 3421 Lyssach, Switzerland.
Important: Please hem the finished embroidery and steam it on the reverse side on a soft surface. Kindly attach your name and address to the back of the embroidery! If you would like your work returned by post, please include a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
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We look forward to your participation and to many inspiring encounters!
