Abstract
The growing significance of needlecraft in education highlights its capacity to foster creativity and enhance employability among students. This study explores the lived experiences of junior high school students learning creative needlecraft techniques during the 2024-2025 school year. It specifically investigates the opportunities and challenges faced by students in acquiring these skills and how these factors shape their experiences. Utilizing a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, data were gathered through interviews and classroom observations at Cebu Sacred Heart Inc., Carcar Campus, involving sixteen students. Key themes emerged, including the importance of pattern–making, color experimentation, and textile innovation. Students reported that engaging in these activities allowed them to express their artistic identities, with many describing experiences as therapeutic and emotionally uplifting. However, challenges such as time constraints, complex techniques, and insufficient instructional materials were also noted, highlighting the need for more precise guidance. Respondents expressed a desire for step-by-step tutorials to aid their learning process. The study's findings suggest that with adequate support, students not only enhance their creative skills but also cultivate teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial potential, transforming classroom activities into opportunities for sustainable income. This research ultimately informs the development of tailored needlecraft learning resources.
