The inspiring story of the Chinese "belly sewing sister” who sews quilts using her stomach muscles  

Tang Manxia, 42, was paralysed after an accident in 2018 and now uses a wheelchair.

For two years, she stayed in bed and struggled with her mental health, but with the help of a close friend, she slowly returned to daily life and started working again.

The two women opened a small quilt-making business in Changsha, a city in Hunan province, where Tang designs most of the quilts and also sews them herself.

Having faced a major challenge, the unavailability of sewing machines made for people like her, Tang came up with her own solution.

She attached an iron ring around her waist and connected it to the sewing machine’s foot pedal. By moving her upper body back and forth, she makes the machine work.

“I use the strength of the upper part of my body to drive the machine. My back moves back and forth, just like a toy tumbler,” she told the South China Morning Post.

After three months of practice, Tang became as skilled as other sewers who use their feet.

Her story has gained attention online, where she is known as the “belly sewing sister.” Many people praised her for her strength and creativity.

Besides running her business, Tang spends time helping others.

Over the past four years, she has repaired thousands of quilts for free for elderly people and donated hundreds more to those in need.

Tang said she hopes her story will inspire people who are going through hard times.

“When God closes a door for you, he will leave a window open. As long as we find our own way to live, we will live a brilliant life.”