Fibre Arts as Political Expression: A 20th Century History of Protest, Art and Social Change | Yarn in Activism

Fibre arts, such as knitting, crochet, embroidery and weaving, have long served as a form of creative expression. But what’s often overlooked is their history as a medium of protest, a means to challenge the status quo and a tool for social change. Whether used to create solidarity, tell a story or fight back against injustice, fibre arts have provided a unique way to communicate when words and actions fall short.

In this article, we’ll explore how fibre arts have shaped social movements, highlighted political issues and served as both personal and communal acts of resistance. And, ultimately, we’ll show you how engaging in these crafts can be a political act in itself. Let's explore a history of yarn in activism.

The Political Power of Knitting and Crochet | A History of Yarn in Activism

A Silent But Powerful Protest

It may seem like a simple craft, but knitting and crochet have carried a weighty political message throughout history. The hands that turn yarn into something tangible can also challenge oppression, spark conversations and foster community. What, in recent years, has been viewed as a domestic, feminine activity is actually rooted in a history of resistance and activism.

Many people are unaware of how political the simple act of knitting or crocheting can be. Whether creating banners for protest or simply wearing a piece of clothing that has symbolic meaning, these crafts offer a space for social engagement and political resistance.

20th Century and Modern Day Examples of Yarn in Politics

While fibre arts have had a political history for centuries, let's have a look at a few examples from the 20th Century and modern day movements.

The Suffragette Movement: Knitting for Women’s Rights

Context: The early 20th century saw women fighting for the right to vote, and they used knitting to support their cause. The suffragists in both the UK and the US often wore knitted garments in suffrage colours (purple, white and green), with these garments serving as symbols of their political beliefs.

Fibre Arts as Protest: During rallies and protests, women used knitting as a form of protest. They would knit in public spaces, drawing attention to their cause without saying a word. Knitted scarves and garments were worn to visibly declare solidarity. Knitting wasn’t just about crafting; it was about communicating a message.

Example: Miss Helen Hill, who oversaw the 27th Assembly District of the Woman Suffrage Party in New York City, spearheaded the initiative to knit 3,560 garments for the battleship Missouri. The suffragists committed to 73,491,216 stitches, calculated from the estimated stitches required for sweaters, scarves, wristlets and helmets. Miss Hill remarked on their knitting output:

“Well, these are the women who helped get the signatures of more than 500,000 women of New York City who want to vote, women who did not let the grass grow under their feet until they had performed that arduous task are not likely to stop at a little thing like knitting winter garments for 712 sailor boys.”

Impact: These acts of crafting became a quiet but powerful form of resistance. The women didn’t just use fibre arts to wear their beliefs; they showed how art and activism can work hand-in-hand. The suffragists knew the value of both making and saying, using their crafts to support the fight for women’s rights.

Tapestry in Chilean Resistance: Crafting Against Oppression

Context: During the regime of Augusto Pinochet in Chile, women played a vital role in resistance efforts. Apilleras, tapestries depicting atrocities being carried out by the government, became a symbol of protest in a way that was both defiant and protective against the dictatorship of Pinochet, a rule characterised by years of human rights violations.

Fibre Arts as Protest: Chilean women participated in church-led workshops, teaching the women on how to use their craft to depict their experiences of living under Pinochet's regime. Artistic expression was subject to a level of censorship with arpilleras being confiscated if found by government representatives. The craft of the women protesting became a visual representation of resistance, a message that could not be easily silenced by the regime.

Impact: Through their fibre craft, these women created a space where they could unite, despite oppressive forces. These arpilleras were a gentle but persistent resistance, documenting the trauma suffered by women, especially those from poor or working class families, showing the power of crafts in maintaining morale and unity during times of government oppression. Through the Catholic Church's network, these arpilleras were able to be snuck out of the country, alerting others around the world to the suffering of Chilean women.

Image credit: C P

The 21st Century Rise of Craftivism

Context: In more recent times, the emergence of 'craftivism' has seen a surge of political engagement through creative expression. This movement involves using craft as a form of protest, social change and political action. Through knitting, embroidery and other fibre arts, people use their skills to address social and political issues.

Fibre Arts in Modern Activism: After the election of Trump in 2016, Kat Coyle designed the Pussyhat knitted beanie to support the Pussyhat movement, led at the time by Jayna Zweiman and Krista Suh. Women all over the United States and all over the world knitted these beanies in protest to Trump's attitude towards women. On Ravelry, an online yarn craft website, over 160,000 individual projects of the Pussyhat have been recorded.

Impact: These modern-day acts of creative activism highlight the power of craft in social change. By transforming something as simple as yarn into a medium for expression, craftivism continues to inspire people worldwide to take action.

The Return to ‘Grandmacore’: Nostalgia Meets Sustainability

Context: In recent years, there’s been a return to traditional crafts, particularly knitting and crochet, as people embrace the 'Grandmacore' trend. This movement celebrates the nostalgia of past generations, embracing the charm of vintage aesthetics, handmade items and the personal touch that comes with creating something by hand.

Fibre Arts in Modern Activism: The return to old-school crafts like knitting, crochet, weaving and embroidery is more than just about personal enjoyment. It’s part of a broader societal shift towards slow living, mindfulness and sustainability, which ties in with political values of reducing consumption, minimising waste, embracing self-sufficiency and rejecting modern-day consumerism.

Impact: As people turn back to making, mending and upcycling, they’re also reclaiming ownership of their resources, skills and values. In a world dominated by fast fashion and disposable goods, the simple act of creating with your hands becomes a form of political resistance, challenging consumerism and promoting sustainability.

The Political Artistry of Fibre Arts Today

Fibre arts remain an important avenue for political expression. From creating protest banners to knitting with purpose, these crafts offer a unique and tangible way to make a statement. Whether it’s empowering women, resisting oppressive regimes or supporting sustainability, fibre arts have proven time and again to be a powerful tool in advocating for change.

If you’re looking for a creative way to engage in political activism, fibre arts might just be the medium you’ve been looking for. They provide a space for you to combine creativity, craftsmanship and a desire to see change in the world.

You don’t need to be a professional artist or a skilled crafter to start using fibre arts as a political tool. Whether you’re knitting for charity, participating in a yarn bombing project or simply making your own statement through craft, you can help make a difference. The act of creating has always been tied to activism, and now more than ever, it’s a way to stand up and be heard.

The impact of fibre arts as a political tool is undeniable. It’s a long-standing tradition that has been used to challenge, resist and speak out against injustice. From suffragists to modern-day activists, these crafts have empowered individuals to communicate their beliefs in powerful ways.

As we continue to face political and social challenges, it’s clear that fibre arts will remain an important means of expression. So, whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, pick up that knitting needle or crochet hook and join the conversation. You have the power to create change with your hands.

Ready to use your crafting skills to create change? Start small or get involved with a local project. Share your thoughts, ideas or projects with me, and let’s continue weaving the fabric of activism together.

Find out more information about the transformative power of yarn crafts by visiting www.yarnshow.com.au or www.fancyyarns.com.au