Crafting for Activism - Knitting & Crochet Patterns – Global Backyard Industries

As the latest political events are rocking our world (and not in a good way), I'm taking a look at patterns and resources for those who want to take action. Creating an item that makes a statement might help channel some of your rage into something constructive. At the very least, it will keep you occupied for a bit.

Oh, and we share a good book and a link to a great "craftivism" website after the patterns, too.

Fumin' Womb knitting pattern, by Anna Hrachovec

This adorable knitted pin is resonating with us. The free pattern is a winner, and we appreciate this perspective: "As serious as this struggle is, sometimes you need a break. And you may find, like I did, that embroidering a tiny angry face onto your pissed off uterus is quite satisfying!," said designer Hrachovec. Yes, we might indeed.

The Feminist Holiday Sweater - knitting pattern, by Knitting Glitter

Yes, well, goals. Cute sweater pattern that seems...appropriate...though clearly, er, still a work-in-progress.

GRL PWR Wall Hanging, knitting pattern, by Lauren Aston Designs

This cute, free knitting pattern was created to celebrate International Women’s Day. (Interested in more wall hanging patterns in general? Check out our blog post wall hanging pattern round-up).

Loud and Proud sweater - knitting pattern, by Sally Melville

We like this sweater.

Maybe you'd like to knit this, wear it, and then slap our Loud & Proud sticker on your water bottle, too. Just to underscore your point.

Cat Keychain Amigurumi - crochet pattern, by Mariska Vos-Bolman

Fancy yourself a cat lady? This keychain might be just the thing to take your mind off while you create something cute. Heck, make 'em for your friends, too. Pattern designer Vos-Bolman even provides a video how-to.

You might like our Cat Lady sticker, too.

Pride Heart Keychains Amigurumi - crochet pattern, by Julia Simpson

Pick your flag and do a quick crochet keychain project: for you, for your bestie, for showing ally-ship...the world needs signs of love and inclusion.

Feminist Star Wars Hat - knitting pattern, by Abigail Tyrell

This star wars hat pattern pretty much speaks for itself, no?

Roe 1973 Hat - knitting pattern, by Craftivist

A free knitting pattern specifically in regards to the Roe vs. Wade situation: it's called the Roe 1973 Hat, which emblazons the date it originally became settled law (1973). In the before-times.

The PussyHat Project - knitting pattern, by Kat Coyle

Perhaps the most famous knitting pattern of the last few years is the now-iconic PussyHat Project, a knitted pink hat with cat ears put out by designer Kat Coyle and made and worn by half-a-million women at the Washington, DC protests after the 2016 election.

Pussyhat - crochet pattern, by Brittany Harrell

This crochet pattern by Brittany Harrell was also created in support of the historic Women's March on Washington in 2016.

Piece de Resistance Mittens - knitting pattern, by Bristol Ivy

This mitten knitting pattern by Bristol Ivy donates pattern funds to a number of rotating agencies that work to make life better for people.

The Yarnmaid's Tale - knitting pattern, by Heather Boyd

Designer Heather Boyd has created this scarf knitting pattern with a secret hood as an homage to the Handmaid Tale television show. Perhaps a good accessory for some activities you might be involved in soon?

The Uterus Drawstring Bag - crochet pattern, by Pia Thadani

This drawstring bag crochet pattern designed by Pia Thadani makes a statement. Of it, she says: "What you put into it and when you take it out are nobody else’s business. Store whatever you like in your uterus drawstring bag, and for as long as you like." Well said, Thadani.

LGBTQ+Equality Shawl - knitting pattern, by Craftivist

This LGBTQ+ Equality shawl knitting pattern by NYCraft Craftivist combines both the colorful rainbow of the LGBTQ flag, along with the lesser known trans flag colors.

Other Resources for Crafty Action

If you want to make your thoughts known to your local Senators, which I encourage, you can find their phone numbers online here.

A wonderful book I've been reading that delves into the history of knitting, which includes knitting used by spies in WWII, yarn-bombing and more, is titled The Power of Knitting (note: affiliate link), by Loretta Napoleoni.

It is worth your time. You can buy it at the link or you can likely check it out from your local library.

For general "do something" assistance, there are some great craft-based projects from Sarah Corbett, activist, author and founder of the Craftivist Collective, a group whose goal is to provide a gentle path to activism. You can learn more by reading their manifesto here.

Do you have other suggestions for taking some Craftivism action? Maybe some favorite knitting or crochet patterns that fit in here? Please share in the comments.

Want some yarn to start a project? Maybe our Cherry Blossom, perhaps Pretty in Pink, or a Neon Nights mini-skein set. You also might appreciate our new original stickers about female empowerment.