Craftivism: Knitting as a Form of Political Activism

In October 2025, Tracy Wright and a group of women in Portland, Oregon, initiated a series of protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Dubbed "Knitters Against Fascism," they aimed to counteract the narrative surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops by President Donald Trump, who described Portland as “war ravaged.” Armed with knitting needles and lawn chairs, the group sought to create a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants visiting the facility. Wright expressed her desire for solidarity, stating, “I didn’t want to go by myself.”

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The term "craftivism," coined by writer Betsy Greer in 2003, encapsulates the intersection of craft and activism. Historically, various crafting communities have utilized their skills to address social issues, from the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina to the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Political scientist Hahrie Han emphasizes that social movements often rely on the relationships formed within these communities, which can sustain activism during challenging times.

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Shannon Downey, an embroidery artist, discovered the potential of craft as a community organizing tool after a personal experience with gun violence. Her initial private reflections evolved into public engagement, leading to fundraising efforts that raised significant amounts for causes like Project Fire, which supports young victims of gun violence. Downey's workshops foster connections among participants, encouraging them to bond over shared crafting experiences.

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Craftivism has manifested in various forms, such as the "pussyhat" movement, which emerged during Trump's presidency as a symbol of protest. Downey's activism handbook, *Let’s Move the Needle*, encourages readers to consider their next steps in activism, whether through community engagement or fundraising. The Loose End Project exemplifies how craft communities can unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, focusing on shared humanity rather than political differences.

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Several organizations have emerged within the craftivism movement, each addressing specific social issues. Knit the Rainbow provides warm clothing for LGBTQ+ youth in New York City, while the Liberty Crochet Project created a mural protesting the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Additionally, the Danish yarn brand Knitting for Olive raised over $828,000 for UNICEF's work in Gaza, demonstrating the significant impact of community-driven fundraising efforts.

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For many fiber artists, crafting serves as a form of political resistance. Downey asserts that creating in times of chaos is inherently political, and she emphasizes the importance of joy in the process. While anger may fuel activism, she believes that building communities around shared passions makes the work sustainable and impactful.

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• “Small acts can make big change,” — Michele Lee Bernstein, Knitter and Designer

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• “Creating in a time of destruction and chaos, that is resistance in and of itself,” — Shannon Downey, Embroidery Artist

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• “Supporting people in need matters more to us than having an impressive number on our bottom line.” — Caroline Larsen, Co-owner of Knitting for Olive

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Through these initiatives, the knitting community exemplifies how craft can be a powerful medium for social change, fostering solidarity and joy while addressing pressing societal issues.

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