Craftivism: Make Crafts Political Again
2025 has been–rough–to say the least, and it’s hard not to feel too small to fight back. But, did you know that crafting has been and can be a vital instrument to stick it to the Man?
The most notable form of activism through craft coined ‘craftivism,’ was during the French Revolution. As a form of protest, women would knit red hats, otherwise known as Liberty Caps (you know, the mascots for the 2024 Paris Olympics?), while sitting at public executions.
During World War I, women donated an estimated one million hand-knit pairs of socks to soldiers During World War II, women in concentration camps, forced to knit the enemy’s socks, would make the heel and toes slightly tighter, causing blisters and discomfort for the soldiers.
More recently, ‘Pussyhats’ was created by a group of women participating in the 2017 Woman’s March that took the internet by storm. Just a knitted or crocheted pink hat with cat ears, this hat is a form of protest and reclamation specifically referring to President Trump’s comment about grabbing a woman. Though often seen and dismissed as feminine and domestic art, textile art and crafting can be used as powerful tools to make peaceful, poignant protests.
So what can you do?
Since money is the root of all evil, buying less is the most sustainable form of protest. Crafting is a perfect way to do just that. Instead of purchasing clothes from fast fashion brands, buy secondhand! Learning to sew allows you to upcycle the thrifted item into a trendy piece. Learn how to knit or crochet, and then make your clothes exactly to your size!
The Pachamama Project is a nonprofit that brings together craftivists worldwide. This project focuses on fighting period poverty by giving homemade, reusable pads to low-income families. It is a great beginner pattern if you are just getting into sewing. Low stakes, and high reward!
Website to learn more, or become involved: https://www.thepachamamaproject.org/
The Red Scarf Project is a project that focuses on giving foster kids handmade, red scarves. Not only does it keep the foster child warm during the winter months, but it also shows the child that they deserve something handmade specifically for them.
Website to learn more, or become involved: https://www.fc2success.org/programsmentoring-and-support/red-scarf-project/
Those are just a few ideas, but even making a sign to bring to a protest is a form of craftivism! Though it’s hard to not feel defeated with the current conditions of our country and world, every little bit of effort helps. Craftivism may not be radical or fast-moving, but it’s essential to encouraging big change.
Strike Out,
Erika Lammon, Writer