Why crafting is inherently feminist

I knit because I like to. Because it gives my pleasure. A sense of accomplishment. Peace of mind. But what about the further societal implications or aspects? Do they play a role? Even if I don’t think about them consciously when I pick up my project, what impact do they have?

In the time of our grandparents, knitting (and sewing for that matter) was a matter of necessity. They sewed new clothes, mended broken pieces and altered pieces to fit because they had to. And this work more often than not fell to the women of the household, who were traditionally responsible for the home and the well-being of everyone inside of it. So, whether the women enjoyed it or not, they had to learn skills like sewing, knitting and mending.

So, these activities were considered “traditionally feminine” – oh god, how I hate this phrase!

But of course, like with anything you are forced to do but don’t enjoy, you start disliking it. And our mothers grew up in households, where their mothers did these activities begrudgingly. 

Couple that with achievements of feminism, such as women’s push into the labour markets, wide availability of contraception and stronger emancipation in general, it is no surprise that “traditionally feminine” activities were outsourced to trades(wo)men, not picked up and simply not passed on. 

Nowadays, it’s different though. We grew up with more time to play. We were encouraged to express ourselves creatively. And we learned to create arts and crafts. (Sidenote: At least as girls we did.)

I cannot tell you, for example, how many creative outlets and projects I have tried out and failed at. There was painting and drawing of course. Multiple efforts at jewelry making. Furniture upcycling, anyone else? After sewing classes and many unsuccessful attempts at dressmaking in my teens, it was a global pandemic when I finally found what really stuck: knitting and sewing. 

For our generation, creativity is a goal in itself. Being “creative” has positive connotations when describing a person. While some might still regard creative pursuits as a waste of time, the majority nowadays sees the great value in having at least one creative outlet. 

Especially in the last ten years or so, I see a slight move away from capitalism and the “buy more, buy cheap, always available culture”. Sustainability has come to the fore a lot more, as has slow living and the rediscovery of “old” practices, such as knitting, sourdough baking or simply unplugging from our phones.

What has stayed with us – or is it actually a reaction to a time where capitalist society made us all buy the same things? – is individuality. Making our own clothes gives us opportunity to express our individuality in a way store-brought items from global retailers simply do not. Pairing the right yarn or fabric with the right pattern may be one of the hardest things for beginners, but it is also the most satisfying aspect in order to bring your vision to life. 

Clothes give us opportunity to express ourselves. But making our own clothes? The expression knows no bounds. It’s giving confidence. It’s learning new skills. It’s expressing and ultimately finding yourself. 

But how does this all tie in with feminism? Feminism is the equality of men and women, and for me, feminism is also the opportunity to take “traditionally feminine” tasks or traits that were (and are?) considered inferior and making them my own. Feminism gives me the freedom to live by rules I make for myself rather than gender norms dictated by society.

And so, reclaiming these “traditionally feminine” tasks (which actually are forms of art) is a feminist move in itself. 

Therefore, next time I pick up my needles and yarn, I will enjoy the pleasure, sense of accomplishment and peace of mind I derive from it. But I will also revel in the fact that this activity, benefits the generations of women (and men) coming after me. Full gender equality may not have been achieved yet, but if I can contribute to the goal even in the slightest, it brings me even greater joy.