Events
Sewing & Knitting Clubs that Are Reinventing craft in the UK
Discover a new generation of crafters activating the slow fashion movement
by Ariel Fabbro
Photos by Immo Klink
The industrial fashion system is out of control. Moving beyond it will require a societal shift from passive consumption to active participation in clothing systems. Sewing and knitting are two ways to do this. However, these activities are often seen as hobbies limited to older generations and craft enthusiasts.
Fortunately, there are a number of groups across the UK breaking the mold of what to expect from craft. They bring an edge to craftwork that is both aesthetically on-trend and politically relevant, they are making craft cool.
Whether you have decades of experience or you’ve never threaded a needle, here are four sewing and knitting groups anyone can join. They provide communal space to share tips, learn new techniques, and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
YKWU (You can Knit with Us) by Colèchi
YKWU collaborates with different knit designers, makers and educators for each knit workshop. Colèchi launched YKWU in 2022 to encourage people to get involved in the art of producing fashion and to change preconceived ideas about who knits. At each session, they emphasize skill sharing, multigenerational learning, and making new connections. The club is open to everyone, from beginners to experts. They have a selection of donated and rescued yarns and threads for all to use, or you can bring your own materials and projects.
Sessions are usually held on the last Sunday of each month at The Lab E20 in Stratford, East London. Visit Colèchi's Eventbrite page here for the latest. Or for more info about YKWU check out their Substack.
More about Colèchi soon on the OC.M Journal...
The Knit Club by Craft Forward
Craft Forward is a non-profit in London running workshops to make arts and crafts more accessible by providing a consistent space for creativity. Their Knit Club is dedicated to knitting blankets for people experiencing homelessness in London. The club hosts relaxed workshops for knitters of all skill levels to knit or crochet squares for these blankets. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill as a first time knitter or you are a creative who wants to connect with other makers, the Knit Club is designed to be a welcoming space for all.
You can join the Knit Club at one of three locations in Stepney Greene, Brixton, and Streatham.
More about Craft Forward soon on the OC.M Journal...
Stitch'n Bitch by F*ck Fast Fashion
Stitch’n Bitch is a name that has been used for knitting groups since the 1940s. And it is what it sounds like. F*ck Fast Fashion hosts this weekly social club that doubles as a space to work on craft projects. At this club, most attendees knit, some crochet (they are called 'Happy Hookers'), and others do cross-stitching, embroidery, and other needlecraft. All skill levels are welcome, and there is a host to provide guidance if you need it. If you want to work in a social setting this is the place to bring your latest project or start something new!
You can find the club gathering Sunday afternoons at FFF Shop, located at 81 Stoke Newington Road in London. Check their Eventbrite for more details.
Monthly Material Grrrlz Club
Material Grrrlz is a digital magazine and community of fiber artists dedicated to celebrating the textile work of young women and queer people. They regularly host craft related workshops, including a monthly crafting club meetup “inspired by girlhood birthday parties”. It is designed to be a positive and encouraging community for fiber artists of all mediums.
Visit their Eventbrite for details on the next meetup and other events they host.
Street Stitching
Street Stitching is an act of gentle disruption that involves repairing garments in public areas nearby fast fashion chains. The idea is not to protest but to provide a visible example of slow fashion that encourages others to think twice about fast fashion. Street Stitching events are coordinated actions that are planned for the same day and time across multiple towns and cities.
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