Happy Pride Month, y’all! As a queer maker in the knitting community, I want to recognize Pride by shedding some light and thoughts on queer knitters and fiber artists. In this blog post, we go over the gender stereotypes that exist in these spaces, the seemingly growing numbers of queer folks in the knitting and fibers community, and why we queer folks have been here (or have wanted to be here) the whole dang time. And while I, of course, am not the spokesperson for all queer people in these communities, I am excited to share these thoughts and celebrate our diverse community! So keep on reading.
Queer Knitters: A Rich History and Vibrant Presence
Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Knitting
Knitting is stereotyped as not only a “feminine” hobby, but as a hobby for older, white, and wealthy women. This stereotype has been shaped by sexist and capitalist ideologies over centuries, and if you’re interested in a deeper dive into this topic, then check out my blog post “It’s Time To Take Knitting Seriously: A Brief Art History”.
In summary, though, the craft of knitting was primarily represented by wealthy, white women up until… well, still today. And because it has been seen as a “feminine” craft, many boys and men weren’t encouraged or allowed to learn how to knit. This standpoint only strengthened the gender stereotypes in the world of knitting.
Queer Knitters Aren’t New
So gender stereotypes in knitting definitely exist, but are queer knitters new to the scene? Yes and No.
Yes, because it’s 2022 and many queer people can come out today and be their authentic selves.
And no, because there were undoubtedly queer artists in the past who were drawn to the art of fibers but weren't able to identify as a queer person. (And based on their assumed gender, they might not have been able to participate in fiber arts.)
Ultimately, queer knitters aren’t new, but there may be more queer knitters openly creating in the knitting and fibers community today. Thanks to them, they are actively shifting the gender stereotypes that have been set in place for way too long.
Why We Love Knitting: Queer Perspectives
First, let me just say that knitting is ridiculously cool. Everyone should be into it. Plain and simple. But I think there are some extra special reasons why queer people might be drawn to the art of knitting and fiber arts. Some reasons might be:
Because of the ingrained gender stereotypes that surround knitting and fiber arts. Some queer folks like to bend and reshape society’s gender expectations.
Knitting and other slow fashion practices are very anti-capitalistic and many queer people align themselves with progressive and revolutionary ideologies.
When you make your own clothes, you can make sure they fit and represent you. Being comfortable in one’s skin and wardrobe is often a high priority for LGBTQ+ people. By making your own clothes, you can tailor them to your body and also choose what colors and designs to include on them.
Click here to read 8 reasons why knitters are badass!
Again, any queer person could be drawn to knitting and fiber arts for the same reason why anyone is. However, these bullet points highlight some other reasons why they might have picked up some knitting needles.
Finding Community and Belonging
The knitting community can be such a welcoming and inclusive space. It's a place where you can be yourself, express your creativity, and connect with people who share your passion. For queer folks, finding a community like this can be especially meaningful. It's a place to find support, friendship, and a sense of belonging. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good yarn swap with their besties? 😉
Expressing Identity and Creativity
Knitting allows for so much self-expression! You can choose colors, textures, and patterns that reflect your unique personality and style. For queer folks, knitting can be a powerful way to express their identity and challenge traditional gender norms. Whether it's knitting a rainbow sweater or creating a design that celebrates their pronouns, knitting can be a form of self-affirmation and pride.
Breaking Barriers and Challenging Norms
Knitting has historically been seen as a "feminine" activity, but queer knitters are breaking down those stereotypes and showing the world that knitting is for everyone. By embracing knitting, queer folks are challenging traditional gender roles and creating a more inclusive and accepting space for all. It's about saying, "Hey, we're here, we're queer, and we're gonna knit whatever we want!"
While gender stereotypes still exist in the knitting community, this new wave of knitting is showing the world that knitting and fiber arts are truly for anyone interested. Queer knitters have been here, and they will keep showing up, this month and every month. Happy Pride, everyone!
