Yarn Bombing: A Global Graffiti Phenomenon

I’ve got another trend alert for you today, and this time, it’s a form of beautifully artistic vandalism, art or graffiti (whichever description you prefer) called yarn bombing. I remember reading an article about this a few years ago, but it’s definitely becoming more popular now. Yarn bombing can be found in cities all over the world.

Just last week in an article called Graffiti’s Cozy Feminine Side, the New York Times read, “Yarn bombing takes that most matronly craft (knitting) and the most maternal of gestures (wrapping something cold in a warm blanket) and transfers it to the concrete and steel wilds of urban streetscape.” I think it’s refreshing to see graffiti art created from something other than paint or chalk, and since yarn can be easily removed, it’s not as damaging to whatever surface it’s placed on.

There is just something about this softer side of graffiti tagging that I really like. Whether it’s on a telephone pole, park bench, tree branch, mailbox, fence, it doesn’t matter, I think it looks nice and adds a little personality to an otherwise dull space. Yarn bombers everywhere are completely changing the perception we have of knitting. It’s no longer only a quiet, introverted, introspective craft for loners and old ladies. Knitting is suddenly cool!

Image Credits: [Jafa Girls] [Altared Spaces] [Serendipity]