Craftivism  

“She spins her plot to undo the knot” 

Craftivism is a form of activism, typically incorporating elements of anti-capitalism, environmentalism or third-wave feminism, that is centered around practices of craft - most notably knitting. Practitioners are known as craftivists. 

The term craftivism was coined by writer Betsy Greer (2003) in order to join the separate spheres of craft and activism.  Ms. Greer defines craftivism as “a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper & your quest for justice more infinite”. 

The word craft is often associated with trickery.   To call someone crafty is to identify them as clever and cunning. In Greek, one would say to “spin” a plot. Similarly, the French word for trick is tricoter, which means to tie or knot together.  

Most forms of craftivism identify strongly with the Third-Wave Feminism movement. They use the language of choice, and the freedom to pursue whatever life interest they desire. Unlike their mothers’ generation of Second-Wave feminism, who rejected all things associated with the home, Third-Wave feminists are reclaiming knitting, sewing, and other crafting activities traditionally feminized and associated with the private sphere. Through this reclamation, contemporary women want to reconnect with the female-dominated art, to legitimatize the importance of undervalued craft, and to show that 21st century women have the privilege to express themselves through craft, thanks to the hard work of the Second-Wave feminists. 

Feminine craftwork did not receive the same respect as male-dominated activity in the public sphere.  The Third Wave feminist crafters embraced a new perspective of domestic arts as a means break away from a perceived subservient patriarchy. 

This act of resistance is expressed through public knitting and craft circles. One example would be the Anarchist Knitting Mob who held a "Massive Knit" event in Washington Square Park to honor the death of activist and urbanist Jane Jacobs. Knitters decorated the trees, benches, and light posts with colorful yarn and unique patterns. 

In the spring of 2009, an online debate began over the definition of craftivism. The debate spread after the self-titled Craftivism team on Etsy (www.etsy.com) had an inner-group argument about the political affiliation of its members, causing some members to leave the group.  

The original description of the group states, "The Etsy Craftivism Team is a team of progressive Etsyans who believe that craft and art can change the world. Some of us use our work to carry messages of protest and political activism. Others believe that the act of making craft can be an act of resistance. Still others see that by buying and selling directly from the maker we are challenging the all pervasive corporate culture that promotes profit over people." 

Conservative members accused the group of assuming a liberal agenda, and argued that politics should not be involved. Some members of the group felt that the mere act of crafting itself was political, while others felt that the act must also be attached to a political message. Rayna Fahey from Radical Cross Stitch replied to a thread stating “Personally if a John McCain supporter joined this group and told me that my latest piece in support of indigenous sovereignty was a well-made piece that serves the purpose for which it was designed well, I’d think that was awesome and I’d have hope for the future of this world.”. In contrast, craftivist Betsy Greer believes that "the personal is political," and that you cannot separate the two.