The Art Of Yarn Bombing

Whether you consider it a beautiful art-form or mischievous graffiti, yarn bombing has become common around Europe, North America and Australia. One thing yarn bombing does do is attract attention, and when done with care, it could raise a smile and brighten somebody’s day.

Reclaiming the personality of dreary urban areas is part of the inspiration behind many yarn bombs. The fine art of yarn bombing is using colour to brighten up areas of bleak depression, and even mending areas in disrepair. Some certainly match the artistic creativity of graffiti, such as this beautiful piece in Dubai of a young girl being lifted into the sky by balloons.

Yarn bombing in Dubai

However, often there is more meaning behind each yarn bomb. Certainly, such is the power of art, politics and activism become the influence of its symbolism. The Knitting Nannas in Australia have definitely been inspired by political situations in their art pieces, and have yarn bombed in protest of the increased mining of gas in agricultural areas.

Knitting Nannas on protest

Perhaps one of the strongest political knitting movements began in Italy. It’s known as ‘Mettiamoci una pezza’ and campaigns to highlight the problems with their own institutions. Such knitting movements are capable of inspiring a large number of people, with this particular one gathering 6000 people from across the world.

Mettiamoci una pezza

Obviously, such movements pose risks and it’s recommended to seek permission before you start yarn bombing in an area. In free societies, getting permission shouldn’t be too much of an issue, with the authorities likely to carry out relevant health and safety checks before you pursue your artistic desires.
Now that you have motivation and inspiration to knit and crochet, challenge yourself to yarn bomb in the streets of your hometown. Just remember to not break the law while you’re doing it!

Yarn bombing a bus

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