What is Yarn Bombing?

What is Yarn Bombing?
Yarn bombing, also called urban knitting, or knit or crochet graffiti, is an artistic expression just as traditional graffiti you might see painted on walls or subways. Somewhat less offensive than random splatters of paint, think of it as graffiti with a softer touch.

Yarn bombing knows no geographical boundaries. Fiber graffiti artists worldwide craft things out of fiber, usually knit or crochet, then attach them to something in a public place. Determined urban knitters profess they are taking part in the quest for yarn to take over the world!

What Do Fiber Graffiti Artists Create?
The sky's the limit when it comes to yarn bombing. Some urban knitters make simple things, perhaps just a rectangle of pretty colors to tie around a light pole, or a sleeve-like tube to dress up the trunk of a tree. Others might go further and crochet sneakers with their shoelaces tied to be tossed over a telephone or power line. I've seen photos of statues with rainbow colored yarn moustaches, and bikinis to cover a nude statue. My favorite is vividly colored flowers woven into a chain link fence, to appear as a lovely garden with no weeding required. Artists have wild imaginations, and creative yarn bombers are no exception.

How Do I Start Yarn Bombing?
You can certainly stitch out on your own, but if you're not sure how your fiber graffiti will be accepted, you might want to search for a yarn bombing group in your area. Some yarn bombing activities may be illegal, so make sure that your efforts to beautify your community aren't violating any trespassing or littering laws. A yarn bombing group will likely have looked into any ordinances that might apply to the practice, but if not, suggest that they do before taking part in something that may bring negative consequences.

How Do I Connect With Other Yarn Bombers?
Urban knitters are everywhere; there's even a FaceBook page for yarn bombing where you might join forces with other local graffiti artists, or just catch up on what others are doing.

I was unable to find a resource online with a list of groups, but you might try searching for various keywords relating to yarn bombing or urban knitting, along with the name of your city or state. I'll be compiling a list of groups for future publication and if you would like your group featured, please leave a comment below with your contact information.

I enjoy following this blog to learn more about yarn bombing.

Bombs away!

Source:
yarnbombing.com