Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Layla. Layla Wonders, “How was knitting invented” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Layla!

Most Wonder Friends might already know a thing or two about graffiti. But did you know that graffiti doesn’t have to involve paint or chalk? It’s true! Street art can actually be made with…are you ready?...yarn!

What are we talking about? Yarnstorming! This new form of graffiti or street art also goes by many other names. Some call it yarn bombing. Others say it’s guerrilla knitting. Still others call it urban knitting and graffiti knitting. Instead of paint or chalk, yarnstormers use colorful knitted or crocheted yarn or fiber.

Unlike painted graffiti, yarnstorms aren’t permanent. They can easily be removed. However, they can also last for years. They add beauty that many people want to preserve.

How did yarnstorming get started? Credit goes to Magda Sayeg from Houston, Texas. In 2005, she had the idea to cover the doorknob of her boutique with a knitted cozy. That was just the start, though. Before long, she was knitting scarves and hats for statues around town.

Lauren O’Farrell from London, England, added to the practice. She developed the “stitched story.” She creates street art under the graffiti knitting name “Deadly Knitshade.” A “stitched story” uses knitted characters to tell a story or represent a theme. O’Farrell also formed London’s first graffiti knitting group, called Knit the City. 

Yarnstormers are very creative. They use yarn to decorate all sorts of public spaces. Here are a few interesting examples:

Yarnstorming has become popular all over the world. In the past, knitters and crocheters focused on functional items that individuals could wear and use. With the invention of yarnstorming, their works of art can now take on a greater role. They beautify public spaces for all to enjoy.

Would you like to try yarnstorming? What part of your town would you decorate first? By learning to knit or crochet, you could make much more than blankets and scarves. You could create works of art!


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