Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti: Tenth Anniversary Edition

by Mandy Moore, Leanne Prain

When Yarn Bombing was first published in 2009, the idea that knitted and crocheted objects could be used as a political act of resistance was brand new. Ten years and thousands of public acts of yarnarchy later, the art of knit and crochet graffiti has entered the public zeitgeist, from the "pussyhat" making the cover of Time to OLEK's crocheted bull on Wall Street symbolizing The Great Recession: a cultural phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing down.

Yarn bombing is an international guerrilla movement that started underground and is now embraced by crochet and knitting artists of all ages, nationalities, and genders. Its practitioners create stunning works of art out of yarn, then "donate" them to public spaces as part of a covert plan for world yarn domination, or fashion them into personal political statements.

Yarn Bombing the book is a wildly colorful guide to covert textile street art around the world; it also includes over 20 amazing patterns, provides tips on how to be as stealthy as a ninja, demonstrates how to orchestrate a large-scale textile project, and offers revealing information necessary to design your own yarn graffiti tags.

This tenth anniversary edition includes a new foreword by the authors and a new chapter that includes many infamous examples of yarn bombing over the past ten years.

Subversive and beguiling, this new edition of Yarn Bombing demonstrates that the phenomenon of knit and crochet graffiti is more relevant than ever, especially in these troubled times.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Crafts, Crochet, Art, Activism, Reference

294 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the interviews with yarn bombers and look at the pretty pictures; skip the self-important nattering about how to pick your yarn bomber name and how you should deal with people who "don't understand the importance" of yarn bombing -- especially since the authors don't make much of a case for it themselves.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to know how to knit or crochet to enjoy this book but you might want to learn how to by the end.

There was a sculpture set of plaster figures on an old railroad train station which was called 'Waiting for the Night Train' One winter, the stark white figures suddenly gained bright red scarfs. And for years, every winter, the statues received new scarfs. I had been exposed to yarnbombing before I even knew the phrase.

This book is stuffed with pictures, interviews with 'bombers' and members of their groups across the world, a few knit plans, and importantly, some advice about dos and don't. Cover a fire hydrant - no! Cover a parking meter - no! Cover a parking meter pole - sure! Cover a hand rail - okay. Cover a bit of a light pole - okay. Cover a bike rack rail - yep! To always be aware of the line between 'beautify' and 'hinter or restrict accessibility' especially with items needed to keep us safe.

Otherwise, there is really no real restriction on what can be yarnbombed and there are pictured examples - the huge pink tank cosy (yes, they covered a tank), covered a full-size bus, a colorful sweater for a rock on the beach, a tiny knit mushroom along a walkway in the woods, legwarmers on a metal deer.

By the end of the book you're likely going to have three reactions -
1) Why are these people wasting their time and resources when they could be creating hats and scarfs for the homeless and poor. 2) That's nice and it'll look nice on the coffee-table. And 3) you want to rush out and join/start a group yourself but please heed their advice about dealing with police, security people and watchers asking what you're doing.

[jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife was suspicious of this book when I picked it up from the library. Since we live someplace that is so rainy, yarn bombing sounds like a pretty bad idea. However, some of these knitters live in Vancouver, which is pretty rainy too. I think acrylic yarn would hold up well enough even to our weather, and if you used a natural fiber, it would biodegrade (eventually) even if it didn't hold up as well to the elements. Whether you become a knitting graffiti artist after reading this book or not, it's exciting to see photos of the various styles yarn bombing. Even if i never crochet a single tag in my life, I will always love the idea of monster feet on a postal box. There's something adorable about yarn graffiti. I like it when sharp corners and edges and rocks and trees have sweaters on them. It's unexpected and charming, and it made me want to crochet a doily sweater for a tree.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book, full of beautifully-shot photos for inspiration. Though I don't much see the point in the few detailed 'patterns' for creating what is such an individual 'art'. The photos themselves were enough inspiration for me, without needing patterns.

The latter part of the book gets into some really LARGE projects and ideas, which are beyond my interests.

The authors also went over-long into how to gather a crew, how to name it, and how they're just 'so misunderstood' (my paraphrase). It's urban art. To my thinking, there isn't much reason behind it aside from beauty, spreading joy, and feeling a little bit deviant.

[Bron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with this idea! I feel really inspired and excited by the whole concept. I originally borrowed this book from my local library but I enjoyed it so much I've ordered my own copy from an online store. In the meantime I've started planning ideas for yarn bombing in my suburb! :D

[Antony Kuzmicich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whatever happened to yarn-bombing? It seemed to have its moment in the mid to late 2000s but then fizzled out as quickly as it came.

Apparently this book is The Bible on the subject and I thought my daughter might find it interesting since she is super into crocheting.

I skimmed through the book. It is definitely well written, has inspiring photos and does a good job of explaining some of the background philosophy behind the movement - which is surprisingly deep.

Maybe yarn-bombing will come back some day? It seems like an under appreciated form of street art.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a latent fascination with yarn bombing but lack the guts to try it myself....yet. I loved reading these ideas for tasteful outdoor decorating with knit and crochet creations. Thinking of decorating my Japanese cherry tree with pink blossoms next winter!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read - lots of ideas, opinions, and even some patterns. I’ve got to admire the folks with the ambition to see some of these fantastic yarn bombing projects through. Definitely a good way to make the world a brighter place.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read! Enjoyed seeing the different works created by different knit graffiti artists. Unsure if I will take up this practice myself or not, but interesting to read about and see images of really impressive work.

[Sayraphim Lothian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, loved learning about graffiti knitting in all it's forms and looking at all the beautiful patterns - looking forward to making my won yarn-bomby changes in the world!

[Krysta Halye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical, colorful, and informative

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun stuff.

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love. Gave me tons of ideas. I have only tagged a bike rack on my block in Chicago, but I have my eyes on more projects (and creative ones, with shapes, characters, and patterns).

[Mcvalens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Street art at its finest. I have seen trees wrapped in yarn and they are such fun.

[Shannon Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of critique through creativity like this. Gotta get out my needles again! Beautiful and inspirational. As expected, a lot of the website suggestions are no longer active.

[mars_like_the_planet · Rating 4 out of 5]

let’s wrap some shit in yarn bitches

[Haley Mathiot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yarn Bombing—the art of crochet and knit graffiti by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain
Genre: craft/art
Rating: 4/5

Yarn Bombing is an extremely inspirational and creative book. It got my knitting juices flowing and made my hands itch for the needles when I saw pictures of colorful yarn knit into… beautiful graffiti?

Yes, yarn graffiti. Yarn Bombing is a rather large thing in big cities and even other countries where knitting is prominent, especially Sweden (see links below).

Yarn Bombing has many fantastic pictures, ideas for bombing, some basics for getting started, points and tips, advice on what to say if you get caught in the act (either by passer-bys or police), interviews with yarn bombers, and some patterns.

Here is my favorite pattern:
this pattern is for chain-link fence weave:
1. Cast On 12.
2. Open a bottle of wine.
3. Knit every row until sober.
4. Bind off
5. Repeat 1-4 seven more times…

I find this hilarious, though some people who aren’t knitters may not. By the way, the real pattern for the chain link fence weave is written in the book right under that ;)

There are patterns in the book for knitting items for yourself, such as arm warmers, hoods that cover your whole face except your eyes (so you can be a ninja-yarn-bomber!) sweaters, and some other stuff. Some of the bombing patterns include treesweaters, knit tulips and mushrooms, Knit sneakers to hang over wires, Bolo balls, Elf Stockings, and more.

I give it a 4/5 because, considering that graffiti is illegal and I’m perusing Criminology… let’s just say that I’m being gracious.(and I’m actually considering giving this a try… I’ll keep you posted on that one ;). Also, it was laid out a little odd and it was a bit hard to find some things. Lastly it didn’t have quite as many patterns as I expected. But, all in all, it was an awesome craft book!

Recommendation: knitters and Crocheters of any age, anyone interested in graffiti or contemporary art.

Here are some links to some yarn-bombers that you should check out, there are tons more! Follow the links you find on their blogs and explore the yarn-bombing community.

[Cheryl Gatling]

I picked this book up because it looked fun, and it is fun. Yarn bombing is knitting or crocheting "sweaters" (the book calls them "tags") to decorate lamp posts, trees, fences, or statues, any public site. The book is filled with photographs from all over the world, from projects as small as a knitted finger cot for a statue's hand to as large as a cover for a bus. The book makes a great deal of the subversive nature of yarn bombing, making a statement about adding a personal touch to our soulless urban environment, and using socially devalued female handicrafts to make a statement, but I don't care about any of that. I just like the bright colors, and that little surprise. In the city of Syracuse, where I live, the white statues that stand on the abandoned train station are decorated each year by red scarves, and everyone loves them. A few years ago, an old gas station, pumps and all, was decorated in knit and crochet graffiti, and it wasn't an act of vandalism at all. The artists went through channels, and got permission, so I thought the sections of the book on how to sneak around and avoid detection, how to choose a code name for your group and write a manifesto were a bit overdone. The best part of the book was the many photographs, and interviews with some of the pioneering yarn bombing groups (Knitta, Masquerade, The Ladies Fancywork Society, and others), and lists of websites of others, where you can go to see other photos and chat, and learn more. I skipped over the patterns for clothes to make while tagging, but the patterns for various tagging projects were good. This book is absolutely inspiring, and I have no doubt that there will be an explosion of sweaters on poles and bike racks wherever it is read.

[Sonia Mcintosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the area where I live yarn bombing is becoming quite popular. Fences, bike racks, poles, parking meters and trees are all being decorated by yarn graffiti. It has even come to the attention of the local newspaper. Being an occasional knitter, and having some extra time up my sleeve the idea of beautifying the council with knitted handiwork is appealing.
Yarn Bombing by Mandy Moore and Leanne Prain is just what I need to get some inspiration and get started. Like regular paint graffiti, yarn graffiti has different purposes from activism, to tagging and decoration and this book gives lots of examples of these purposes. The book includes interviews with prolific yarn bombers, their reasons for engaging in yarn art and their styles of graffiti.
For me the most important part is how to get a crew together and take my yarn into the street. There is a chapter on how to decide on patterns, measuring your tagging targets, attaching your yarn and what to do if you are caught! Although patterns and tags differ depending on your target the book gives loads of patterns. There are patterns for basic rectangular tags for those new to knitting/crocheting or new to yarn graffiti and they progress to master tagging patterns such as hanging shoes (as seen on the cover) to mushrooms and elf stockings.
The book is full of colourful photographic examples of yarn graffiti to inspire creativity and appreciation of this art form and I can't wait to get started. 8/10

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a little gem, a fun and interesting introduction to the world of yarn bombing, or knit graffiti, or installation art. This book describes the history and evolution of this cultural phenomenon, and introduces us to some of the artists at the epicenter. I loved all the pictures, and the interviews, and even the patterns, although the patterns were really secondary. I think the patterns were more an effort to reach beginners than the primary goal of the book, and it was reiterated frequently that everything was meant as a springboard for the knitter's imagination.

By far my favorite chapter was the last one, the big ideas chapter, where people covered tanks and freeway overpasses and used cranes and giant knitting needles. Very exciting, and I love installation art, and public art pieces of all kinds.

Overall, it was just the tiniest tad too long (I confess I didn't read the penultimate chapter), and I would have liked to see photo credits for all of the photos, or none of the photos, but there were a bunch in the beginning and none at the end. The patterns were cool, the ideas endless, and it was really a surprise at how much material was there for really such a simple concept. I recommend.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun book for fans of street art in addition to knitters. It does not skimp on the photos, showing many examples of knit graffiti and related knit and crochet art projects around the world. Several yarn bombing artists and groups are interviewed in the group and provide inspiration for other interested in yarn bombing. It is very thoroughly researched nicely designed. As with books I have read on guerrilla gardening, this book had perhaps a bit too much how-to information for my liking. Some of the practical ideas were good, and the knitting patterns for stealth clothing were a fun addition to the book, but the inclusion of so many patterns for knit graffiti seemed a bit strange. Would you include step-by-step instructions to re-create the work of specific artists in a graffiti art book? It confuses the message of calling yarn bombing an art - why not let the photos and interviews speak for themselves and inspire others to create their own work rather than copying someone else's.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has pretty pictures, some nice patterns, and good interviews. It has one of the better cardigan designs I've seen. There is a wonderful sense of humor throughout the book - even in the pattern instructions. It's a library rental I'll probably go out an purchase.


My only caveat is that it ignores a lot of the issues of class appropriation happening in knit graffiti (which some people did bring up when they saw me reading this). I don't think it's wrong to yarn bomb. I've been considering starting. It's just that it gives a history of graffiti that treats it (and all street art), transcending issues of institutionalized racial and class oppression. I realize that Moore and Prain have fielded similar questions and that perhaps this topic would grate against the light-hearted tone of the book. In its defense, the book does bring up some wonderful ways knitting and crocheting have been used for political protest.

[Katie King]

I am using this in my Women, Art and Culture class.

Like many things about it, and about its discussions of street art especially.

Love the artists included! The web stuff is excellent too.

Am slightly taken aback by the commercialism of it? is that the right word? or maybe it just shows how narrow my range of act activisms is, or radical action, or feminisms. I would like to understand this aspect better. And perhaps I am not smart enough about commercial success and also about how to include people who might not otherwise find street art exciting!

[Mortira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I'm not a knitter, I can't imagine a more enjoyable book. Yarn Bombing chronicles the history of street art, graffiti, knitting and crochet, and the sudden and fantastic merging of the genres into a modern art form. Following this in depth look at the world of tagging with string, readers are treated to fantastic instruction, patterns and inspiration for joining the movement. Novice crafters will need to go elsewhere for knitting and crochet basics, but everything else you need to tag your neighborhood is here, including hundreds of gorgeous photographs to inspire.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I don't expect to get caught up in the fiber graffiti craze anytime soon, this was a fun book with lots of great photos of a large variety of yarn bombing projects from simple swatches wrapped around poles to oversize landscape-filling or tank-covering endeavors. Includes a good how-to section (knitted sneakers that you can throw over telephone lines?) and interviews with participants in the movement. OK, I skimmed more than read because really all you need to do is look at the pictures :)

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading how yarn bombing came about, I am not so certain I would go out and put something I worked so hard on something where people would take it and destroy it because they don't like it, but I would be interested in making a sweater for my tree out front...it is looking a little cold some days. I would also love to make some elf shoes to hang in my trees, So I would have fun putting these things in my yard. Now to start planning.

[reading is my hustle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yarn domination!

All over the place yarn graffiti artists are leaving their art around trees, chain link fences, parking meters, and the like. Some yarn artists tag street lights and others public monuments. Some yarn art is political (The Pink M.24 Chaffee) while other rather cheeky (like Chelsea Gunn's "Monster Feet").

Best of all- yarn graffiti is unexpected and fun.

Read this book for inspiration and pick up your needles (or hooks) stat!

[Joshua Gage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the idea of this text, and it explores the culture of Yarn Bombing quite well. However, while it's certainly fun, the very concept of yarn bombing seems wasteful to me, as there are so many better things one can make/do with the yarn (blankets for the homeless, hats and gloves for women's shelters, etc.). I like the concept, the idea to make crochet and knitting somehow rebellious, but I also find myself questioning it.

[christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Shane the term itself has an irritating quality, but I am an unapologetic fan,none the less.

I prefer to think of it in the growing movement is what I know think of as Fancyfying! Fancyfying combines all impulses to decorate the world around us, for no other reason than the satisfaction of doing so!

Fancyfye somewhere near you soon.

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

prain's first award winning, sort of how-to but more so art and creativity book. very inspiring, expect for the stupid cover. white people going ghetto is just blah/ . here second award winning book is the "hoopla" Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery