WORLD WIDE KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY
Every year on the second Saturday in June, World Wide Knit in Public Day encourages knitters to come together and enjoy one another’s company. It’s also a day for experienced knitters to teach others how to knit.
Knitting is a favorite hobby for many. In just one year, nearly 30 million Americans participated in knitting. Over 60 percent of these knitters gave their knit items as gifts. Some knitters donated their finished projects. Most knitters in the United States are women. However, you might be surprised to know that 29 percent of knitters are men. Another fun stat is that all age groups participate in knitting.
Besides the United States, knitting is really popular in Germany, Canada, and Iceland. Some of the most common items that people knit include:
- Handmade baskets
- Arm knitted scarves
- Baby clothes and blankets
- Children’s mittens, hats, and scarves
- Headbands and ear warmers
- Dishcloths and towels
- Small toys
- Christmas decorations
Many people knit because it’s a fun hobby. Others make money by selling their knit items at craft shows, online, and elsewhere. It’s also a great way to make handmade gifts for friends, family, and co-workers. Another wonderful benefit of knitting is that it helps to reduce stress. Knitters also enjoy the sense of community they have with fellow knitters.
HOW TO OBSERVE #KnitInPublicDay
Knitters gather together on this day to knit at parks, libraries, Farmer’s markets, coffee houses, apartment complex community rooms, and other public places. If you don’t know how to knit, find someone to teach you. It’s also possible to teach yourself by watching how-to videos. You can also read about famous people who love to knit. Some of these knitting celebrities include Vanna White, Meryl Streep, Demi Lovato, Russell Crowe, and Kate Middleton. Be sure to share this crafty day on social media with #KnitInPublicDay or #WWKIPDAY.
WORLD WIDE KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY HISTORY
Knitting enthusiast Danielle Landes began World Wide Knit in Public Day (WWKIPDAY) in 2005. Her goal was to get all the closeted knitters out into the fresh air. During the first WWKIPDAY, there were 25 events held around the world. By 2009, there were over 750 worldwide events. In 2011, Astrid Salling from Copenhagen, Denmark became the day’s organizer. Today, WWKIPDAY is the largest knitter run event in the world. Some of the countries that participate include Australia, China, Finland, Ireland, Norway, South Africa, and the United States.
DATES
11 June 2022
10 June 2023
8 June 2024
14 June 2025
13 June 2026
12 June 2027
10 June 2028
9 June 2029
8 June 2030
