Knitting & Sustainability: Ethical Questions in Focus

23/09/2025

Knitting and crochet are often seen as symbols of mindfulness, creativity, and slowing down. But behind the colorful skeins we buy in shops or online, there is more than just craft.
How is yarn produced? What wages do workers in spinning mills and dye houses receive? And what responsibility do we as makers – and I personally as the designer behind stricken-im-trend – carry when it comes to making conscious, sustainable choices?

In this article, I want to reflect with you on production conditions, fair wages, slow crafting, and the responsibility we share as part of the handcrafting community.

🏭 Yarn Production Conditions

The origin of fibers has a huge impact on their ecological and social footprint.

Natural fibers (wool, cotton, linen): Often more eco-friendly than synthetics, but not automatically fair. Animal welfare, pesticide use, and water consumption are major issues.
Synthetic yarns: Usually petroleum-based. They are easy-care but problematic in terms of environmental impact and microplastics.
Recycled yarns: An exciting option – made from old textiles or plastic bottles, they help conserve resources.

👉 In my own projects, I try to choose yarns with certifications such as GOTS or OEKO-TEX whenever possible – because it feels good to combine creativity with responsibility.

🤝 Fair Wages & Working Conditions

Many yarns are produced in countries like India, Peru, or China. Often, women work in spinning or dyeing facilities – not always under fair conditions.

Problem: Low wages, lack of social security, health risks from chemicals.
Solution: Fair-trade-certified yarns support manufacturers who pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions.

As a designer, I often ask myself: Can I inspire my customers to make more conscious choices? Because we makers have strong influence through the yarns we use and recommend.

🐢 Slow Crafting instead of Fast Fashion

Our craft doesn't know "throwaway products" – a hand-knitted scarf or crochet blanket is a true treasure. Still, awareness over consumerism matters:

Knit fewer, but higher-quality pieces.
Plan projects so leftover yarns can be used wisely.
Choose long-lasting materials instead of cheap yarns that lose shape quickly.

I personally live by slow crafting: I want to create timeless patterns that spark joy and that you'll love to wear or pass on for many years.

👩‍🎨👨‍🎨 The Responsibility of Makers

Sustainability doesn't end at yarn shopping. Every maker carries responsibility:

Awareness & exchange: Talk about sustainability in groups, share experiences and recommendations.
Passing on: Donate or upcycle old knitwear instead of discarding it.
Role model: Makers who live sustainability inspire others to follow.

For me, this means seeing myself as part of a community that can make a difference with every stitch – for more mindfulness, fairness, and connection.

💚 My Conclusion:

Knitting & sustainability are deeply connected. Choosing yarns consciously, supporting fair production, and living slow crafting are powerful contributions – for the planet, for society, and for our own creative soul. 🌍

And me? I want to do my part: as a maker, as a designer, as someone who sits at the needles with passion – and takes responsibility with every pattern I publish.

💬 Let's talk: Have you tried sustainable yarns yet?

Share your tips in our Facebook group!

#sustainableknitting #strickenimtrend #maschenmitliebe #slowcrafting #fairyarn

Next time you reach for yarn, choose with care – your stitches can do more than you think!

Yours,
Kathrin 💛

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