Yarn Bombing – Street Art in Stitches

02/08/2025

Wool meets rebellion!
Yarn Bombing – also known as knit graffiti – is colorful street art, stitched instead of sprayed. Trees, lamp posts, benches or bike racks become wrapped in crocheted or knitted creations: joyful, political, poetic. But how do you actually pull off a Yarn Bombing project? What's allowed? And where can you start?Let's walk through everything you need to know to stage your first fiber-based public art installation.


🎨 What Is Yarn Bombing?

Yarn Bombing is a form of street art where objects in public spaces are covered in crocheted or knitted pieces. It's:

  • visual and playful

  • mostly temporary

  • non-damaging to surfaces

  • used for expression, protest, or pure fun

Whether it's rainbow wraps on bike racks, hats for statues, or a crocheted flower on a tree – anything made of yarn goes.

🧵 What You'll Need

  • Cotton or acrylic yarn (weather-resistant)

  • Knitting needles or crochet hook

  • Measuring tape

  • Scissors, yarn needle

  • Zip ties, string, or thread for attachment

  • Optional: buttons, Velcro, snaps

💡 Tip: Use lots of small motifs (like squares or strips) – they're easier to work with than one big piece.

📍 Where Can You Yarn Bomb?

  • Lamp posts

  • Trees (without damaging bark!)

  • Railings, fences, bike racks

  • Park benches

  • Street signs or poles

  • School fences or playgrounds

  • Public sculptures (only with permission!)

⚖️ Legal Tips & Permissions

Yarn Bombing is usually not explicitly legal – but it's often tolerated, especially if:

  • You get permission on private property

  • You inform the local municipality for public projects

  • Your piece is temporary and non-damaging

  • You avoid any adhesives, screws, or nails

💡 Community-friendly projects (on holidays, events, or art walks) are often welcomed – especially if you ask first!

🧠 How to Plan & Execute Your Yarn Bombing

  1. Choose a location and measure it

  2. Ask for permission if needed

  3. Create solo or form a yarn-bomb crew

  4. Knit or crochet your pieces

  5. Test your attachment method (Velcro, zip ties, etc.)

  6. Install it – ideally in dry weather

  7. Take a photo & tag it: #yarnbombing #strickenimtrend

  8. Be responsible: remove it later if needed


✨ My Takeaway

Yarn Bombing is art. Protest. Love in loops.
It's about being seen – without shouting. If you want to express yourself, make someone smile, or brighten up a gray corner of your town: go for it. But please do it respectfully – toward people, places, and nature. 

👋 Have you seen or done a yarn bombing project before?
Share it in the Facebook Group or tag me on Instagram – I'd love to see your stitch-powered street art!

#yarnbombing #knitgraffiti #fiberactivism #urbanyarnart #strickenimtrend

Make a statement – but stay respectful and lawful. 

Yours,
Kathrin ☀️🧶