Worldwide Knit in Public Day

Every year, on the second Saturday in June, Worldwide Knit in Public Day encourages knitters to come together and enjoy each other's company. It is also a day for experienced knitters to teach others how to knit.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day is celebrated annually on June 11th every year to introduce knitting as a fun activity to participate for all ages, not just doting grandparents looking to sew sweaters for their beloved grandchildren. This day brings a sense of community to knitters, who often come together to celebrate by knitting in public spaces to make their hobby easily known and accessible to the public. Worldwide Knit in Public Day was founded by Danielle Landes in 2005 and remains the largest knitting event in the world.

Some facts about Knitting

Knitting is a favorite hobby of many people. In just one year, nearly 30 million Americans were engaged in knitting. More than 60% of these knitters gave their knitting items as gifts. Several weavers donated their finished projects. Most the U.S knitters are often women. However, you may be surprised to learn that 29% of those who wear panties are men. Another interesting indicator is that all age groups are engaged in knitting.

Outside of the United States, knitting is really popular in Germany, Canada, and Iceland. Some of the most common items that are knitted including:

• Craft baskets
• Hand knitted scarves
• Baby clothes and blankets
• Children's gloves, hats and scarves
• Headbands and ear warmers
• Dish towels and bath towels
• Small toys
• Christmas decorations

Many people knit because it is a fun hobby. Others make money selling their knitting items at craft shows, online, and elsewhere. This is also a great way to make handmade gifts for friends, family, and co-workers. Another great benefit of knitting is that it helps relieve stress. Knitters also enjoy the sense of community they have with other knitters.

History of Worldwide Knit in Public Day

Knitting is considered as an oldest way of making clothes. The earliest knitting has appeared at least fifth-century Egypt. The Egyptians used to knit cotton yarn, not wool. During this period, people often knitted knits into them to avoid bad luck for the wearer. This practice later reached Europe via the Mediterranean trade routes and the Americas with colonialism.

Knitting soon spread across the globe. Weatherproof knitted sailor's sweaters became relatively popular in the 14th century. The advent of the Industrial Revolution brought about the automation of jobs - knitting was no different. Knitting machines began to be used to knit knitwear for the elite. A local knitting industry slowly emerged in Scotland, which began to produce knitted socks for circulation throughout Europe. The first knitting machine was built in 1816, and the first even woolen mill was opened in 1856 by Eugene Rodier.

In the 20th century, knitwear became ingrained in the fabric of the modern fashion industry. It is featured in countless fashion collections, from lesser known creations to famous luxury brands like Chanel. Today, knitwear is a part of fashion worn throughout the year. The warmer months are full of knits, skirts and combos, and the colder weather is made a little bearable by warm sweaters, caps, headscarves, gloves and balaclavas, and other knitted articles.

Why we love

• Origin of yarn

The earliest evidence of fibers dates back to 7,000 years ago.

• Increase intelligence

Knitting has been found to reduce stress levels in individuals.

• Men only

In 16th century France, knitting was considered a profession exclusively for men.

• National obligation

During World War I, American women were assigned a national duty to knit socks, scarves, and caps for soldiers deployed to fight in the war.

• Etymology

The word 'knit' comes from 'cnyttan', which means 'to tie a knot.'

What do you do in Worldwide Knit in Public Day?

Knitters gather on Worldwide Knit in Public Day to knit at parks, libraries, Farmers' markets, coffee shops, apartment complexes and other public places. If you don't know how to knit, find someone to teach you. You can also learn on your own by watching video tutorials. Moreover, you can take time to read more about famous people who love knitting. Some of the celebrities in this field of knitting include Vanna White, Meryl Streep, Demi Lovato, Russell Crowe and Kate Middleton. Remember to share this crafty day on social with #KnitInPublicDay or #WWKIPDAY.