Men Can Knit was our first-ever knitting club exclusively for men and boys, hosted at 575 Wandsworth Road in collaboration with the National Trust. This initiative aimed to challenge gender stereotypes, introduce more men to the benefits of knitting, and provide a supportive and creative space for connection.
Over the course of four weekly sessions, six participants had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of knitting, from casting on to creating their first stitches, to knitting their own squares for Blankets for London.
Our sessions took place at 575 Wandsworth Road, a National Trust property known for its extraordinary hand-carved fretwork interiors, created over 20 years by Khadambi Asalache, a Kenyan-born poet, novelist, and philosopher of mathematics. This stunning and intimate space provided an inspiring backdrop for learning and making, allowing participants to engage with craft in a historically and artistically rich environment.
Historically, knitting has been perceived as a female-dominated activity, but Men Can Knit reinforced that craft knows no gender. The sessions offered an open and welcoming space, where participants could relax, chat, and connect while developing a new creative skill.
The response to Men Can Knit has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the need for more inclusive, male-friendly craft spaces.
