The image of old ladies and knitting is a stereotype that is centuries old, and modern media has done nothing to dispel that. The “knitting nana’s” from the Shreddies advert have a lot to answer for. Or rather the marketing men do who came up with the concept.
It’s a stereotype that has even carried forward into the most modern of media - artificially generated (AI) images - if I ever see another image of the Gotham Grannies , for example, it will be too soon. But while people are, quite rightly concerned about copyright and the removal of rights and income for artists, I’ve hardly seen anyone voice concerns about the fact that it’s just another way to lazily categorise knitting as being something that only old ladies do.
When I talk about knitting I am really talking about all handcrafts, especially those in the textile and fabric industries which tend to be more female dominated. I’m just using knitting as a linguistic shorthand and it also happens to be the area where I can speak from the most experience.
I’ve wanted to talk about the topic of knitting and ageism for ages - it’s a pretty meaty subject after all. But honestly, it feels hard to discuss it in isolation from all the other forms of discrimination and exclusionary language we see in the knitting world, whether that’s in online groups or in person.
The simple fact of the matter is that most groups where knitters gather are not nearly as welcoming to all as they think they might be. There is an automatic assumption that knitters are nice. But as someone who inhabits a lot of knitting spaces I can categorically say that assumption is utter BS. Knitters are human and as such exhibit the full range of human emotions. Knitters can be rude, impatient, aggressive or frankly offensive, just like anyone else
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When people describe their knitting group as friendly and welcoming, the unspoken part of that sentence is that the group is ‘friendly and welcoming…to people like me’.
Dare to suggest in certain knitting groups that starting a post with ‘hey ladies’ is not appropriate for a group which also has people who are male or non-binary and you’ll get a range of responses - some of which will firmly debunk the ‘all knitters are nice’ myth once and for all.
I run a knitting Facebook group with over 20,000 members where we have a firm policy on language and inclusivity, and even then it can be a constant battle to remind people that language matters.
Despite being annoyed at ageism in relation to knitting, some knitters are happy to embrace the ageism trope when it benefits them. Often those who have been knitting a long time will preface a reply or a question with “I’ve been knitting for x number of years and I’ve never ….” As though seniority somehow confers authority and knowledge.
I would argue that someone who has been knitting for 2 years and has made fair-isle sweaters, Latvian braid socks and intricate lace shawls in that time would have a much more in-depth knowledge of the craft than someone who has been churning out baby blankets on straight needles for 40 years.
It’s not so much a matter of years spent on something, but more about the mindset and the willingness to experiment and try new things.
Teach thy tongue to say 'I do not know', and thou shalt progress. — Maimonides
Just as some aspects of ageism are accepted, one might even say actively embraced by the knitting community so is the issue of sexism. I’m fully aware here of the long-standing and very real issue of racism too but I think on balance that’s probably a topic for another day. It’s a weighty topic that deserves it’s own time and space for discussion.
You only need to scratch the surface of knitting groups to find to casual, everyday sexism beneath. From comments about useless/passive husbands to the ‘husband chair’ helpfully provided by yarn shops on which your spouse can sit while you shop. There was a also a yarn show, very recently which included in it’s promotional material the fact that their facilities included a ‘husband creche’.
I really wish I was joking.
In short, the issue of ageism within the knitting community and society in general is obviously widespread and deeply embedded. But in my view knitters don’t get to pick and choose which aspects of exclusion annoy them.
If knitters want to address ageism in society and correct the public perception of their craft, they need to start by cleaning up their own spaces first.
With topics such as this it’s easy for individuals to wring their hands and shy away from taking action, as they are ‘just one person’. But if everyone were just a little more aware both of their own actions and language, and that used around them it would make a world of difference.
Simple actions could include:
Being sure to avoid ‘hey ladies’ or similar language in online groups. You don’t know who else is reading, even if they never comment. And whilst you may not do this, do be aware when others do it and gently suggest alternatives - contact the admin of the group if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself.
Similarly - when you see casual everyday sexism it really is up to us to start gently pushing back on this. A simple statement such as ‘my spouse is really supportive of my hobby’ is often enough to bring the shy commenters out of hiding. It’s my experience that many people might disagree with an overtly sexist or ageist comment, but don’t feel confident enough to speak up. Seeing others do so reminds them though that it is a safe space for them to speak and they are more likely to add their words to your own.
I’d love to know what you think on this, do let me know in the comments. Are these issues that you’ve noticed yourself within the knitting community?
Well said! I’m an older knitter, goodness I’m even someone’s Nana! I still abhor the trope that we are all old ladies or even that Nanas are old. I might be older but you can be a Nana in your 30s . I might even be called ‘Knitting Nana’ by certain small people! It doesn’t mean I am any more or any less valuable as a person or a knitter. When I say I’ve knitted all my life that means I have knitted through all the stages of my life. That’s all. I’m still learning and am hopeful that our small in person knitting group is very inclusive. Not all are it’s true. I’m also excited to have been taught a new technique by our youngest knitter (in her 20s) just this week.
Well said Louise! See also that car advert on TV (in the U.K.) that has ‘Grandmas knitting them their own jumpers’ with cars covered in what is clearly crochet...