Illustration by Miriam Wolfrum
Living in turbulent times, it is easy to feel that your voice is getting lost amongst the constant noise from the news and social media. Now more than ever, it is important to work toward making the world a better place. If you want to do more, you need to look no further than Worcester’s Craftivists to channel your voice.
The Craftivists
Founded by Cathy Growney and Barbara Lowe, the Craftivists are a local activist group that combines their love for sewing with their passion for activism, covering everything from gender and racial equality to climate change. Cathy and Barbara have been involved in activism since the 1970s and it continues to be an important part of their lives. Over the years, they have crafted for many causes, including women’s rights, poverty, mental health and environmental awareness. Using the power of needle and thread, the Craftivists reclaim what is usually stereotyped as a woman’s hobby to bring attention to social issues. They do not accept money and are entirely volunteer-based, allowing truly dedicated people to take part and let authentic voices lead their activism.
What they stand for and do
Their approach is simple: you do not need to be an expert at stitching to be an activist. As they said during a Craftivist talk at the Art House in the Worcester, “Embroidery is less threatening than graffiti.”
The Craftivists have contributed to many events. They have taken part in national events such as Black History Month and Armistice Day, with their work being displayed in the notice boards at Platform 1 of Worcester Foregate Street. They are also active in local events, including an exhibition at the Hive where their work highlighted ocean pollution, and the Eco Fair at Worcester Cathedral where they sold hand-stitched tote bags and invited visitors to join in stitching, turning their craft into a hands-on activism experience.
Their impact
Their activism is popular, but also controversial, with Cathy and Barbara reporting that their work has occasionally been removed, although they hope it is because someone liked it so much that they wanted to keep it.
However, no matter the project, their work always sends a message. On Women’s Safety Day in 2024, they created crotchet roses tagged with the names of all the women whose lives were lost to male violence in that year. This project was what caught the attention of Katy, head of sustainability at Worcester University, and she invited the Craftivists to collaborate on a stitched banner highlighting the importance of clean air that then toured the local schools.
Looking ahead, Craftivists are exploring the impact of the fashion industry, showing how toxic fabric dyes shorten lives in India and how fast fashion stores contribute to these harmful practices. By stitching awareness into their projects, the Craftivist hope to encourage people think to think about their choices affect the world.
Through their work, Craftivists show that activism can be gentle yet powerful. You do not need to be a skilled stitcher to make a difference. Even small threats can leave a lasting mark, and projects like the air pollution banner show how craft can teach, inspire, and bring communities together.
If you would like to keep up with the Craftivists, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Written by Vishakha Chavda and Miriam Wolfrum