Stitching Identity: Why Crafting Is Not Just A “Women’s Thing"

by Katharina Louisa Mintgens

When we think about crafting many of us still have this very cliché image in mind: an elderly woman, sitting in her old wing chair knitting an old-fashioned blanket or scratchy socks. But honestly, this image couldn't feel more outdated. Crafting is no longer just this quiet little hobby that you do all by yourself in a dark, small room. It’s becoming more and more of a social thing — a reason to meet up with friends, spend time together, chat, and at the same time create something beautiful with your own hands.

Photo: Katharina Louisa Mintgens

Not only can we see many young women presenting their modern, self-knitted, crocheted or sewn items on social media, but more and more men and queer people are also discovering these crafts as a way to express their creativity. The idea that only women can use fashion to showcase their personality feels just as outdated as the stereotypical image of the knitting grandmother. Increasingly men want to experiment with fashion and create unique looks for themselves. In the same way handmade designs are the perfect way for many queer people to express their identity and make bold personal statements through what they wear.

What began for many people as a creative lockdown hobby during the pandemic quickly turned into a real trend. As people started sharing their work on social media, crafting became even more popular. Platforms like Instagram or TikTok are full of creative tutorials, handmade fashion inspiration and people showing their modern DIY pieces — regardless of gender. Crafting has become cool, visible and part of pop culture. And suddenly it’s not weird anymore to see a guy crocheting on the subway or a group of friends knitting together in a café. Last year, crocheted patterns like the classic "granny square" made a huge comeback and helped the crafting community to grow bigger than ever.

Photo: Katharina Louisa Mintgens

And besides being creative and social, crafting has a lot of positive effects on our well-being. The slow, repetitive movements, the feeling of creating something for ourselves, and the time spent together with others can actually be really good for both our mind and body. It helps us to slow down, to switch off our thoughts for a while and to fully focus on what’s in front of us. And in doing so, we can relax, recharge and leave the stress of everyday life behind.

But even beyond that, there’s also something really empowering about making your own clothes. You’re no longer dependent on what brands offer or what’s currently trending in stores. Instead, you can create pieces that are exactly how you want them to be. It’s fashion on your own terms. Because in the end, crafting isn’t just about making clothes or accessories. It’s about creativity, community and self-expression. And that’s something everyone can be part of — no matter who they are.

BIO: Katharina Louisa Mintgens, 23, has a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design and is currently studying Fashion Management at AMD Akademie Mode & Design in Düsseldorf, Germany. Handicrafts, especially sewing, knitting, and crocheting, have always been very important to her. Since her school days, it has been her passion, and she continues to explore and develop these skills as part of her studies.