While crocheting is becoming increasingly popular among so-called Gen Z and is gaining traction in series on streaming services, as discussed in this blog, knitting often still has a stuffy image. The media plays a major role in this. When knitting is mentioned, we often see a group of elderly women with hunched backs and thick-rimmed glasses. And in TV shows, too, it’s often old, grumpy characters with Knitting Needles in hand. On top of that, many people immediately associate the word “knitting” with winter items like socks, mittens, and hats. Not to mention Mart Smeets, who has become quite the anti-ambassador for the Norwegian sweater…
And that’s such a shame, because there are so many fun things you can knit—even for summer! Not only that, but knitting is for all ages. Of course, we at Yarnplaza have known this for a long time, but not everyone out there seems to realize it. That’s why we’re writing this blog post to show that knitting really isn’t just for your elderly grandma. In fact, there are lots of celebrities of all ages who knit! Here’s a small selection.
Michelle Obama
A while back, the former first lady posted a message on her Instagram in which she talks about her hobby, knitting. “It’s satisfying to start a project with the first stitch, but also to cast off—both literally and figuratively—when it’s finished. That way, you can truly bring something to a close.” Not everyone will agree with this. Who among us hasn’t started multiple projects at once and, as a result, never actually finished any of them?
She also mentions that she finds knitting wonderfully relaxing—something many crafters can relate to. In her post, she encouraged people to share their projects. The comments show just how popular knitting still is around the world!
Actresses
Knitting isn’t just a pleasant and relaxing pastime for Michelle Obama. On movie or TV sets, actors often have to wait for their next scene. To pass the time, a lot of movie stars take up knitting. And anyone who thinks an actor’s life is all glitz and glamour is wrong. They’re often away from their families for long periods, which means they spend many evenings alone.
Julia Roberts is an avid knitter. She learned the craft about 30 years ago on a film set. “We called it the ‘loneliness meter.’ We’d ask each other, ‘How lonely were you last night?’ Then we’d pull out our projects and say, ‘Look, this much!’ (pointing to the number of stitches). As sad as that may sound, knitting between scenes is actually a social activity for Roberts. “Unlike reading, I can still follow conversations while I’m knitting.” Fun fact: she even brought her knitting with her to the red carpet once.
Sarah Jessica Parker is probably best known for her role as the ultra-stylish Carrie Bradshaw in *Sex and the City*. This trendy actress has often been seen knitting on the set of the series. In an interview, when asked what she does to unwind, she once replied that she “reads books, watches TV, and knits.” She likes to do the latter two at the same time, but that often results in “dropped stitches.”
On the set of *Mamma Mia!*, it wasn't just Meryl Streep who was knitting—her younger co-star Amanda Seyfried was too. She has been spotted knitting (and crocheting!) frequently. She's so good at it, in fact, that the actress can even knit while on a cross-trainer.
Fashionistas
If anyone ever tells you that knitting isn't "fashionable," just show them these photos. Cara Delevingne is a model and has long been a true "it girl." She, too, often had to wait between shoots and enjoyed passing the time with a knitting project in hand.
While some people know the Olsen twins from “Full House,” the younger generation knows them primarily as fashion gurus who sit in the front row at fashion shows—but they also design their own clothes. Ashley Olsen isn’t just spotted wearing knitted or crocheted garments; she also enjoys picking up her Knitting Needles herself. A fashion designer who knits—surely that must be “in style,” right?
Among the younger generation is former Disney star and singer Demi Lovato. She posted on her Instagram that she was knitting on the plane, but she’s also often working on a New project in between her busy schedule.
Men Who Knit
Okay, those were a lot of female examples, but are there any famous men who knit? Oh, yes, there certainly are. And not just any men! Russell Crowe is known as an action hero from films like “Gladiator.” This tough guy actually knits. He started doing it years ago for a very special reason: anger management. Let’s just hope no one bothers him while he’s counting stitches…
The second person on this list is perhaps the last person you’d expect. None other than Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain loved to hold knitting (and crocheting) needles in his hands. He found it “simply entertaining” and couldn’t help but keep at it. Let’s just say that knitting was one of his least serious addictions.
Famous Dutch People
In the Netherlands, there are especially a lot of well-known Haaksters whom you may already know from the books they’ve published. We couldn’t find a list of knitters right away. However, we did find one woman—and she’s not just any woman. Our very own Queen Maxima. In 2017, she showcased her knitting skills during King’s Day in Tilburg. There, she joined in to help knit a large orange Scarf.
So, if anyone ever tells you that knitting is really just for old people, kindly refer them to this blog!
