During slavery, Black women were often tasked with sewing, knitting and weaving not only for their enslavers but also for their own families. They mastered intricate techniques, passing them down through generations. These skills became acts of both survival and quiet rebellion, as some women sewed coded messages into quilts that guided enslaved people to freedom along the Underground Railroad. Others used their expertise to earn money after emancipation, laying the foundation for Black entrepreneurship in textile arts. 

By the 20th century, Black women seamstresses and knitters were integral to both everyday life and high fashion. From church hats to custom-made dresses, they crafted pieces that told stories of joy, resilience and identity. Names like Ann Lowe, the Black designer behind Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress, highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black creatives in mainstream fashion. 

Today, crochet and knitwear are experiencing a renaissance in the Black community, thanks to a new wave of designers blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics. These artists are reclaiming and redefining their craft, infusing their work with cultural significance and personal narratives. 

Many contemporary Black designers incorporate bold colors and Afrocentric patterns, drawing inspiration from their heritage and personal experiences. They create pieces that represent Black identity with pride, proving that knitwear is not just about warmth but also storytelling. 

For women’s fashion, designers craft pieces that celebrate Black femininity through soft textures and intricate crochet work. Many credit their grandmothers or other family members for introducing them to the craft, making each stitch a connection to their heritage. Collections often feature hand-dyed yarns in rich hues reminiscent of African textiles, and their work has been featured on runways and in magazines alike. 

Beyond individual designers, grassroots movements like Black Girl Knit Club in London and The Yarn Mission in the U.S. that was created for Black knitters and crocheters to foster community among after the murder of Mike Brown as a way for Black women to share their craft and resist violence (About Us, 2017). These spaces provide not only technical knowledge but also emotional support, empowering Black artists in an industry that has historically excluded them. 

Social media has further propelled this resurgence, allowing Black crochet artists to share their work globally.  

In many ways, crochet and knitwear in the Black community represent more than fashion— they symbolize resistance, creativity and a lineage of craftsmanship passed down through generations. From the hands of enslaved seamstresses to today’s innovative designers, Black artists continue to stitch together history, culture and the future of fashion. 

 

References:  

Home — Black Girl Knit Club. (n.d.). Black Girl Knit Club. https://www.blackgirlknitclub.com/home1 

 

About us. (2017, February 5). The Yarn Mission. https://theyarnmission.com/about-us-2/#:~:text=The%20Yarn%20Mission%20is%20a%20knitting%20collective%20that%20is%20purposefully,and%20livelihood%20of%20Black%20Women.