Tools for Wools: An Interactive Urban Knitting Installation and Creative Research Method

Abstract

Urban knitting (also known as yarn bombing, knitted graffiti and guerilla knitting) is a globally occurring street art trend which uses traditional craft techniques to modify objects in urban space. It is the chosen tool of present-day craftspeople for creative expression in public. However, the personal narratives woven into the installations usually remain inaccessible for the broad audience. This paper presents my Master's thesis work on "Tools for Wools", an interactive prototype which integrates physical wool panels, touch sensors and an information device with intent to fill the identified information gap. The subsequent evaluation allowed insights on the manifold reasons for urban knitters to engage in this particular form of everyday creativity. I therefore suggest that such prototype projects can also serve as a qualitative research tool to reveal motivations underlying creative craft practices.