Craftivism: The Art of Gentle Protest

Craftivism, a blend of craft and activism, is a form of gentle protest that uses creativity to inspire change. Coined by Betsy Greer in 2003, the term describes how crafting can be a powerful tool for advocacy, storytelling, and social justice.

I had honestly never hear of this until I recently can across Kristine Vike's YouTube video (embedded below). I'm a "crafty" person, but even I was pretty skeptical about how crafting could be used as a form of protest. But...I took the bait and I was pleasantly surprised. In the video, Kristine shares her personal journey, reflecting on how traditional forms of activism led to repeated burnout. Despite volunteering in soup kitchens, environmental protests, and community outreach programs, she found herself emotionally exhausted. Craftivism, however, offered a way to stay engaged without depleting energy, reinforcing the idea that activism does not have to be loud or confrontational to be impactful. As someone with neurodiversity, I can really get on board with this.

Beyond activism, craft also plays a crucial psychological role. Engaging in slow, deliberate work provides a sense of agency in moments of powerlessness, helping individuals manage stress, depression, and the emotional toll of systemic oppression. Studies show that crafting stimulates problem-solving skills, fosters adaptability, and cultivates resilience, making it more than just a form of self-expression—it’s a way to process, heal, and build personal strength.

Check out Kristine's video!

Kristine Vike: Craft as Resistance

The Craftivist Movement

One of the most influential voices in the Craftivist movement is Sarah Corbett, the founder of the Craftivist Collective. Corbett, a former traditional activist, turned to craftivism after experiencing burnout and frustration with confrontational advocacy methods. Her book, How to Be a Craftivist, serves as a guide for those seeking a quieter, more thoughtful approach to activism. Instead of aggressive protests, Corbett’s methods focus on slow, intentional crafting that fosters conversation, reflection, and relationship-building. Through projects like embroidered messages to corporate leaders and public “stitch-ins” that encourage dialogue rather than conflict, her approach proves that activism doesn’t have to be loud to be effective. Learn more about the Craftivist Collective.

Historical Examples of Craftivism

A recent and on-going example is the Living Wage Campaign, where craftivists stitched personalized messages onto handkerchiefs for corporate board members, fostering constructive conversations where previous efforts had failed. This “gentle protest” approach—framing activism as a critical friendship rather than an aggressive confrontation—has proven effective in shifting perspectives and inspiring change.

Additional historical examples of Craftivism include: Caroline Moe’s protest embroidery under Nazi occupation in Norway, and, Elizabeth Parker’s stitched testimony of abuse in the 1830s. Today, movements like the Mexican embroidery collective—stitching the stories of gender-based violence victims onto handkerchiefs—and The Red Dress Project, featuring embroidery contributions from 380 people across 51 countries, demonstrate how crafting continues to be a medium for solidarity and awareness.

Craftivism Double Bonus

Ultimately, craftivism serves as both a method of activism and an act of self-care, demonstrating that small, thoughtful gestures can build momentum for social change.

Whether it’s stitching a message of defiance, weaving stories into fabric, or using embroidery as a quiet form of protest, craftivism empowers individuals to create change at a pace that sustains them.

If you'd like to learn more about activism and soft power, check out our online copy of Codex:Heretica.