Welcome to NeedleXChange, conversations on the art of thread. It’s our podcast in which Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers talks with needlework and textile artists about their practice and process.
Betsy Greer is a writer, speaker and advocate for the benefits of craft as a tool for change. In our NeedleXChange interview, Betsy shares how this idea came to life, how crafting can be a tool for empowerment, and why it’s such a powerful form of storytelling. Listen to the full episode here.
The Essence of Craftivism
Craftivism, a term coined over two decades ago, blends the art of craft with activism. It aims to use personal creativity to effect social change.
At its core, Betsy defines craftivism as using craft-based skills, not just in textiles, but across various forms of artistry, to serve a greater good. However, for Betsy, the key isn’t about prescribing a specific method or outcome. Instead, it’s about empowering individuals to harness their unique talents and personal histories to affect change in ways that resonate with them. Craftivism is as much about personal transformation as it is about collective activism.
Betsy reflects on her personal journey with craftivism, emphasizing the profound impact it had on her own life after experiencing trauma. Craft became a tool for her not just to express herself, but to reclaim a sense of agency, making choices in a space where she previously felt powerless.
The Layers of Impact
While craftivism is often seen as a form of protest, Betsy reminds us that its effects are layered. There’s the personal layer how crafting can change our outlook on the world. There’s also a societal and community level, where crafting can help start conversations and slowly shift collective consciousness.
Betsy mentions how, in some cases, crafting for a cause, like climate change, may not yield immediate, large-scale change. However, it fosters ongoing dialogue and self-reflection, which over time can create ripple effects, inspiring others to act.
Craftivism as an Expression of Choice
Crafting, especially in the context of activism, offers the opportunity to make choices—an act of empowerment in itself. Betsy explains that while traditional forms of activism might come with predefined rules (like protest banners with certain messages), craftivism allows individuals to create something that is a true reflection of their unique perspective.
Whether it’s a personal protest banner or a piece of textile art, each choice made during the crafting process becomes an expression of identity and a statement on the issue at hand.
Craftivism and the Passage of Time
Textiles, as Betsy notes, are more than just craft—they are artifacts. From family heirlooms to historical tapestries, textiles serve as a record of personal and collective history. The work created through craftivism today will one day be a glimpse into our current society, much like the artifacts that reflect the past.
Finding Your Voice Through Craft
One of the key takeaways from the conversation is the power of creative expression. Betsy encourages anyone feeling disconnected from their creative side to simply start. She stresses that craftivism doesn’t require advanced skills, just the willingness to explore and express.
Through projects like mantra-making workshops or personal affirmations, individuals can begin to use craft as a tool for joy, hope, and self-discovery. As Betsy points out, you never know which small act of creativity may become a historical artifact in the future.
Ultimately, Betsy’s journey with craftivism emphasizes the profound personal impact that crafting for a cause can have. By finding ways to express our voices, even in small, individual ways, we contribute to a larger movement. Whether it’s a piece of artwork shared with a community or a solitary moment of creative reflection, craftivism offers a unique, deeply personal approach to activism.
If you are interested in Craftivism, or if you’d like to see more of Betsys incredible work, you can follow her on Instagram. In the meantime, don’t forget to listen to our full NeedleXChange interview here!
