The history of women and textiles is about more than mending and sewing clothes. Our stitches are embedded with a heritage of female protest and activism. Before we could speak our minds freely, safely and publicly, we spoke about our lives through craft and “domestic” arts. In the 70s, embroidery and knitting were central to second-wave feminism’s take down of traditional, male-centric art institutions. Today, we still recognise textiles as a form of communication, and a way to press against capitalist consumer ideals.

• Women have communicated through textiles over the centuries, they touch on subjects that are political and use it as a form of activism.
• This form connects the heritage of female labour and community with todays society.