Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: Royal Impact on Knit and Crochet

Fiber enthusiasts have lost a fellow knitter with the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The longest reigning monarch passed away September 8, 2022, and we mourn with the millions of others around the world who admired her grace and dignity.

Above: Image source – Getty Images. Queen Elizabeth II, right, knits during the war effort in April 1940 alongside her sister Princess Margaret.

As a long-standing patron of the arts, Queen Elizabeth’s impact on the fiber community has been significant. Over her 70 years as the leader of the British Commonwealth, she inspired countless knitters and crocheters to create works in her honor.

Fiber Tributes to Queen Elizabeth

Most recently, during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, yarn enthusiasts were inspired to knit and crochet tributes in her honor. Makers created everything from larger-than-life replicas of The Queen herself to fiber dioramas of one of her castles to amigurumi toys adorned with her signature outfits.

In Holmes Chapel, a village in England, a group of women known as the Holmes Chapel Community Yarn Bombers created a 7-foot-tall Queen Elizabeth. Group member Anita Armitt coordinated the installation with Naomi Sumpter and Nicola Swinnerton. More than 30 women contributed to the final project which was unveiled in May 2022.

It took knitter Margaret Seaman two years, working as many as 15 hours per day, to make the 18-foot replica of Sandringham Castle. In honor of The Queen’s Jubilee, the Norfolk Maker’s Festival displayed the creation. This diorama took several days to assemble and it will be on display until October 2022. Margaret knits and crochets to raise money for charity. This piece in particular benefits local hospitals in the Norfolk area.

Knitting By Post’s pattern for a miniature Queen ELizabeth went viral this summer when it was shared on Twitter. It receiving thousands of likes and coverage in major news outlets. This 10-inch wooly version of Her Majesty features her signature hat, bag, and colorful outfit. Those who have made this doll enjoy changing up the colors to match the many shades that The Queen wore.

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These are just a few of the ways that knitters and crocheters have been influenced by Queen Elizabeth. We welcome you to share your memories and experiences in the comments below.