Kubes in Action Miami Gets a Makeover: Guerilla Knitting and Cube Storming Hit the Magic City
Miami, known for its vibrant art scene and Art Deco architecture, is no stranger to creative expression. But a new form of artistic intervention adds a whimsy and warmth to the city’s urban landscape: guerilla knitting and cube storming.
This global phenomenon, known as yarn bombing or knit graffiti, involves adorning public spaces with colorful knitted or crocheted creations. No object is safe from the yarn bombers’ crafty touch, from lampposts and trees to benches and statues.
While the movement has its roots in Texas with Magda Sayeg, often hailed as the “mother of yarn bombing,” Miami’s yarn stormers make their mark with unique installations reflecting the city’s vibrant culture and tropical flair.
Imagine strolling down Ocean Drive and encountering palm trees wrapped in vibrant hues or discovering a lifeguard stand adorned with a crocheted coral reef. These unexpected bursts of color and texture bring a smile to passersby and challenge traditional notions of public art.
But guerilla knitting is more than just a whimsical aesthetic. It’s a form of creative activism, a way to reclaim public spaces and inject them with personality and warmth. By transforming everyday objects into works of art, yarn bombers encourage us to see our surroundings with fresh eyes and appreciate the beauty in unexpected places.
Miami’s diverse communities have embraced this art form, using it to express their cultural heritage and social concerns. From Little Havana to Wynwood, yarn installations are popping up to celebrate the city’s multiculturalism and raise awareness about environmental conservation and social justice issues.
So, watch for these unexpected bursts of yarn the next time you explore Miami. You might stumble upon a knitted masterpiece that adds a touch of magic to your day.
What is yarn bombing?
Yarn bombing is a form of street art that uses textiles instead of paint. It involves adding color and life to objects by covering them with yarn. Yarn bombing is also known as Guerilla Knitting and cube Storming. It can include adding tags, putting up murals, leaving messages, or covering parts or whole inanimate objects.
The projects I have been involved in have taken months to produce and assemble. I always seek permission before yarn bombing and make sure to remove the knitting after a month. I haven’t done any random yarn bombing.
In Melbourne, wool graffiti is generally accepted, but it’s considered polite to ask for permission before putting it on private property and to remove it in a timely manner.
Yarn bombing a tree requires detailed measurements to ensure that the yarn fits well and looks its best. The yarn should cover all joints between branches and the main trunk.
A yarn bombing typically stays up for about six weeks, but it can last for as long as two to three months depending on the location, time of year, and exposure to the elements. Yarn-bombed trees should be uncovered for their health after six to eight weeks.
You can find yarn bombing groups on social media and start one of your own by asking your knit and crochet-loving friends to join you or by creating a group on Facebook. When starting a yarn bombing project, plan the size and time frame, what you will cover, the colors and patterns you will use, and when and how you will install it. Start small, document your progress, and share your results using #yarnbombing.
