Welcome to our not-so-serious sewing circle—although, let’s be honest, we might not even call it that. We’re building something a little looser, a little lighter, and definitely more inclusive than your great-great grandmother’s sewing group. But before we get too modern, let’s talk about what sewing circles used to be.
The Cozy Roots of Sewing Circles
Sewing circles have been around for centuries. In 19th-century America, they were cozy, domestic gatherings where women came together to mend, quilt, and chat. But they were never just about stitching. In a time when it was uncommon for women to work outside the home, this was a essential part of their communities. These circles were vibrant social spaces where ideas were exchanged, support was offered, and sometimes, change was quietly stitched into history.
For example, during the abolitionist movement, sewing circles played a critical role. Women gathered not only to sew, but to raise funds and awareness in support of ending slavery. They also became safe spaces to discuss women’s rights and other social reforms.
During World War II, these circles transformed again. Groups like the Women’s Voluntary Service in the UK gathered to knit and sew for troops, contributing to wartime rationing efforts and morale.
Not Just for Women: A Broader Crafting Tradition
Though we often associate sewing circles with women, communal craft isn’t gender-exclusive. In Nantucket’s 19th-century sewing circles, men weren’t usually present—but in medieval Europe, weaving and tailoring guilds were overwhelmingly male. In ancient Egypt, linen weaving was a professional endeavor often carried out by men in workshops. Textile craft, it turns out, has always transcended gender depending on time and place.
A Legacy of Quiet Activism
These gatherings weren’t always political, but they often had an impact. Even as far back as the American Revolution, sewing circles were a form of protest. Women boycotted British textiles by spinning their own cloth, taking part in revolutionary resistance without ever firing a shot. In recent years, groups like the Revolutionary Knitting Circle have picked up that thread—using craft as a tool for social commentary and activism.
What We’re Building
Now, here in Northwest Ohio, we’re building a new kind of gathering space—rooted in these old traditions but designed for modern life. Once our little building is finished, it’ll be a place where anyone can come to create, experiment, and share ideas. You don’t have to be a “crafter.” You don’t even need to know how to thread a needle. This is about curiosity, connection, and giving ourselves space to explore something that isn’t digital, optimized, or monetized. Just real people, real materials, and real time together.
So no, we’re not launching a formal guild. And we’re not asking for perfect seams or Pinterest-worthy projects. This is a space for play, for learning, and for making—whatever that means to you.
Come Sit with Us
In reviving the spirit of the sewing circle, we’re also reclaiming a slower, more intentional rhythm. One where it’s okay to show up as you are, bring what you’ve got (even if it’s just questions), and be part of something unfolding stitch by stitch.
Stay tuned. I’ll be sharing updates here as we build the space—and the community to go with it.
