Join the Red Roses Yarn Art project to celebrate the Women’s Rugby World Cup
Inspired by the Red Roses' love of crochet as a team-bonding activity, we are calling on the nation to take part in a Yarn Art Installation project in a location close to them. The project is designed to inspire the next generation of female players and deliver a legacy for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. It’s a great way for the nation to come together, painting the country red and white to show their support for the Red Roses this summer!
The England Red Roses rugby team has embraced crocheting as a creative and calming hobby, especially during downtime from intense training and tournaments. This trend has been highlighted by Abby Dow, Hannah Botterman and Tatyana Heard, who have formed an informal Red Roses Crochet Club. Abby Dow in particular is known for her crocheting skills and has crafted items such as a golden rose to commemorate Marlie Packer’s 100th cap.
The team’s interest in crocheting serves multiple purposes:
- Mindfulness and stress relief: engaging in crochet provides players with a meditative activity that helps them relax and focus, offering a mental break from the physical demands of rugby.
- Team bonding: sharing a common hobby fosters camaraderie among the players, strengthening their relationship both on and off the pitch.
- Personal expression: crocheting allows players to express their creativity and individuality, with some even creating personalised items like food themed crochet pieces!
Knit, crochet, create and get involved with a Yarn Art Installation near you! Whether it’s a Red Rose, bunting, or a simple square, all creations are welcomed, and we have collated a range of resources and information to get you started.
Stay tuned for more details on installation locations and how you can get involved or donate your creations to a venue of choice.
We have partnered with Wool Warehouse to produce special rugby themed crochet kits and patterns, from beginners bunting to the official England Rugby Red Rose!
They are also offering a 10% discount across their website with code: REDROSE10 for those taking part in the Red Roses Yarn Art project. Check out the Wool Warehouse website to purchase everything you need to get started, along with the patterns below.
Pattern PDFs
Learning Resources
To help kickstart and inspire your crochet creations, check out Abby Dow’s crochet tutorial below, alongside further learning resources for a range of skill levels and abilities.
National Federation of Women’s Institutes
Your go-to space for craft inspiration, offering easy-to-follow courses, tutorials, and workshops, including plenty on crochet! Perfect for beginners, our online community is open to all, welcoming and supportive, helping everyone develop their skills. Keep an eye out too; we’ll be adding special workshops as part of the Yarn Art project!
Upcoming courses in June…
Felicity's Crochet Joins - WI Learning Hub
Felicity's Crochet Edges - WI Learning Hub
Starting to feel creative and inspired? Check out these yarn-spiration sites and apps for easy-to-follow tutorials, tips and patterns.
Starting to feel creative and inspired?
Check out these yarn-spiration sites and apps for easy-to-follow tutorials, tips and patterns.
Apps
YouTube Channels
Disclaimer: Yarn art should not be placed in any public or private spaces without the express permission of the relevant local council/authority and land or property owner. Please ensure that your local council/authority, and relevant land or property owner have given their express permission to decorate any public or private spaces with your yarn art before doing so.
