Knits and Notes is a crafting community in Amsterdam since 2023

Hey, I'm Sophia!

During the pandemic, I, like many others, picked up crochet. I was quickly hooked and started knitting shortly after. When the world opened up again, I returned to my favorite places like listening bars and cafés, often bringing my projects with me. But there was something missing — a creative community of like-minded people to experience such moments together.

Around that time, I also noticed the natural entanglement of craft and music. When I was knitting or crocheting, I found myself listening more attentively to music, and I started curating what felt like the perfect crafting playlists. That’s when the idea to create an event that combined those elements — music, community, and crafting — was born.

Many aspects of that first event are still part of Knits and Notes today. We decorate spaces with second-hand crochet blankets, most people work on their own projects, and we create an environment where music and craft inspire one another.

After the first event, people immediately asked when the next one would be, so I decided to continue the project. Something else happened too: people started asking how they could contribute.

At the moment, we are a nonprofit with a dedicated team of volunteers. I am constantly amazed by how warm and connected the crafting community is — I could never have done this alone.

Craft, culture and community

Knits and Notes is a creative community based in and around Amsterdam. Our events bring together the ‘Knits’, knitting and other creative practices and the ‘Notes’, music. For this we collaborate with local cultural organizations and venues like Paradiso, Het Scheepvaartmuseum and Van Gogh Museum for a variety of events ranging from knitting races with customer handmade DJ knitting table, workshops and yarn swaps.

Many of our larger events are shaped by dedicated research and a clear theme, where craft becomes a medium to explore varied subjects through storytelling and collective making practices. At its core, Knits and Notes aims to build community and expand how people view craft.

The homebase of Knits and Notes is at Kringloop West. Strategy is discussed, social posts are planned, concepts are created here!

Kringloop West has amazing local services that help the neighbourhood like home clearance, bulky waste recycling and an amazing collection of vintage furniture and clothing. Many iconic doilies brought to events first found their place here.

We're volunteer-run but an integral part of the professionalization behind the scenes is that we also have a supervisory board and an executive director!

Contact us about helping out as a volunteer, learn all about managing and hosting events with a team of fellow crafters!

Did you know only 5% of booked DJs worldwide are women? We see craft as a way of reclaiming the cultural power of textile traditions and creating space for new voices around the table.

That’s why we mostly collaborate with FLINTA DJs, artists and creatives within our events and collaborations.

Knits and Notes' purpose is to blend craft and culture, whether you are a seasoned knitter or have never sewn a patch on your jeans... there is a space for you with us.

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Soft knits, strong values

  • All the FLINTA fun

    Did you know only 5% of booked DJs worldwide are women? We see craft as a way of reclaiming the cultural power of textile traditions and creating space for new voices around the table.

    That’s why we mostly collaborate with FLINTA DJs, artists and creatives within our events and collaborations.

  • Sustainability

    No fast fash around here. We’re into slow making, shared rides, second-hand finds and giving old materials a second life.

    Think vintage crochet blankets, cargo bikes and reusing whatever you can before buying something new.

  • LGBTQI+ safe space

    Fiber arts has long been shaped by women, queer people and marginalized communities - often at their intersections.

    At Knits and Notes, we strive to make our space feel open, welcoming all types of expression and safe for all.

  • Accessibility

    From adventurous knitters to complete beginners, our community brings together people of different ages, backgrounds and creative practices.

    Our events are always wheelchair accessible, and we reserve free tickets for people who can’t afford one.