Local knitters cast on for World Knit in Public Day

Knitter Julie Stokes, one of around 20 knitters expected to take part in World Knit in Public Day on Saturday. Photo/File

A group of Whanganui knitters are set to take part in the largest knitting event in the world.

World Knit in Public Day is held every year on the second Saturday in June - and this year around 20 members of YARNZ Whanganui Charitable Textile Group will be setting up their chairs, knitting needles and wool in Majestic Square.

Group spokeswoman Julie Stokes said YARNZ members thought it would be a fun event to be part of.

"It's the biggest knitting event in the world - it's really big in places like Sweden. There will be thousands of people knitting in public on the same day," Ms Stokes said.

Just how big this event is is brought home by the fact that the Whanganui Knit in Public event is the 6,372th registered event this year. There will be 31 knit-ins throughout New Zealand.

Ms Stokes said there was no specific focus to World Knit in Public, other than knitting in public with other people.

"I'll be knitting some items that family members have asked me to make for them," she said.

World Knit in Public Day has been held every year since 2005. The day began as a way for knitters to come together and enjoy each other's company.

"Knitting is such a solitary act that it's easy to knit alone somewhere and sink into your work without thinking about all the other knitters out there," Ms Stokes said.

Anyone can join the knitters for World Knit in Public Day - please bring your own knitting and a chair. The knitters will start knitting at Majestic Square at 11am. If it's wet they will move to Garney Spooner Wool Shop in Guyton St.