Knitting, crocheting, and watching films – traditionally considered separate pastimes – have melded into a fascinating new activity for moviegoers in Vienna. Votiv Kino cinema has become the latest venue in Europe to pioneer “craft cinema nights,” following the lead set by Nordic countries like Denmark and Finland. Every month, movie enthusiasts flock to this cultural institution, armed with their knitting needles, yarn, and a passion for traditional crafts. Here is the story behind Vienna’s knitting nights and what makes them so appealing.

The Rise of Craft Cinema Nights

Luisa Palmer, an avid knitter, and her colleague noticed the growing interest in traditional crafts spurred by the pandemic. With more people turning to knitting, crocheting and other handcrafts as ways to alleviate stress and occupy their time, Palmer seized the opportunity to bring enthusiasts together. The idea of knitting during the movies was already evident around the globe. In the United States, Nordic countries, and Germany, knitting and movie nights were already established traditions. Inspired by these examples, Palmer and her fellow crafters at Votiv Kino launched Vienna’s first knitting movie night in December, and it was an immediate success.

Since then, the knitting nights have consistently sold out, attracting nearly 180 people each month. Over the past few months, knitters and crocheters have come together to watch films and create their masterpieces, all in the ambiance of a traditional cinema.

Knitting in a Cinema Setting

The ambiance of the cinema offered the perfect backdrop for crafting. When ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ rolled onto the big screen, moviegoers opted for screening themselves onto the cinema seats, with their needles and yarn a focus. Alexander Koch, 28, jokingly referred to the atmosphere as ‘grannycore’: “It is a bit ‘grannycore’, but I find it very calming and pleasant. Why not let out your inner granny?”

The cinema setting enabled these knitting enthusiasts to strike a balance between solitary activity and socializing. Kaja Vospernik, 23, a fashion student, relished the prospect of meeting like-minded individuals: “I really enjoy knitting while watching movies or listening to podcasts, so of course the cinema is a great place for that.”

Palmer emphasized that the knitting nights offered a space to connect with others who share similar interests. She also pointed out the importance of communal activities in a world increasingly dominated by digital screens and fast-paced work environments. “In an increasingly digital world with many of us hunched over our computers all day, people enjoy creating something with their own hands, something you can later wear,” Palmer explained.

Crafting for a Cause: Challenging Fast Fashion

For some, knitting and crocheting represent more than just a hobby – they embody a rejection of the fast fashion industry and a commitment to sustainability. Judith Hasloewer, who co-launched the Votiv Kino knitting nights, eloquently suggested that crafting allows people to connect with reality and slow down their lives, while presenting a bold statement against fast fashion.

“Cozy films that you have already seen” work best for knitting, said Palmer. The significance of knitting during the viewing of already familiar movies means that viewers can fully focus on their knitting without straining to follow the plot, making the activity more enjoyable and productive.

The growth of Vienna’s knitting community has been remarkable. According to Hasloewer, the diverse crafting network currently consists of approximately 1,000 members, inclusive of various age groups.

These events offer a unique escape from the usual cinema experience. Moviegoers can knit, chat, and engage with film, all at once. As Hasloewer puts it, “You can just sit in the theatre and knit and keep to yourself, but if you feel like company, you’ll definitely find it here.”

Expanding Horizons of Cinema Experiences

Votiv Kino’s knitting nights exemplify the cinema’s strategy to cater to the diverse interests of their audience. According to the cinema’s spokeswoman, Lisa Stolze, knitting nights have become the latest addition to Votiv Kino’s unique line of special shows, which also includes cinema breakfasts and screenings designed specifically for parents and their children.

“We wanted to offer additional opportunities to all our customers to enjoy the cinema in a way that suites their personal needs,” Stolze explained.

As this knitting trend continues to gain popularity in Vienna and beyond, it remains a testament to the power of community and the transformative potential of age-old traditions in modern times.