Secrets concealed into garments, knitting patterns used to record enemy movements, and disguises stitched for spies operating behind enemy lines.
These are just some of the remarkable ways handicrafts became covert weapons during the Second World War, and a special event at The Hive is giving the chance to uncover these fascinating stories.
Taking place on Wednesday 4 November, 6-8pm, Heroic Handicrafts: Covert Weapons of War is the Hive’s first Severn Stitchers event, bringing together intriguing stories of textiles at heritage sites across Worcestershire.
The event will be hosted by Esther Dobson, Associate Lecturer in History and Research and Knowledge Exchange Facilitator at the University of Worcester, whose research focusses on modern women’s history and the significance of needlecraft during wartime.
“Forget the cliché of women making-do-and-mending quietly at home while the men were away on the fighting front,” she said. “Handicrafts became ingenious tools of espionage, morale, sabotage and propaganda during the Second World War.”
Esther explained: “There were people in the Special Operations Executive producing region-specific disguises for spies behind enemy lines. Elderly women in Belgium knitted coded patterns to report train movements, and some agents even hid secret maps inside shoelaces woven into their hairstyles.”
“Knitting and sewing can seem so twee and innocent,” added Esther. “But during the war they really took advantage of that inconspicuousness.”
Following the talk, attendees will take part in an interactive embroidery workshop, creating their own stitched messages to take home. Guests are invited to bring along a short sentence they would like to embroider, with all needles, thread and fabric provided.
Vega Minton, Events Co-ordinator at the Hive, said: “Whether you’re fascinated by wartime history, enjoy sewing and embroidery or simply want to discover something unusual, this event will offer you a unique insight into a little-known but completely fascinating aspect of the Second World War.”
Tickets cost just £2.50 to cover the cost of the materials. Advance booking is strongly recommended via The Hive website.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk