Yarn it Forward: An NYU Club Gives Back to NYC

Yarn it Forward’s founder Neya Kidambi is a Politics major in the College of Arts and Science (CAS). When she started college, living in New York City felt like a far cry from growing up in suburban Connecticut. Neya enjoyed service-oriented work and thought it might strengthen her connection to the city. At the same time, she wanted to build community with others who shared her love for fiber arts. Eventually, an idea for combining those interests arose from interacting with a woman who was unhoused. Neya often talked to the woman and got her something to eat, but she wanted to do more.

“I knitted her a hat,” Neya recalls. “This still didn’t feel like enough, but that’s what kickstarted my interest in serving the unhoused population. I wanted students to see that these are our community members and our neighbors, and there has to be something that we can do to help them.”

With their focus on the unhoused population, Yarn it Forward’s first partner was the New York City Rescue Mission. The club has since expanded to help multiple community organizations. They’ve recently worked with the Koenig Childhood Cancer Foundation, with members contributing individual squares that are sewn together to create larger blankets.

At Yarn it Forward events, all skill levels are welcome, with members eager to help others learn. Beginners receive knitting and crocheting supplies along with online resources and instructions to take home so they can continue working on their contributions at their own pace.

Charlene Chow, who studies Integrated Design and Media at NYU Tandon, is the group’s outreach and marketing director. She loves meeting new members. “I was surprised that many members were novices in fiber arts. It is a joy to see others so excited to learn,” she says. “Our goal of giving back to our New York City community while forming a new one within NYU is one I am super grateful to be part of.”

In addition to being a means to give back to the city, Yarn it Forward members agree that there’s something special about knitting and crocheting. “I like the slow intentionality behind the process,” Charlene shares. “Every project requires some sort of planning and often a lot of unraveling and learning from your mistakes. It all adds up to make the final product more fulfilling.”

For Neya, the experience becomes almost meditative. “I reach this state of calm and tranquility that I can’t reach with anything else. When I leave my crafting zone, I feel revived and ready to tackle what I was avoiding before,” she says. “For college students, an outlet like this is integral. It’s wonderful to see so many overachieving people come together and just breathe and do something they love.”

The creative expression is a highlight for CAS Biochemistry major Jay Chen, the club’s event director. “You can create amigurumi and plushies that you can’t find anywhere else,” he says. “I enjoy making things to give away, and with crochet and knitting, you can see the effort someone puts in, so it’s a great way to show appreciation.”

Attracting people from many different NYU majors, the club also offers opportunities to form new friendships. “No matter our experience with fiber arts, there is always a proactive curiosity to share and learn from each other,” shares Tisch Drama and CAS Psychology double major and Yarn it Forward vice president Han Le. “It’s truly beautiful to be part of such a caring and kind community.”