A Thread Through History
Welcome to the longest yarn.com
Welcome to The Longest Yarn — where history is stitched one meter at a time.
We are a global community of makers united in commemorating pivotal moments of World War II through large-scale, hand-crafted textile installations.
Our debut project, The Longest Day, was created to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2024. This extraordinary 3D artwork spans 80 meters, with each meter capturing a moment from one of the 80 days of the Battle of Normandy — from the storming of the beaches to the liberation of Paris.
Crafted entirely in knit and crochet, the piece was brought to life by volunteers from around the world. After touring the UK and Ireland — drawing more than 250,000 visitors — the work is now on display in the United States for a year-long exhibition.
And the journey continues.
Our second major project, Britain at War, is now on tour across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, running through to the end of 2027. This powerful 80-meter installation explores the social history of the Second World War — how ordinary people coped, endured, and adapted during years of wartime hardship and change.
The exhibition also features our life-sized, hand-crafted “Army of Duty Calls” figures, honoring those who served both at home and on the front lines.
The story continues to unfold — visit our Exhibition Schedule to see where we're heading next.
Knitted and Crocheted, two 80 metre 3D displays:
D Day & Britain at War
Created with guidance from historians retained by the project, to be historically accurate, each scene has been selected by the creator to depict the story of this momentous day in history, each scene unique and made with care.
With some of the scenes dedicated and depicting actual WW2 veterans that were in the theatre of war here in Normandy on 6th June.
Britain at War is a study on social history how Britain coped during those dark days between 3rd September 1939 to VE Day 8th May 1945
Get Ready to Visit!
Britain at War
Stoke Minster
Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1LP
4th-29th October.
Opening times vary, and the exhibition is closed on Mondays. Please note that the opening times poster displayed here is provided for reference only and may not always reflect the most current schedule. To ensure you have the latest and most accurate information, including any essential details, we strongly recommend checking the Stoke Minster Facebook page before planning your visit.
📍Where - Stoke Minster, ST4 1LP
🅿️ Kingsway Car Park, ST4 1BL none on site
🚍Numbers 21 and 23
🚂10 minute walk from Stoke-on-Trent station
🫖Lots of lovely cafés nearby
Free entry – a suggested donation of £5 is kindly appreciated upon arrival.
Updated on 29 September 2025; information is correct to our knowledge. Please check the venue website before your visit.
Britain at War has officially begun its tour across the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, continuing through to the end of 2027.
Click the title above to view the full list of upcoming venues.
The Longest Yarn exhibition is free to attend — we're committed to making this experience open to everyone.
However, we operate with no formal funding, and rely on public generosity to keep the project touring. We suggest a £5 donation, which helps with essential travel and setup costs.
In return, you'll receive a complimentary pocket guide to help you navigate and understand the key themes of the exhibition.
For those who'd like to support us further, we also offer our beautifully produced full guidebook for £15 — packed with photos, in-depth stories behind the panels, and introductions to the incredible crafters who brought the project to life.
Your support keeps us on the road, one stitch at a time.
Planning your visit is easy! Simply click here for all the information you need.
D-Day
Our D-Day 80-panel exhibition, featuring the life-sized hero Screaming Eagle Reg Alexander, is now touring the USA for an entire year.
4 September to October 27th 2025
World War II American Experience Museum
Opening times
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday :12pm-4pm
Tuesday :Group venue rental and tours by appointment.
Please check before planning your visit:
845 Crooked Creek Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717.253.3414
WWII American Experience - World War II American Experience
***Curious about the next stop on The Longest Yarn D-Day
American tour? Simply click the title button above to find out!***
In 2026, the D-Day exhibition will return to its permanent home in Carentan, France.
Help Us Out
The Longest Yarn is run by a small, passionate, self-funded non-profit association. We’ve brought this exhibition to life through determination, creativity, and the support of generous people like you.
Every contribution — big or small — makes a real impact. Your support helps us cover essential costs like travel, transportation, and protective display boxes, making it possible to share this work with communities across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Any surplus funds are donated to veteran charities, we're already helping FVA.org.uk refurbish a canal boat for a homeless veteran — ensuring your generosity continues to make a difference long after the exhibition moves on.
By supporting us, you’re not just funding an exhibition you’re joining a community that celebrates creativity, honours history, and believes in human connection.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Our books are our main income source—buy yours today!
Buy
- Visit our Online Shop for our souvenirs
- Buy unique handcrafted items on our Facebook Auction page.
Make and donate
- Knit or crochet poppies, flowers or flags for cascades, for details please join our Facebook group The Peterborough Drop
- Contribute your creations for auctions, for details join our Facebook group Nimble Needles and Hooks
Donate funds
Join our Gofundme campaign
Learn more about us
Follow us on social media for the latest updates and news! Stay connected with our vibrant online community and never miss out on exciting announcements, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Feel free to email us anytime! Whether you have questions, feedback, or need assistance, we’re here to help.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing prompt responses to ensure your experience with us is seamless and enjoyable.
Looking for quick answers? Check out our FAQ page! We’ve compiled a list of common questions and detailed answers our FAQ section is designed to save you time and provide clarity whenever you need it.