The vastly different worlds of knitting and heavy metal music have combined in an unexpected way, with Finland recently holding the first-ever championships for Heavy Metal Knitting.

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word ‘knitting’? If you’re anything like me, you’re probably met with images of your elderly grandmother clicking her needles away as she creates a blanket that still holds up 20 years later.

However, very rarely will these thoughts be soundtracked by anything heavier than a bit of Johnny Cash, or whatever Jeremy Cordeaux was talking about on 5DN back in the late ’90s.

Now, it appears as though the world of knitting and heavy metal have finally collided, with Finland holding their inaugural Heavy Metal Knitting Championship recently.

Taking place in the city of Joensuu, a large number of participants and onlookers came together to share their love of heavy tunes and yarn manipulation.

“In heavy metal knitting, needlework and music become united like never before,” oraganisers of the event explained. “On the same stage, accompanied by a million dollar guitar solo, with hair flowing in the air, there’s heavy metal music and knitting, shaking hands.

“Knitting to the rhythm of heavy metal music can be compared to playing air guitar – which is a Finnish way to goof around as well. In heavy metal knitting, the knitter becomes a part of the band, showing their best needlework tricks as the heavy riffs echo on the background.

“The knitter takes part in the jam while their balls of yarn and knitting needles swish through the air.”

Check out this year’s event:

Footage of the event shows exactly what you might imagine, with heavy bands rocking their brains out while one or more crafty participants find themselves hard at work on a scarf (or something similar).

So how did the first-ever championship end up? Well, Japanese group Giga Body Metal came in first place, as Denmark’s Crafts With Ellen and the USA’s 9″ Needles rounded out the top three.

According to the event’s website, performers were judged on a number of aspects, including performing skills, attitude, how well they resonated with the audience, and the currently unexplained “heavyknittinghood”.

Preparations are already in the works for next year’s event, so be sure to follow the event’s Facebook page for more info.

Check out the Heavy Metal Knitting Championship promo video: