Knitting and crocheting

Information about the knitted items we are currently accepting.

Blankets

Blankets are used by different departments across the Trust to provide warmth and comfort to patients. Below you can find specific criteria relating to each department.

Dementia/ Complex Needs Team: Blankets and bed runners help dementia patients to identify their bed due to its unique pattern and colours, in an unfamiliar environment where the beds can often look similar.

They are also great for providing a sense of home comfort and warmth. A range of colours and patterns can be used so we welcome your creativity!

We request that blankets be approximately 120cm x 90cm in size.

Palliative Care Team: The palliative care team use blankets while caring for end of life patients to provide warmth and to keep patients as comfortable as possible.

A range of colours and patterns can be used, though soft pastel colours are preferred. We request that blankets be approximately 120cm x 90cm in size.

Any sewing pattern of your choice may be used and these blankets can be knitted, crocheted or sewn.

Neonatal / Maternity: The neonatal unit and maternity ward use knitted blankets to keep babies warm and comfortable.

We request that blankets be approximately 90cm by 90cm in size.

A range of colours and patterns can be used, though soft pastel colours are preferred.

Any baby blankets must be tight knit, with no large holes.

We really need larger blankets for our adult patients. If you'd like to knit or crochet smaller squares, send them in and our volunteers will sew them together to form larger blankets.

Knitted Knockers

These are knitted or crochet soft breasts that patients can wear post op following a mastectomy to help with symmetry and confidence. 

Patterns available along with useful how to videos direct from their website at: 

https://www.knittedknockers.org/make-a-knocker/

Please can any donations be dropped off / posted directly to Gate 22 Breast Care at Pinderfields Hospital rather than the volunteers office due to space.

Twiddlemuffs

A Twiddlemuffs is a double thickness hand muff with bits and bobs attached inside and out. It is designed as a stimulation activity and to provide comfort for the restless hands of patients suffering from dementia.

Each Twiddlemuff is unique, and so we welcome creativity in your choice of colours and patterns! Decorations such as buttons, toggles and pom poms are just a few good examples of different textures that can be twiddled with.

We please request that decorations such as zips, long ribbons, sharp objects and anything which a patient may get their fingers stuck in are avoided.

Knitted Baby Hats

We do not currently need require this item — thank you.

Knitted baby hats are used on the maternity ward and smaller hats on the neonatal unit, to keep infants comfortable and warm.

The knitted hats can be made in any colour or pattern, although light, neutral and pastel colours are preferred.

Knitted Baby Clothing

We do not need currently require this item — thank you.

Knitted baby cardigans are used on the maternity ward and smaller items of clothing on the neonatal ward, to keep infants comfortable and warm.

The cardigans can be made in any colour, although light, neutral and pastel colours are preferred.

We please request that no buttons or bead embellishments be used on the neonatal cardigans.

Fidget Bears

Fidget bears provide comfort for the restless hands of patients suffering from dementia, in a similar way to the Twiddlemuff.

The fidget bear will grip your fingers, making it easy to hold and play.

How to links

Twiddlemuff - https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/c/article/how-to-knit-a-twiddlemuff

Fidget Bears- https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/how-make-fidget-toys-people-living-dementia

How to pattern available by joining Penistone Knitting Group pattern page : https://www.facebook.com/groups/373738356610624/