Knitting For Charity: February/March 2021

Our monthly round-up of how you can use your knitting needles for a good cause.

It’s more important than ever to do your bit for charity, and we’re here to tell you about a few charities that need your help! Get involved now and don’t forget to share your knits with us.

Beat Bullying
This campaign is taking a unique approach to combating bullying. After writing the anti-bullying children’s book Matty-boy and the Secret Pigeon Racket, Anita Hunt contacted toy designer Alan Dart and asked him to create a knitting pattern based on a character from the book. Percy the Pigeon encourages children to speak out, letting them know that even if they are being bullied, they are not alone. This fun and meaningful design can be used in exchange for a donation to BullyingUK, and you’re requested to then give your finished Percy to a local school or youth group, accompanied by the letter provided on their site.

Knit-a-square
Since 2008 Knit-a-square has enabled 90,000 blankets for children living in extreme poverty to be made up. Charitable crafters donate knitted squares that are made into blankets to be wrapped around orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa. With monthly themes, free patterns and a Square Gallery for inspiration, this initiative is great fun to take part in too. Do spread awareness by shouting about your donated squares from the rooftops, and send them to: Knit-a-square, Private Bag X900, Bryanston 2021, SOUTH AFRICA.

Teddies For Tradgedies
This heartfelt initiative supports a variety of charities around the world dedicated to helping vulnerable children in orphanages, refugee camps and hospitals. It operates in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America – anywhere that a child needs help. Originally, this organisation collected handmade teddies to give desperate children hope and comfort. Now, in addition, it hopes knitters, crocheters and stitchers will answer the call to create hand puppets, as well as squares for blankets, and clothes for youngsters. Visit teddiesfortragedies.org.uk to access free patterns and find out more.

Here’s what our lovely members of Let’s Knit Together have been knitting for charity!

“I made these for Age Uk Innocent Smoothie bottles”
LKT Superstar, Helene

“I have sold a few of my knits with all proceeds to a dog charity”
LKT Superstar, Julie