Postbox Toppers: Your Ultimate Guide To Getting Started

Whether you’re planning your very first postbox topper or looking for ideas to improve your next design, this guide covers everything you need to know – including how to make a sturdy base, what decorations work best, how to attach your topper safely, and the key rules and etiquette around yarn bombing in public.

What is a Postbox Topper?

A postbox topper is a handmade knitted or crocheted decoration designed to sit on top of a public postbox. Often created as part of community yarn bombing projects, postbox toppers can celebrate holidays, national events, local history, charities, or simply spread a little joy.

Most toppers are made from weather-resistant yarn and include lightweight decorations securely attached to a knitted base. Popular themes include:

• Classic Christmas characters

• Easter and spring displays

• Coronation and royal celebrations

• Remembrance Day poppy toppers

• Halloween scenes

Postbox toppers have become especially popular in villages and towns where knitting groups work together to create eye-catching displays throughout the year.

With thanks to Barlick Yarn Fairies for sharing this beautiful topper

Create the Base First

The base is the foundation of your topper and needs to fit securely around the top of the postbox. Many knitters begin by measuring the circumference and width of their chosen postbox before knitting a simple rectangular or rounded cover.

A good base should be:

• Snug but not too tight

• Easy to remove

• Strong enough to hold decorations

• Flexible enough to cope with wind and rain

Many creators use double knitting yarn for flexibility, acrylic yarn for durability outdoors and a stuffed or lightly padded top section for structure. Once the base is complete, you can start adding decorative elements.

A roadworks themed postbox topper by our member Brenda Fowler

How to Choose the Right Decorations

Before adding items to your base, it’s important to think about how your topper will cope with outdoor conditions.

Aim for items that are:

• Small and lightweight

• Easy to sew or attach securely

• Soft rather than rigid

• Unlikely to fall off in strong wind

Popular additions include knitted flowers, miniature characters, bunting, pom-poms, appliqué shapes, and crocheted lettering. Avoid using heavy objects, sharp wire, loose plastic pieces, or anything that could damage the postbox itself. Our member Cheryl Alsop has created a whole host of toppers for her local postbox

Knitting Patterns for Your Postbox Toppers

If you’re ready to try creating your own postbox topper, we have a wide range of knitting patterns which could easily be used for these kinds of seasonal displays. Our Christmas patterns include everything from Father Christmas and his reindeer to playful festive characters that sit perfectly on top of a postbox. For springtime projects, our Easter patterns feature simple chicks, speedy bunnies, and floral elements that are ideal for lightweight outdoor displays. You’ll also find designs for royal celebrations and national events, helping you mark special occasions with crowns, flags, and commemorative details that work beautifully as centrepieces. Alongside these, our collection of toy patterns and small decorative makes are perfect for adding those finishing touches – from tiny knitted props to themed accents that help to bring your topper to life.

A fun snooker themed display knitted by our member Janet Prescott

Rules Around Yarn Bombing

Although postbox toppers are widely loved, they are technically a form of yarn bombing or guerrilla knitting, meaning they involve decorating public spaces without formal installation structures. Before installing a topper, it’s important to consider a few key guidelines:

• Royal Mail postboxes are public property, so toppers should be fully removable and leave no marks behind.

• Ensure all decorations are firmly attached and cannot become litter or hazards during bad weather.

• Some areas welcome regular yarn bombing displays, while others may remove them quickly. Community groups often find success by speaking to local residents and keeping displays tidy, cheerful, and respectful.

Our talented member Susan Evans is an avid postbox topper creator

Over To You

Throughout this blog is just a few of the amazing postbox topper displays our readers have been creating recently. Whether you’re planning your very first yarn bombing project or looking for fresh ideas for your next knitted masterpiece, we hope these creations spark plenty of inspiration.

Have you created a postbox topper recently? We’d love to see your designs, seasonal themes, and creative yarn bombing ideas. Share your photos and inspiration with fellow members in our private Facebook group.