| Do you want to knit for a good cause? Wondering | | | | pattern for a jumper appropriate for children of all |
| where to start? Is there a need? | | | | ages. They are also look for knitted hats, gloves and |
| Yes there is! | | | | scarves. |
| Whether you are nutty about knitting or an eager | | | | - Early AngelsThis is a site based in the U.K set up to |
| novice with your needles paused there are lots of | | | | help people to knit, crochet or sew clothes, blankets |
| charities to choose from. Knitting for charity can | | | | and other keepsakes for premature, low birth weight |
| definitely be fun, but it can also be one of the most | | | | and sadly stillborn babies. They have a wide range of |
| fulfilling and rewarding things you'll ever do. | | | | free knitting, crochet and sewing patterns accessible |
| Have you knitted for your children? Your | | | | on their pattern page. |
| grandchildren? Your friends' children? Your friends' | | | | The charities have a lot of information on their |
| childrens' children? Knitting baby clothes is quick and | | | | websites, below is some general advice to help you |
| rewarding but sometimes there are just not enough | | | | get those needles clicking. |
| babies in your social circle to knit for. If you love knitting | | | | Colours |
| beautiful little items of baby clothing then why not think | | | | Pastel colours are the most popular. Apart from baby |
| about charity knitting for premature babies? | | | | pinks and blues other colours, which may be chosen, |
| There are lots of ways that you can click your knitting | | | | are: Lemon, Cream, White, Mint Green, Peach, Lilac and |
| needles for a worthy cause. The information here will | | | | Aqua. It is accepted that bright and dark colours should |
| help you begin charity knitting for premature babies. | | | | be avoided as they often make premature babies look |
| There is something sweet about knitting a little item for | | | | frailer. When knitting burial garments the advice |
| the tiniest of babies. Not only are you providing an | | | | suggests its best to use colours such as white or |
| individual gift for someone who urgently needs it, but | | | | cream and to avoid pinks, blues and lilacs, as they are |
| also baby clothes are quick and simple to make! So it's | | | | not appropriate for the colouring of a stillborn baby. |
| gratifying in more ways than one. Even if you're a | | | | Yarn |
| novice this is a venture you can start and see through | | | | Premature babies have very delicate skin and can |
| right to the end. Read on for some great general | | | | often be allergic to wool; therefore it is best to steer |
| guidance on charity knitting for premature babies and | | | | clear of garments made with a wool mix. Acrylic yarn |
| some details of particular charities you can have a | | | | is more appropriate when knitting for preemies. Ideal |
| look at before you decide who to knit for. The charities | | | | yarn to use for preemie knits is baby double knit or |
| often offer free knitting patterns. | | | | 4ply yarn. Most preemie patterns will use these. |
| Where can I find Premature Baby Charity Knitting | | | | Size |
| Patterns? | | | | Don't put too much importance on trying to perfect the |
| - BlissOne of the many ways that you can support | | | | size of a preemie item of clothing. There is a great |
| Bliss is by knitting for babies in special care units. | | | | difference between premature baby sizes and so an |
| Knitted items are most helpful for babies about to go | | | | item of any size should be suitable for at least one |
| home, but there is also a need for blankets and hats | | | | baby. As a general guide premature babies head |
| for babies in hospital. Knitted items are often not | | | | circumference is roughly the same as their chest |
| suitable for intensive care units - stitched cotton is | | | | circumference. The average premature babies chest |
| preferable. However for larger babies, and in high | | | | measurements are 8"-14". However clothes of all sizes |
| dependency and special care units, knitted items are | | | | are needed for preemies, so no matter how big or |
| often very welcome. | | | | small your item is it will most likely fit at least one baby. |
| Bliss asks that to reduce their costs volunteer knitters | | | | Fastenings |
| help by sending items direct to their local unit, and not | | | | Plain flat half-inch buttons are best to use for fastening. |
| to Bliss. To find the address of your local unit, and to | | | | Avoid nylon and metal fastenings, as they get very hot |
| check which items they have requested to receive, | | | | under the incubator heaters. Do not use Velcro as a |
| please contact Bliss via their website. | | | | fastening, it is very scratchy on the hook side and also |
| Bliss also use Knitted breasts. The knitted breasts | | | | damages knitted garments when they are laundered. |
| allow nurses to easily demonstrate to women | | | | Ease of dressing is vital for preemies and as a general |
| important massage techniques that let them stimulate | | | | rule it is best not to use ribbon as a fastening as ribbon |
| their milk production and express their valuable first | | | | can often be fussy to tie on a garment so small. |
| drops of milk. They are particularly helpful when there | | | | The charities involved usually have free knitting |
| are language barriers. Woollen breasts are a brilliant | | | | patterns and advice on their websites so do not be |
| free alternative to expensive teaching aids that are | | | | worried by all the details as you really will be able to |
| used by health professionals to educate new mothers | | | | find a garment to suit both your knitting skills and the |
| to express by hand before going on to use an electric | | | | babies needs |
| pump. | | | | Knitting items for premature babies can be very |
| - Bonnie BabiesThis charity sends premature baby | | | | worthwhile and rewarding. It is definitely appreciated by |
| outfits and blankets to special care baby units around | | | | the charities and the families who receive them. If you |
| the UK and to parents who need support. A mother | | | | are excited by the prospect of getting your knitting |
| who needed a way to deal with the loss of her | | | | needles working for charity and want to explore |
| premature child founded Bonnie Babies six years ago. | | | | charity knitting for other organisations here are some |
| Bonnie Babies makes premature clothing, blankets, and | | | | other ideas to help your search. |
| burial outfits for U.K. Special Baby Care Units and | | | | Charity Clowns |
| families. Their aim is to show each mother and family | | | | Teddies for Tragedies |
| that there are people thinking of them and caring for | | | | Algerian Action |
| them. | | | | Save the Children |
| Bonnie Babies mainly makes blankets for premature | | | | Knitting for Operation Christmas Child |
| babies. They provide patterns for toys, hats, and | | | | The Sailors' Society |
| sweaters (including a "5 Hour Baby Sweater!"), but | | | | Loving Hands |
| blankets are quick, simple to make, and guaranteed to | | | | Operation Elderly Charity Stitcher |
| fit. Families can then continue to treasure them long | | | | The Baby Pack Project |
| after the child is grown. | | | | I hope you find the right premature baby charity knitting |
| Feed the Children | | | | patterns to suit your skills and enjoy the rewards of |
| Feed The Children is a UK charity that has a knitting | | | | knitting for charity. |