KNITTING PATTERNS

Calling all knitting bees!

Newborn and premature babies at Bwailla hospital need protection against the cold, even in Malawi. If you fancy knitting some booties, hat and jumpers, take a look at some of our patterns for inspiration.

Thanks to White Water Church for these fish and chip patterns - so called because newborn babies frequently have to leave hospital wrapped in newspaper for warmth.

Yarn: double knitting wool

UK Size 5 straight needles

Cast on 30 sts.

Rows 1-11: Knit across

Row 12: Cast off 7 sts. Knit to end of row.

Row 13: Cast off 7 sts. Knit to end of row.

Knit in Garter Stitch until piece measures 4 inches from the cast on edge.

Cast off loosely.

Stitch up to form a sock and fold over the cuff.

Approx. 50g double knitting wool 

4mm needles

Cast on 44 stitches. Work 18 rows in K2, P2 rib Work 30 rows in stocking stitch (1 row knit, 1 row purl) Cast on 12 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows and at the same time change to K2, P2 rib (for sleeve) Rib 22 rows in K2, P2 rib Next row: Rib 21 stitches, cast off 26 stitches, rib 21 stitches (Please cast these stitches off loosely in rib, to allow the neck to stretch over baby’s head) Next row: Rib 21 stitches, cast on 26 stitches, rib 21 stitches (please cast these stitches on loosely, using one size bigger needles if necessary) Work 22 rows in K2, P2 rib Cast off 12 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows Work 30 rows in stocking stitch (1 row knit, 1 row purl) Work 18 rows in K2, P2 rib Cast off. Sew side and sleeve seams. 

Approx. 20g double knitting wool 

4mm needles cast on 64 stitches 

Work 14 rows in K1, P1 rib. Work 18 rows in stocking stitch (1 row knit, 1 row purl) Shape crown as follows—Row 1: *K6, K2tog. Repeat from * to end of row (56 stitches) Row 2 and every alternate following row: Knit Row 3: *K5, K2tog. Repeat from * to end of row (48 stitches) Row 5: *K4, K2tog. Repeat from * to end of row (40 stitches) Continue decreasing in this manner until (K1 K2tog) has been completed and 16 stitches remain. Knit 1 row. Break yarn and thread through remaining 16 stitches. Pull up tightly and join Seam.