October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I have found a great way for YOU to help out by crocheting (or knitting) breast cancer prosthesis also known as “knockers”
Knockers are breast prosthetics, crocheted or knitted by volunteers, for women who have had a mastectomy. or lumpectomy. They are a soft, lightweight alternative to the standard silicone prosthesis that many women find heavy and hot to wear. Knockers fit into a regular bra where they take on the shape of a real breast. They are provided FREE of charge upon request by Knitted Knockers Groups throughout the world.
Knitted Knockers Support Organization provides a portal for over 450 groups in 50 states and many countries. Requests that come in to the website, knittedknockers.org are forwarded to be filled by affiliated groups within their state.
Although called knitted knockers, the organization accepts a crocheted version made with the pattern provided below.
Knockers are needed in all sizes and colors so have fun making the Knockers of your choice. By far the most requested are neutral colors though and matching pairs are greatly appreciated.
When making the Crocheted Knockers, Knitted Knockers Support Foundation has created a list of tested and approved yarns appropriate for the knockers. While Crocheted Knockers are a great “stash buster” taking only about 50 yards of yarn depending on size, the knockers may be worn against sensitive skin and must be durable, breathable and stay soft after washing. Please note that only knockers made from this list will be used to fill orders from knittedknockers.org so please only use these yarns.
You can find the list of approved yarns attached to the pattern.
Don’t stress too much about the sizing. The most important thing is to make sure that both knockers in a pair are the same size (same number of stitches). About 75% of the requests are for sizes B and C with the rest size A, D and DD.
If you don’t have someone to give your beautiful crocheted knockers to please send them to Knitted Knockers for distribution (always free to the recipient). They need lots of them!
You can mail completed, unstuffed knockers to Knitted Knockers Support Foundation, 1780 Iowa St., Bellingham, WA 98229. Please include your contact information & the yarn label.
If you wish to stuff the knockers, Knitted Knockers are very particular that you use a high quality poly fiber. Slightly overstuff but leave back open for adjustment by the recipient.
Visit http://www.knittedknockers.org/ to learn more.
NOT FROM THE UNITED STATES? Go to the “Request a Knocker” tab and enter your country. You will be provided with a list of affiliate organizations in your part of the world
I would love to see your knockers!! Tag them with #whatsnanamaking @whatsnanamaking2019. I would also love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share!!
Want more patterns?? Check out our FREE pattern index for great ideas!!
Never heard of these before. Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 5. Shared.
Thank you for hosting the party. Getting the word out!!
I had no idea this existed! Totally fabulous! Thank you for posting about this excellent cause.
What a great idea! Thanks for linking up with us at the GATHERING OF FRIENDS LINK PARTY 8, pinning!
I would love to purchase a pair of knockers. I’m not sure of the size either B or C with no nipple (either crochet or knitted). I have searched in Bozeman Mt @nd cannot find anyone who will do this. I am happy to pay for these and would be so very happy to receive. Thank you for considering this request.
If any of my followers are willing to help Barbara, please post a comment and we can put you in touch with other!
Hello just want to know. What is the best yarn to use for making these.
I have been asked to make some
Lera,
Thank you so much for asking. It is very important that you use yarns that have been approved by Knitted Knockers Organization. You can find the list of approved yarns attached to the pattern. Simply click on the large pink “Get Pattern Here” at the end of the post. Personally, I like the Lion Brand Coboo.
Can I use two strands of Coboo yarn when crocheting a knocker. I have a hard time with one strand on G hook.
Because Coboo is a DK weight yarn, doubling it will make it equal to an Aran weight. Although I am sure it would work it will make your knocker much thicker. You should check your gauge because I believe it will make the knocker much larger. You can check out my blog on How to Substitute yarn for assistance.
Let us know how this works for you
Nana K