If you’re looking for a project to direct some pent-up creativity, Trauma Teddies is perfect for you.
The Red Cross Trauma Teddies program involves volunteers crafting and donating hand-knitted or crocheted teddy bears to comfort children experiencing trauma or crises. Emergency services and healthcare professionals distribute these teddies to help soothe and support children during difficult times.
For this Trauma Teddy knitting pattern, you will need basic knitting skills such as casting on (try the thumb cast-on method or the cable cast-on method), knitting in rows, changing colours, increasing stitches, decreasing stitches, and casting off. Additionally, basic sewing skills are required for assembling the teddy, including sewing seams and securely attaching pieces together.
Trauma teddies pattern
To get started, download this teddy bear knitting pattern. There is also a pattern for slightly larger teddy bears and a crochet pattern. Each teddy should take about 5 hours to complete.
How big is a trauma teddy?
Trauma teddies come in various sizes, but they are typically small enough for a child to hold. They are usually around 20 cm (8 inches) tall before filling or 23cm (9 inches) tall after filling. The pattern states, “Trauma Teddies should be stuffed with a polyester monofilament (Dacron) fibre approved by the Red Cross.”
Where do I get yarn to knit teddies?
The knitting patterns state that only 8-ply wool or acrylic yarn should be used. Mohair, angora, Feathersoft, Lurex, or cotton yarn should not be used anywhere on Teddies because they can cause allergic reactions. Your needle size will depend on your knitting style—size 3 for loose knitters or 3.25 for tight knitters.
You can purchase yarn in many craft stores, like Spotlight, which currently offers 40% off all yarn packs.
Do you have to follow the trauma teddy pattern?
Ensure you carefully read the Trauma Teddy knitting pattern for instructions and safety information. For example, no loose pieces can be added, like scarves or buttons. A Red Cross representative checks each Trauma Teddy before having the Red Cross label sewn on.
Where to send your Trauma Teddies
You can drop your completed Teddies at your local Red Cross office or message them here to discuss the best delivery method.
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