Blog: A big thank you to our Big Knitters

Each year, we’re delighted to take part in The Big Knit – the campaign that asks knitting experts and novices alike to try their hand at creating tiny woollen hats to adorn innocent smoothie bottles.

Age Scotland receives a donation for every hat knitted, which goes towards supporting our member groups and the vital work taking place across Scotland to tackle loneliness and isolation affecting older people.

Ever since extending this year’s deadline to 1 June 2022 and upgrading our target to 81,714 hats, we’ve been delighted to see donations continue to arrive at our Causewayside office by the box.

It has been wonderful to hear of the joy and sense of calm granted by knitting and, during this Big Knit in particular, we know the pastime has been a welcome escape for those who have not been able to get out and about as much as they might have before the pandemic.

Forever Young, a sheltered housing group based in Renfrewshire, have already sent over 6,000 hats as part of this year’s campaign, saying:

“We have always had a core of tenants participating in any knitting project because they are keen knitters. However due to lockdown we found the hats were a great activity that they could do quickly and it was easy. We supplied wool patterns and before we knew it we were finding more tenants participating.”

“My mum starting knitting as it gave her a purpose after her stroke and kept her fingers moving.”

The members of Annan Day Centre have contributed over 8,000 hats, with staff agreeing:

“It’s beneficial to members, they can use their skills to help raise funds towards their centre and it gives them a sense of achievement.”

North Berwick Day Centre are also playing a pivotal role in this year’s campaign, with members knitting around 3,500 hats so far. Member of the centre, Sandra, said:

“Knitting hats brightens my day. I enjoy knowing these little hats are raising money for a good cause - and it also uses my creative skills!”

Although the deadline is approaching, it’s not too late to get involved. If you have a knitting-shaped hole in your life, or have missed out on taking part in previous Big Knits, or perhaps you’re just looking to try out a new hobby for a good cause – everyone is welcome!

Knitting just 20 little hats could fund a friendship call to a lonely older person in Scotland, that might be the only person they speak to that week. Getting a group of friends together and knitting 100 hats could fund 5 vital friendship calls.

Feeling inspired? Choose a pattern from our sample collections at www.age.scot/bigknit and get started today.

Finished hats can be sent to us at:

The Big Knit, Age Scotland, Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR

Please include a note with your hats telling us your name and address so we can thank you for your efforts.

We’d also love to know your knitting stories and why you are taking part in the Big Knit – tell us at bigknit@agescotland.org.uk.