Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

WIN SOME NEEDLES – AND A HOOK TOO!

by

I ran across these in my stash recently.  Don’t recall where they came from.  But, I don’t need them.  If you knit or want to learn, then add a comment below.  I’ll wait til May 5 (some fun for Cinco de Mayo) and draw a name for the winner.  I’ll throw in at least one crochet hook too – maybe not a new one, but a good one.

CHIAOGOO SINGLE POINT KNIT NEEDLES SIZE 3, 14 INCH

CHIAOGOO SINGLE POINT KNIT NEEDLES SIZE 3, 14 INCH

The hooks I’m offering are in slightly different packaging.  They’re size 3 and are 14 inches long.  Needles made in China from “Chinese Moso Bamboo, one of the largest and strongest bamboo species in the world.”

Leave me a comment – and Good Luck!

Comments

  2. All right, all right…I’ll take those needles off your hands for you! Thanks for the giveaway!

  3. I have arthritis in my hands and have heard they are easy on the hands More giving. That is my reason for wantingthese needles

  5. Hi, I would love to get the needles, I am learning to knit, self taught, and love all kinds of hooks & needles. Hugs, Mary

  7. I love crocheting but never worked with bamboo hooks before but I heard they are nice to work with.I would really appreciate winning them but if I dont it was fun entering anyway.Happy Crocheting everyone

  8. I just taught myself to knit and am now teaching my 8 year old, so these would come in very handy. Plus my birthday is in early May, so it would make a nice present to me!

  14. I truly enjoy working with bamboo hooks and needles, actually just about any wood hooks, like rosewood, bamboo, and a few others, but my all time favorite are bamboo and rosewood. I also teach crochet to friends, and besides the hooks and needles I have, which I don’t want to part with, they are having a hard time finding wood hooks in stores. I am trying to convince them wood is better.

  15. We can never have too many knitting needles. And bamboo to boot. I could use size 3! Thanks for this giveaway.

  16. They are really beautiful knitting needles and I would LOVE to win them. I knit a scarf this winter and would really like to try needles made from bamboo, they are beautiful!!
    thank you, Lynne

  18. I’m reposting this as my first attempt is still awaiting moderation (first one made according to time stamp.. lol.. go figger)

    Would love to win some needles and a hook (or two?). Maybe it would inspire me to learn to knit. Like I need another passion.. lol. Even if I didn’t learn, I do have family members who knit and these would make great gifts.

  20. I saw your contest on crochetpartners. I simply adore bamboo tools of any kind, especially for threadcrafting, so I woulod be very happy to give a home to and love some bamboo needles. I also want to comment on your query about what I want in a crochet book. I want to see unusual techniques, not the run of the mill same ol same ol and I want to see fresh ideas with old ways of making. Twist it up, you know what I mean?

  22. I’m retiring the 10th of May. Those needles would be wonderful to start retirement with!

  23. I bought my first set of bamboo needles last summer only because the lys only had bamboo for the size I needed.I had never used them before. I fell in love and am slowly replacing all my metal needles with bamboo. Any help in accomplishing this would be greatly appreciated.

  24. I totally want to learn to crochet! I tried knitting; I’m not so good at it. But maybe these will motivate me x3

  25. I would absolutely treasure a bamboo crochet hook! I cant get decent ones here…
    Please put my name in!!! 😉

  26. I would LOVE to acquire some more needles!! I have just started to learn to knit and my “stash” of needles of course is not built yet…lol

  28. I love to crochet and I love to knit – do about 50 – 50. The few bamboo needles that I have I love – they are smooth to knit with.

    have a good day, mary ann

  29. if you are willing to give them, i am willing

    to take them. i have been thinking about

    learning; maybe these would be my incentive if

    i was lucky to win.

    thank you, bev

  30. I think it’s great that you do these prize blogs! Really generous of you, especially with the economy the way it is right now!
    Jennifer

  31. I have crocheted for quite some time but I feel it’s time to expand my horizons…I’d be much appreciative if you sent anything my way…thanks!

  33. I don’t know how to knit so this would be a great reason to learn! I do crochet and just recently tried plastic canvas. I love your blog and have signed up and receive emails about Craftgossip so I look daily for updates to your blog. You do a great job. Keep it up please!

  36. My mom love to knit, and me love to crochet. It would be a great gift to my mom for mother’s day! I do have a bamboo crochet hook, but i seldom use it as the yarn size is not suitable. But i guess it would be more environmental friendly to use wooden / bamboo hook instead of plastic ones.Thanks

  37. I’d love to have a chance to win. I would love to learn how to knit, since everyone ask me if i do when they see me crocheting.

  38. I babysit for some kids that want to learn to knit. I figuired couldn’t hurt to enter.And you can never have too many crochet hooks either.
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    Karen

  39. I’m a long time crocheter, and thought I would learn how to knit just because i’ve read so much about it. Also, i’ve seen so many pretty things that have been knitted. So…when you start a new habit, everyone knows you have to stock up….I would love to have bamboo needles to add to my new collection.

  40. I’m a self taught knitter & crocheter…newer to knitting than crochet & I’d love to get my hands on some new needles!

  41. I had to move and lost all my knitting needles and steel hooks. Bamboo sounds interesting and would love to try them.
    You have a very nice and informative blog.
    Thank you.

  42. Hi JD!
    I love to crochet. I have been wanting to learn to knit for some time, just can never bring myself to buy needles. If I won some it would give me a push to see what I can do with knitting! I recently crocheted an afghan for my grandson (due any day!),it is a star, and is backed with flannel. I would love to send pictures. Just tell me where I can e-mail them!
    God Bless…..Ruby

  44. After becoming disabled at a young age, I taught myself to crochet and have enjoyed it a lot. Now I’ve learned to knit and am enjoying it too. There are things that look so much nicer knitted versus crocheted and vice versa. My knitting supplies are sparse and I’ve never used bamboo needles but would love to! I’ve heard such positive feedback on bamboo that I’d love to add them to my supplies! Thanks!

  45. Ooooh I love bamboo needles and would love to have them in my knitting bag. I am new to knitting but am enjoying it a lot. Even with the simple errors that I make.
    *crossing fingers that my name gets drawn*
    Cheers.

    PS Happy Cinco de Mayo

  46. I thought I’d already sent one but, didn’t see it on the list. I knitted years ago and thought I would stick with crochet. Gave all my knitting goodies away. DUH!! Now I’m back into making a few things and only have a few needles. I love bamboo but can’t find them here. Winning these would be lovely. Love your site jd!

  47. love the kneedle idea. I also have never used bamboo kneedles but, would be very interested in trying them out. I do alot of crocheting but, I have become more interested in doing some knitting. I like to learn the continential knitting it seems so much easier to do. I am in the beginning stages of learning. I check out your site from to time. I find some useful information. Thank you.

  48. I’d like to be entered in the drawing for the needles. My d-i-l wants to learn to knit. I’d love to present her with her own startup kit :O) Thanks!

  49. E-mail is a wond’rous thing
    Across the seas my messages wing
    From me to you
    O’er miles of blue
    I ‘ld gladly accept those needles too!

  50. I’d like to be entered also. I love to knit and I’m crazy about bamboo needles. Thanks for the contest.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Knockers Crochet Pattern: Make Soft Breast Forms to Donate

If you have been searching for a Knitted Knockers crochet pattern, you might be wondering whether you have landed in the wrong craft category. Despite the name, there is an official crochet version, so you can put your hooks to good use without picking up knitting needles.

I love sharing projects that give our crafting a practical purpose. Sometimes a few carefully chosen supplies and an evening of stitching can become something very personal for someone else. This is one of those projects where following the organisation’s instructions matters far more than adding our own creative flourishes.

What Are Knitted Knockers?

Knitted Knockers are soft, lightweight breast forms made by volunteers for people who have undergone breast surgery. The organisation connects makers with recipients and provides its breast forms free of charge.

Both knitted and crocheted versions are available. For makers, the important starting point is choosing the correct pattern and materials for the organisation receiving your donation.

Where to Find the Free Knitted Knockers Crochet Pattern

Visit the official Knitted Knockers pattern and tutorial page and look for “Knitted Knockers Crochet Pattern,” revised June 10, 2023, version 8.

The pattern is credited to Claudia Barbo, with that revision by Michelle Peruskie. It includes sizes A, B, C, D and DD.

Download the written instructions before starting and use the accompanying crochet video for extra help. The organisation advises following the written pattern if the video differs, because instructions are updated periodically.

What Crochet Skills Do You Need?

This project uses a magic ring, single crochet, increases, invisible decreases and working in a continuous spiral.

I would suggest being comfortable counting stitches and following shaping instructions before making your first donation pair. Stitch markers are particularly useful here. “I’ll remember where that round started” has led plenty of us into unnecessary unravelling.

The pattern uses US crochet terminology. Its single crochet stitch is called double crochet in UK terminology, which is worth noting for Australian and British readers.

Follow the pattern’s gauge, shaping and sizing directions rather than substituting instructions from a generic crochet bra cup.

Choosing Yarn for Crocheted Knockers

This is a project where I would check the yarn requirements before opening the stash cupboard.

KnittedKnockers.org maintains a tested, approved yarn list and identifies options suitable for crochet. Crochet can produce a firmer fabric than knitting, so a yarn approved for a knitted version is not automatically the right choice for the crocheted one.

Check the current list through the official pattern page before buying supplies. Donations distributed through KnittedKnockers.org must use its approved yarns and patterns.

A soft-looking ball band or a “baby yarn” label is not enough on its own. Choose the exact yarn and weight specified by your receiving organisation.

Tips Before You Make a Donation Pair

Ask your chosen organisation what sizes and colours it currently needs, whether it accepts crocheted breast forms, and how it wants them finished and delivered.

For the official crochet pattern:

  • Keep pairs consistent in size.
  • Check the finished measurements using the pattern’s sizing guidance.
  • Follow the instructions for the adjustable opening at the back.
  • Confirm whether your receiving group wants stuffed or unstuffed donations.

That adjustable opening is intentional, so resist the temptation to sew everything neatly shut. Follow the finishing directions carefully.

An Australian Crochet Pattern Resource

Australian readers can also explore the free crocheted knockers pattern offered by Be Uplifted in Brisbane.

Its page includes a pattern-request option for making crocheted temporary breast prostheses. Contact the charity directly about its current materials and donation requirements before starting.

Keep each organisation’s instructions together. Mixing one group’s pattern with another group’s materials list can create avoidable confusion.

More Ways to Crochet Something Useful

If your craft group would like several projects to choose from, our crochet chemo cap patterns offer another way to make thoughtful donations. For a wider selection, browse our crochet patterns to make and donate to charity.

Choose a project the receiving group actually needs, check its requirements, and make one carefully before planning a whole basketful.

There is something lovely about using a familiar skill to offer a little practical kindness. Start with the official crochet pattern, take your time with that first pair, and let usefulness guide the stitches.

Original Crochet Breast Form Pattern: A Rounded Personal-Use Design

This simple crochet breast form uses a gently rounded front and a flat back, joined with an opening so the filling can be adjusted.

Unlike the triangular official Knitted Knockers design, this version has a circular outline. It is a starting point for experimenting with shape and fit, rather than a standardised cup-size pattern.

Important: This original pattern has not been physically tested or approved by Knitted Knockers. Do not use it for donations requiring an approved pattern. Anyone considering wearing it following breast surgery should first ask their breast-care nurse or treating team whether the materials, seams and design are suitable.

Materials

  • Approximately 100 g of smooth, soft sport-weight cotton yarn, allowing extra for a tension sample
  • 3.5 mm crochet hook, or size needed for the suggested tension
  • Soft, washable polyester fibre filling
  • Locking stitch marker
  • Blunt yarn needle
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape

These materials are suggestions for this original design. They are not a substitute for a charity’s approved materials list.

Suggested Tension and Finished Size

Aim for approximately 24 single crochet stitches and 26 rows per 10 cm, measured on a flat single crochet sample.

Your stitches should form a flexible fabric without large gaps. If the fabric feels stiff, reconsider the yarn and hook combination before making the full piece.

At this tension, the finished form is expected to measure approximately 10–12 cm across, depending on filling and individual tension. This is an estimate, not a tested measurement or a bra cup-size designation.

Abbreviations

This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

  • ch: chain
  • sc: single crochet
  • inc: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch
  • sl st: slip stitch
  • st/sts: stitch/stitches

In UK terminology, the US single crochet stitch is called double crochet.

Pattern Notes

  • Make one front and one back.
  • Work in continuous rounds without joining unless instructed.
  • Mark the first stitch of each round and move the marker as you work.
  • Instructions inside brackets are repeated the stated number of times.
  • The front and back both finish with 84 stitches.
  • A small opening is left along the joining edge for adjusting the filling.

Make the Rounded Front

Round 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring. Pull the ring closed. 6 sts

Round 2: Inc in every stitch around. 12 sts

Round 3: [Sc in next st, inc in next st] 6 times. 18 sts

Round 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 24 sts

Round 5: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 30 sts

Round 6: [Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 36 sts

Round 7: [Sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 42 sts

Round 8: [Sc in next 6 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 48 sts

Round 9: [Sc in next 7 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 54 sts

Round 10: [Sc in next 8 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 60 sts

Round 11: [Sc in next 9 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 66 sts

Round 12: [Sc in next 10 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 72 sts

Round 13: [Sc in next 11 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 78 sts

Round 14: [Sc in next 12 sts, inc in next st] 6 times. 84 sts

Before continuing, check the fabric. It should be broadly flat, although the repeated increase positions may give it a slightly hexagonal outline. Pronounced ruffling or cupping at this stage suggests that your tension needs adjusting.

Rounds 15–17: Sc in every stitch around. 84 sts in each round

These three rounds add depth to the front.

Sl st into the next stitch to soften the finishing step. Fasten off and weave in the end. The slip stitch does not count as an additional stitch.

Secure the starting tail carefully on the wrong side.

Make the Flat Back

Work Rounds 1–14 of the front instructions.

You will finish with 84 stitches.

Do not work the three additional rounds used for the front.

Sl st into the next stitch. Fasten off, leaving approximately 100 cm of yarn for joining. Secure the starting tail.

Join the Front and Back

Place the pieces together with their wrong sides facing inward. The extra rounds on the front should create space for the filling.

Align the edges so that each front stitch matches one back stitch. Locking markers placed at intervals can help prevent the pieces from shifting.

Using the long tail and a blunt yarn needle, whipstitch through the outermost loop of each corresponding stitch pair.

Join 72 stitch pairs, leaving 12 stitch pairs unjoined for the filling opening.

Keep the seam relaxed. Pulling it tight will gather the edge and distort the shape.

Secure the joining yarn firmly at the end of the seam and weave it into the inside of the work. Leave the opening accessible.

Add the Filling

Add small amounts of fibre filling through the opening.

Spread it evenly beneath the front panel, gently shaping the piece with your hands. Aim for a softly rounded front and a comparatively flat back.

Avoid packing it into a firm ball. More filling is not automatically a better fit.

The front should remain compressible, and the filling should stay inside without pushing through gaps in the crochet fabric.

Make an Adjustable Closure

Cut a separate length of yarn approximately 40 cm long.

Starting at one end of the opening, lace the yarn loosely between the corresponding front and back stitches across all 12 unjoined stitch pairs, as though lacing a shoe.

Leave a tail at each end.

Gently draw the edges together without gathering them tightly. Tie a loose bow and tuck the bow and tails inside the opening.

This allows the lacing to be loosened when filling needs to be added or removed. Check that the opening stays closed during handling and that the fastening does not create an uncomfortable lump.

Check Your Sample

Before considering this prototype for personal wear, check:

  • The fabric feels soft and flexible.
  • The starting ring and all woven ends are secure.
  • The seam is smooth and does not form a hard ridge.
  • No filling escapes through the stitches or opening.
  • The closure can be reopened without damaging the crochet.
  • The shape and size suit the intended purpose.

For use following surgery, have the design and fit checked by the wearer’s breast-care professional. Do not place this untested design against an incision or healing skin.

Making Breast Forms for Charity?

Please use the receiving organisation’s approved pattern and materials instead of this experimental design.

The official Knitted Knockers crochet pattern and tutorials are the appropriate starting point for donations to KnittedKnockers.org. Following the organisation’s requirements helps volunteers sort and distribute donations that meet recipients’ needs.