Thank you for your support in helping Sands make such a huge difference to the families that receive our memory boxes. We are very grateful for the effort, care and love put into each blanket. These blankets are a very special part of the box as each is handmade and we know how much comfort they bring to parents after the death of their baby.
The knitting and crochet patterns can be downloaded below, or you can use your own pattern, we only ask that:
- White wool with no metallic inclusions is used
- There are no large holes to trap delicate fingers and toes
- The finished blanket is square and between 20-24 inches/50-60cm or we will be unable to fold it to fit in the memory box
Please note that we can only accept donations of white blankets between 20-24 inches/50-60cm. If you have other items to donate, such as blankets of different sizes or colours, or baby clothes, please get in touch with your local hospital to see if they can accept them. You can find a map of neo natal units here.
Please don’t send these items to us as we cannot use them and we will incur the cost of posting them on elsewhere.
After you have knitted or crocheted your blanket:
Once you have completed knitting or crocheting your blanket, you must fill in our form. Then, print off your completed form and include it in your parcel with the blanket.
If you do not have a printer, then please include your name, address and the form submission number with your blanket so that we can send you an acknowledgment.
You can post your blankets to: Sands Memory Box Blanket Appeal, C/O Partridges, Eagle Avenue, Magnetic Park, Desborough NN14 2WD
Please don’t pass this on to a local Sands group as they are unable to store them and it will take longer for the blankets to get to bereaved parents.
Sands can reimburse postage costs and the cost of wool if necessary. Please fill out our expenses form and email it to volunteering@sands.org.uk along with any receipts you have.
Knitting Pattern
Knit for Sands Always Loved, Never Forgotten Memory Boxes.
Crochet Pattern
Crochet f or Sands, Always Loved, Never Forgotten Memory Boxes.
Frequently asked questions: Knitting and crocheting blankets for Sands Always Loved, Never Forgotten Memory Boxes
Q: Why do Sands Memory Box blankets need to be white?
A: Sadly, there is great need for our Memory Boxes which go to bereaved parents from all walks of life and from different backgrounds and beliefs. So, to ensure that Memory Boxes are appropriate for every baby, we only use white blankets as they are a neutral colour. In some cases where a baby has died early in pregnancy, parents do not know the gender of their baby, and different colours can have different cultural significances.
Q: Do you accept blankets that are not hand knitted or crocheted, for example fleece?
A: No. We only accept hand knitted or crocheted blankets.
Q: Do you only accept woollen blankets, or can I use a synthetic fibre?
A: We accept wool or synthetic fibres, as long as they are white and the blanket is handmade.
Q. Do you accept knitted items other than blankets?
A. No, unfortunately we can only accept white blankets. If you have other items to donate, such as blankets of different sizes or colours, or baby clothes, please get in touch with your local hospital, to see if they can accept them. You can find a map of neo natal units here. Please don’t send these items to us as we cannot use them and we will incur the cost of posting them on elsewhere.
Q: Where do I send finished Memory Box blankets?
A: Sands Memory Box Blanket Appeal, C/O Partridges, Eagle Avenue, Magnetic Park, Desborough, NN14 2WD. Please remember to fill in our form, print it off and include in your parcel so we can send a thank you. If you don’t have a printer, please still complete the form, hand write your name and address, and include the submission number of the form.
Q: I am knitting as part of a group and/or have a large number of blankets to send
A: Please collect your blankets together in a box and if you have more than 25 blankets, please contact us as we may be able to arrange a courier pickup. Please contact us to discuss this further on 0203 897 6092 or email shop@shop-sands.org.uk.
Q: I’d love to knit a blanket, but I don’t know how. Can you help?
A: Knitting a blanket for a Sands Memory Box blanket is a great project if you are starting to knit. There are many useful online videos which are made specially for beginners. There are a lot of ‘How to Knit’ videos on YouTube for example www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_R1UDsNOMk or visit this website here sheepandstitch.com/start-here/
Q: How else can I support the work Sands does?
A: There are loads of ways you can get involved to help us support bereaved parents and families, improve the care they receive and help us ensure that fewer babies die in the future. Find out more.