The Friends Knitting Guild

Volunteers of all ages can  provide a special touch for patients by knitting or crocheting various items. This program helps provide cheer and console to our patients and their families. We have several knitted projects for you to choose from. Below is a listing of our projects along with their requirements. We can provide you with yarn and patterns upon request. Completed projects can either be brought in or mailed in to the Volunteer Services office. Please include your name and phone number with your completed items. Any items that do not meet the requirements below will be returned to you. If you have any questions or requests please contact our office at 484-628-8477. You may knit from home or during The Friends Knitting Guild meetings. Click to view current schedule.

Chemo Caps:

·        Chemo caps are offered to all of our patients receiving cancer treatment.

·        Adult sizes only (Men and Women).

·        Must be knitted or crocheted from a “soft” yarn due to the sensitivity of the patients’ skin.

·        Can be any color or style, however patients prefer brighter colors and funkier styles.

Knitted Baby Hats:

·        Every baby born at Reading Hospital receives a baby hat.

·        The average newborn’s head is 33 centimeters or 13 inches in circumference.

·        No knit or crochet patterns with large open holes. Please use a tighter knit.

·        Do not mix pink and blue in the same hat.

·        Do not use yellow colored yarn.

·        If you add pom-poms they should be relatively small in size.

·        Hats with cuffs or rolled brims are preferred as they fit better.

·        Please use yarn provided by the Volunteer Services Office or Bernat Softee Baby 5 oz. yarn.

Prayer Shawls:

·        Shawls are offered to patients who need physical comfort and emotional support.

·        Can be made of any type or color of yarn.

·        Can be any style, however we ask volunteers to stick to patterns that only use 3-4 skeins of yarn. 

Compassionate Care Hearts:

·        Hearts are offered to both our inpatients and outpatients.

·        Can be made of any type or color of yarn.

·        Please use the patterns provided.

 Sewing and crafting projects are also available!

For more information or to participate, please call 484-628-4077 or send email to volunteerservices@readinghealth.org.