Knit for Purpose is back for 2026 – for the fourth year in a row! Join us between 15 April (Micro-Volunteering Day) and 13 June (Knit in Public Day), for our micro-volunteering project Knit for Purpose!

Microvolunteering is bite-sized, on-demand, no-commitment actions that benefit a worthy cause. This year, we once again invite you to get involved and knit or crochet squares or strips of squares for blankets, which will be donated to those in need in our community through local organisations.

The Pattern:

  • See our gallery below for a simple garter stitch pattern, which can be used to create a 15cm x 15cm square or a 15cm strip.
  • To reduce sewing time at the end, we suggest knitting long strips of squares like a scarf. You could even change colours every 15cm, as you go!
  • Please note: We would be really grateful if squares are sewn together before being dropped off to us.
  • For beginners, watch this video on How to Knit a Peggy Square.
  • If you prefer to crochet, this pattern and how-to video is a good place to start.

Sizing & Labelling:

  • Small blankets: 8 squares x 6 squares
  • Large blankets: 8 squares x 10 squares
  • We welcome all yarn types, but ask that you please indicate whether your knitting is wool, cotton, acrylic or a mix.
  • We have a selection of donated wool available for anyone who needs it. Please collect from our office at Christchurch Community House (213 Lichfield Street) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Drop Off Point:

Invite Others to Join In:

  • You can knit on your own, teach your whānau, get your craft group involved, invite your neighbours to join in, or rally your workmates for a lunchtime knitting session! Download or print our Knit for Purpose poster and share the word.

World Wide Knit in Public Day

  • And finally, to wrap things up, we invite you to join us on Saturday, 13th June 2026, for World Wide Knit in Public Day. We will come together to finish knitting and sewing as many blankets as we can! Check our Events page for all the details.