Twiddle Mitts

Last updated Monday, 7 December, 2020

We have had a wonderful response to this project - a big thank you to those who have already made some Twiddle Mitts - just look at these beauties...

But we would still love some more...

Why Twiddle Mitts?

We'd like to be able to offer Twiddle Mitts for free to anyone who might find them useful or comforting. They can help to reduce agitation and stress in adults and children, especially people living with dementia.

Twiddle Mitts can be made at home cheaply, using left over materials.

How to make a Twiddle Mitt...

1.       Materials

·         Some wool – you can use any leftovers or odd balls of wool

·         Needles: 8 mm circular or 6.5 mm straight needles

2.       Directions

·         Cuff: Cast on 45 stitches using 2 strands of double knitting wool or 1 strand of chunky wool (one plain colour works best)

·         Work in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row) for 11 inches

·         Mitt body: Continue with stocking stitch, but use up oddments of various textures of wool such as chunky, mohair, ribbon etc. until the work measures 23 inches (two strands of double knit for two rows each gives a lovely assortment of colours)

·         Finishing: If working with straight needles, lightly iron the long strip, then neatly join the sides together using edge to edge stitch (with the knit side facing out)

·         Turn inside out and push the one-colour cuff up inside the mitt body

·         Sew the two ends together, again using a neat edge to edge stitch

3.       Decoration

·         Now is the time to decorate the mitt, inside and out, with ribbons, flowers, zips, loops, pompoms, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: It is very important not to use beads, buttons or other small objects that could become a choking hazard.

·         You could even knit a separate pocket for a favourite photo or a hanky

·         Be creative, but make sure each item is securely attached

·         If there could please be a loop on the mitt at the top so a name band could be attached to it, it would be greatly appreciated

When you have made some Twiddle Mitts...

Please email us using the contact form here (select 'Community' in the Contact Area box). We can then arrange to collect form you once lockdown is over.

Alternatively, if you are visiting the priory to pray, there will be a collection box there and you can leave them there in a sealed bag.

We will then deliver them to the RBCH or other organisation.

Thank you!