The Big Knit 2017
Published on 26 January 2017 12:00 AM
The Big Knit is back for 2016-17 and it's going to be the biggest one ever.
This year we are aiming for 2 million hats and we can’t do this without you. And for every behatted smoothie that gets sold, Age UK will receive 25p to help older people during the cold winter months.
How you can get involved
Whether you’re new to casting on or already know your garter from your stocking stitch, it's easy to get started. You’ll also be part of the huge knitting team helping us to reach such a monumental target for a great cause.
1. Be prepared.
Get yourself some needles, wool and your favourite chair (train carriages and cafes also work well) and get knitting! 
2. Send us your hats
Package up your lovely hats and get them to us by June 2017. However, as the smoothie bottles don’t go on sale until October 2017 you can keep sending hats in throughout the summer to help reach the bumper target.
Please send your hats to us at:
The Big Knit
Age UK Portsmouth
The Bradbury Centre
16-18 Kingston Road
Portsmouth PO1 5RZ
3. Sharing is caring
Show everyone how great your hats are by posting pictures of them online using #BigKnit
What happens next?
Look out for the hats on smoothie bottles in shops in October 2017.
If you have any questions or want to find out more information, please contact us at reception@ageukportsmouth.org.uk or 'phone 023 9286 2121.
Download some fun Big Knit knitting patterns here.
How the Big Knit helps older people
Each winter, one older person dies needlessly every seven minutes because of the cold. With over a decade of support from knitters up and down the country, The Big Knit has raised vital funds to support local and national winter projects to help older people keep warm and well in winter through befriending visits, emergency cold weather support, warm meals and other vital services.
The Big Knit is a great way to bring people and communities together. Knitting groups have been held up and down the country for people to get involved, share patterns and have a cup of tea or two!
‘The Big Knit campaign couldn't happen without the support of thousands of amazing people across the UK who take part and knit woolly hats to adorn innocent smoothies each year.’
Douglas Lamont, CEO at innocent