The Big Knit

Ready Steady Knit: the innocent Big Knit is back to craft a better future for older people with Age UK

The much-loved innocent Big Knit campaign is back for another yarn-spinning year, and Age UK Waltham Forest, in partnership with innocent drinks is calling on all knitters and crocheters in Northeast London to join the fun and help make a big difference to the lives of older people, while being part of this infamous campaign.

Since 2003, Age UK and innocent have teamed up to inspire the nation's crafters to knit little hats for innocent smoothie bottles. The campaign has raised an incredible £3.2 million for Age UK since it began. For every behatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 30p, helping to provide crucial support to older people both nationally and locally. The 2024-25 campaign aims to knit 1.4 million little hats, with the smoothies hitting shelves in October 2025.

So why not grab your knitting needles, start stitching, and make a real difference? The funds raised will help Age UK continue to provide older people with vital information, advice, and friendship. The funds will also help Waltham Forest to provide essential services and advice to older people in the borough.

This Big Knit campaign ensures that Age UK Waltham Forest, can be there for people like Mrs Walters who found great friendship and companionship through our befriending service. These little hats truly make a big difference.

Emma Tozer, Chief Officer of Age UK Waltham Forest said: “We’re calling on the people of Waltham Forest to dust off their knitting needles and help us make this the best year yet of our partnership with Innocent. Let’s cast on and knit up a storm to hit our 32,000 target.”

Charlotte Wright, Brand Manager at innocent drinks UK, said: "The Big Knit is an amazing campaign that gets people throughout the country knitting, crocheting and buying little hats on smoothies for a cause that truly matters. We are so excited that the Big Knit is back, and we will be continuing our long-standing partnership with Age UK to help support older people as much as possible."

Let’s get those needles clicking and create a real yarn to remember! Crafters have until 1st July 2025 to send in their hats, so there's plenty of time to get involved.

There are exciting hat designs, including a cheeky monkey, fox cub, sheepish sheep and a unicorn, available to download now, but feel free to come up with designs of your own as we love seeing your creations!

Download the knitting patterns, make yourself a nice cup of tea, find a comfy chair and knit away!

To find out more visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/bigknit

Please send your completed hats to us at:

Age UK Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North)
58 Hall Lane
Chingford
E4 8EU

Contact Age UK Waltham Forest

Phone: 020 8558 5512

Email: info@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk

Office Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm.