Baby loss awareness

Are you a keen crocheter? Or would like to give it a go? Our funeral homes are collecting small crochet butterflies in a combination of white and either yellow, light green, pink or blue, or alternatively in plain white, yellow, light green, pink or blue from Monday 22nd August - Friday 23rd September 2022. (But it doesn't matter if they're a different colour or are knitted, all donations are welcome.)

As part of the Baby Loss Awareness campaign, the butterflies will be available to collect during October 2022 in our funeral homes by people who have lost a child or know someone that has.

Did you know crocheting can be good for you?

Benefits include lowering blood pressure, countering depression and stimulating a sense of calm and wellbeing.

Why not give it a go and help us make as many butterflies as possible 🦋

How do I get started?

We've included instructions from Bella Coco on how to make these beautiful butterflies below. The instructions are also available as a downloadable PDF for you to print at home.

We've also made a handy video tutorial.

Once you've created these keepsakes, please drop them off at any of our funeral homes. You can find your nearest branch here.

Thank you for taking part!

How to make a crochet butterfly

Materials and tools you'll need:

• Yarn
• 4mm hook
• Scissors
• Darning Needle

Crochet terms:

• Chain (ch): Yarn over, pull through one loop on hook
• Treble Crochet (tc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop (3 loops on hook), (yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice.
• Slip Stitch (ss): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull yarn through stitch and loop on hook

Crochet butterfly pattern: (written in UK terms)

• Ch 6 and insert hook into first chain and ss to create circle.
• Ch 3, tc into centre circle, *ch 2, 2 tc into centre circle* 7 times, ch 2. Insert hook into third chain from the bottom and join with slip stitch. You should have 8 clusters of 2 treble stitches.
• Change colour if desired connecting new colour in treble space.
• *6tr into chain 2 space, ss in treble space* 7 times, 6tr into ch 2 space, ss into top of original stitch to connect. Ch 8.

Making the butterfly:

• Fold the work in half (wrong sides facing) and wrap the chain around the work connecting at the base of the chain with a slip stitch. Tie off.
• Take a piece of yarn about 2 inches in length and tie a knot on each end. Slip the yarn under the chain and move into desired place.
  
  

Crochet pattern credit: Bella Coco

We're here for you

Coping with loss is one of life's biggest challenges.

If you or someone you know would like some additional support, we've put together some information and helpful resources on our bereavement support page.