The Big Cathedral Knit - Assembling Blankets for London

Help assemble knitted and crocheted blankets for people experiencing houselessness across London.

Welcome to The Big Cathedral Knit! Join us at Southwark Cathedral on Saturday 30 November anytime between 10am - 4pm for a day of fun and creativity.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, everyone is welcome to come together and work on putting together handmade blankets in this beautiful setting. Share tips, learn new techniques, and enjoy the company of fellow knitting and crochet enthusiasts.

It’s a relaxed and welcoming drop-in knitting and crochet group, open to beginners and experienced makers of all ages to come together, connect, learn more about the crafts and their radical history.

The Big Cathedral Knit is a knitting and crochet marathon workshop by Craft Forward and hosted at Southwark Cathedral.

Makers will be focused on assembling blankets for Craft Forward's seasonal project Blankets for London - where they assemble blankets to donate to unhoused individuals in London through partner charities. While assembling the blankets will be our main focus, as we are wrapping up Blankets for London 2024, you are also welcome to knit and crochet some more 20x20cm squares on the day.

All materials are provided, but if you are an experienced knitter or crocheter, please bring your own knitting needles or crochet hook (and spare yarn if you have any). If you are a beginner, come along and we will help you start your crafting journey.

We will also be collecting finished blankets to distribute on the day, so if you have knitted or crocheted one for the cause, please bring it along.

Festive entertainment will be provided throughout the day with community choirs singing some Christmas favourites, enjoy a seasonal recital by acclaimed jazz pianist Rick Simpson and we are also delighted to be joined by the world famous Salvation Army Brass Band who will bring some early Christmas cheer outside under the Cathedral 25ft Christmas tree.

Children and families can create some wonderful crafts as we approach Advent in the Cathedral churchyard where The Friends of Southwark Cathedral will be providing some delicious refreshments including hot chocolate, mince pies and mulled wine.

Registration for this event is to give us an idea on how many may be attending but should this event show 'sold out' please do come along on the day, you will be made very welcome.

Established in 2021, Craft Forward is a not-for-profit that provides accessible, creative, experiences suitable for everyone, regardless of their skills and background. Their aim is to disrupt the current elitism within the arts and crafts world and open creativity to all through workshops with a clear social impact.

Photos (c) Craft Forward

Host or Publisher Southwark Cathedral