Mothers' Union members in the diocese of Chester produce Angel Pockets which are used in hospital labour suites. These little pocket wraps are used on the sad occasion when babies are stillborn or whose life is very short.
The pocket is knitted in 4 sizes. Use wool no thicker than 4ply in white or any pastel colour. 3ply or even 2ply is fine especially for the smaller ones.
Use the larger sizes and adjust needles to suit. They will of course come out smaller.
When our first baby girl was too fragile to survive, it was a beautiful gesture to have her wrapped in this little angel pocket."
Please ensure angel pockets compy with Health and Satefy guidelines.
Angel Pockets Pattern (Chester diocese)
In 4ply wool, size 9 needles (3.75mm) – the finished size does not matter but here are the approximate finished sizes and weights.
Size 1 17cm (6.5” square) 20gm (1/2oz weight)
Size 2 22cm ( 9”square) 30gm (1 oz weight)
Size 3 28cm (11” square) 40gm (1 ¼ oz weight)
Size 4 33cm (13”square) 70gm (2 ¼ oz weight)
Square (mitred)
Cast on 75 (101) (125) (151) stitches.
1st row – wrong side – knit to centre 3 stitches. Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over, knit to end of row.
2nd row – Knit
Repeat these 2 rows until 3 stitches remain.
Next row – Slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over. Fasten off.
Triangle (mitred) This forms the pocket
At the cast on edge of the square (2 sides) pick up 75 (101) (125) (151) stitches.
1st row – Wrong side – Knit 2 together, knit to centre 3 stitches, slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over, knit to the last 3 stitches, knit 2 together, knit 1.
2nd row – Knit
Repeat these 2 rows until 7 stitches remain.
Next row – Knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1, knit 2 together, knit 1 Cast off remaining 5 stitches
To make up
Sew lace round the 3 raw edges or crochet any suitable edging. Cut ribbon or make a cord or crochet chain 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”. Using either a large eyed bodkin or medium sized safety pin, thread the ribbon/cord from the right hand seam across the front pocket and out through the left hand seam. Gather up pocket and tie in a bow. If you wish to put a little motif or bow etc on please do so.
