Knitted and Crocheted Gift Ideas for Hospital Surgery Patients

Undergoing surgery is a life-changing experience for hospital patients. First-time surgery patients, in particular, face not only physical but emotional pain when awaiting the unknown. Friends and loved ones of surgery patients often express their condolences with words of encouragement and gifts such as fruit baskets and flowers during hospital visitations. The way that I console a loved one who is having surgery is by crocheting and knitting them useful gifts. Some great crochet and knitted gift ideas for hospital surgery patients are detailed below.

Knitted Prayer Shawl

A knitted prayer shawl is a special gift for surgery patients in that it represents protection. In fact, prayers shawls are distributed internationally to those in need by the nonprofit organization called Prayer Shawl Ministry that was formed in 1998. A free prayer shawl beginner-level knitting pattern is available by Lion Brand Company to make for surgery patients. The finished size measures 24 inches by 60 inches.

Crochet Bible Cover

The spirituality of surgery patients has a huge impact of their outlook and recovery. To encourage Bible reading, a great gift is a crochet bible cover. A free crochet bible cover pattern for beginners is available at Crochetnmore's webpage. It is designed for Bibles measuring 5 ¾ inches long by 8 3/8 inches wide by 11/2 inches thick and requires a size "I" crochet hook.

Crochet Wash Cloths

Wash cloths are a necessity during a surgery patient's overnight stay in the hospital. Therefore, a great utilitarian gift is a crochet wash cloth. Lion Brand Company's website offers an assortment of free crochet wash cloths patterns of beginner skill level that require one or more balls of cotton yarn and crochet hooks between the sizes of F and J. A great example of one of these patterns is "Crocheted Bath Accessories" that includes a 10 ½ inch washcloth, a 4 ½ inch by 8 ½ inch bath mitt, and a bar soap bag.

Crochet Slippers

Crochet slippers come in handy for surgery patients so that they may walk in comfort. A great free crochet pattern called "Easy Slippers for Beginner's" is available on Crochetandknitting.com. This crochet pattern makes slippers that resemble the booties worn by doctors in the hospital.

Knitted or Crocheted Hat

Hair grooming is a challenge for some surgery patients, while hair loss is a concern for others such as cancer patients. For these matters, a knitted or crocheted hat such as a Chemo cap will make an excellent gift. An easy and free Lion Brand knitting pattern called "Lace Beanie" makes a ventilated chemo cap that measures 21 ½ inches in circumference. This pattern requires size 8 double pointed knitting needles and one ball of Cotton-Ease yarn.

With these crochet and knitted gift ideas in mind, you are helping surgery patients to have comfort and to gain a speedy recovery. Since these knitted and crocheted gifts are crafted from your heart, you are making a huge effort in wishing well those in pain and showing them how much you truly care.

Sources

"Bible Cover." Crochetnmore website.

"Free Crochet Pattern: Crocheted Bath Accessories." Lion Brand Company.

"Free Knitting Pattern 20281-K Prayer Shawl/Healing Shawl."Lion Brand Company.

"Free Knitting Pattern 70177 Lace Beanie."Lion Brand Company.

Sue. "Easy Slippers for Beginners."Crochetandknitting's website.