Knitting or Crocheting Bandages
Brief Overview

To be distributed by Global Health Ministries (GHM) to areas of the world where patients suffer from slow healing open sores and ulcers caused by Leprosy, HIV/AIDs, infected insect bites, burns, etc.

Project Details
The following are directions for 3 or 4 inch wide knitted and crocheted bandages made from 4 ply cotton yarn. Supplies needed: 3-4 oz "kitchen type" 4 ply cotton yarn: Peaches and Cream, Sugar and Cream or similar quality. The yarn is available at craft stores, fabric stores and some department stores. The large cones are the most economical but not always available. Please only white or natural cotton yarn (no colors as they contain heavy dyes). Knitting needles size 8 or crochet hook size H
Large safety pin

Knitted Bandage (2 sizes)
With size 8 needles cast on 14 or 18 stitches. Knit both sides until bandage measures 4 feet. Cast off. Fasten ends of yarn.

Crocheted Bandage (2 sizes) With H hook chain 13 or 17. Double crochet in third chain from hook. Double crochet to end. Chain 2. Double crochet to end. Continue until bandage measures 4 feet. Fasten ends of yarn.

Bandages made from Number 10 Knit Cro-sheen (bedspread type cotton yarn)
These bandages will be smaller and thinner but are also very useful. Knitted: With size 2 or 3 knitting needles cast on 24-28 stitches. Knit until bandage measures 4 feet. Crocheted: With size D or E hook chain enough stitches to measure 3-4 inches. Double crochet until bandage measures 4 feet. Finish Wash and dry the bandage (make sure it is totally dry). Roll the bandage and fasten end with a large safety pin. Pack in a box and mark "Knitted (or crocheted) Bandages."

Questions and Answers

Q: Can the bandages be made on a knitting machine? A: Yes. However, you will need to use a stitch that doesn't curl at the edges, e.g., double knit stitch.

Q: Are rolled bandages (from sheets etc.) still needed by GHM? A: Absolutely! The knitted bandages are in addition to the rolled bandages as they serve different purposes.

Q: Is the knitted bandage applied directly to the open area? A: No, a regular dressing is applied first and then held in place with the bandage.

Q: Aren't these bandages quite bulky (compared to the rolled bandages)? A: Yes, they are bulky but imagine for instance a 4-8 inch open sore on the lower leg. The bandage will not only help keep it clean - it will cushion and protect the area from further injury while the ulcer is healing.

Q: Will the bandages be used more than once? A: Yes, this is the beauty of these bandages. They can be washed over and over again, even boiled in soap and water - or sterilized if necessary.

Q: Can "slightly imperfect" bandages be used? I am not a proficient knitter but I would enjoy making these bandages. A: Slightly imperfect is fine as long as the measurements are fairly accurate.

Deliver knitted bandages to:

Global Health Ministries 7831 Hickory Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55432

see www.ghm.org for more information or e-mail to ghmoffice@cs.com