The Big Knit 2026

Where there's wool, there's a way!

The much-loved innocent Big Knit campaign has returned, and Age UK Rotherham, in partnership with innocent drinks, is calling on the knitting ninjas of Rotherham to wield their needles and help make a big difference to the lives of older people.

The popular campaign sees the nation's crafters come together to knit little hats for innocent smoothie bottles. For every behatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 30p, providing crucial support to older people both nationally and locally to help them live well. The funds raised locally will help Age UK Rotherham, continue to provide older people with vital information, advice, and friendship, as the proceeds from all hats knitted in the Rotherham area will be used to support older people in the borough.

Since it began in 2003, the Big Knit campaign has raised an incredible £3.6 million for Age UK nationally. The 2026-28 campaign aims to knit 1.5 million little hats, with the smoothies hitting shelves in early 2028.

We are aiming for at least 1000 hats this year, so we're calling on the people of Rotherham to get their needles clicking and help us make this the best Big Knit yet.

With winter on the way, older people are particularly vulnerable at this time of year, and they need us more than ever. Helping to knit these little hats can make a big difference to how much support we can give to older people in our community.

Crafters have until 1 October 2027 to send in their hats, so there's plenty of time to get involved. For those looking for some inspiration, there are dozens of knitting patterns to choose from on the innocent drinks' website here including patterns for fruit and veg inspired creations such as an aubergine, a carrot and even peas in a pod.

We'd love to hear from you, so get in touch and let us know what you're knitting!

Knitted hats can be dropped off at our office, but please ring ahead to check someone will be in.

Unit 3 Galax Buildings

Eastwood Trading Estate

Fitzwilliam Road

S65 1SL

For more information on the Big Knit or to arrange to drop off your hats, contact us on denise.caldecott@ageukrotherham.org or 01709 835214.