Prima invited its community of crafters to support Little Woollens, a volunteer-run knitting shop inside Liverpool Women’s University Hospital, which raises money for its neonatal unit.
More than 2,400 handmade baby cardigans, knitted and crocheted by Prima readers across the UK, were donated yesterday to Liverpool Women’s University Hospital’s neonatal unit after the brand teamed up with the hospital’s volunteer-run Little Woollens shop, says the publisher.
The project began after Prima featured Little Woollens in its March 2026 issue; Pam Dobie, Liverpool Women’s University Hospital’s volunteer service coordinator, shared the story of the volunteer-run initiative, which relies on donations of handmade knitted and crocheted goods to raise money for the hospital’s neonatal department.
Prima published an exclusive baby cardigan pattern for its readers to follow, added the publisher, and the response saw more than 2,400 cardigans arrive at Prima’s office in London. The finished pieces will be sold through Little Woollens, with the money raised going to help premature babies and their families on the neonatal ward. The cardigans, filling over 17 boxes, were delivered by Prima Editor-in-Chief Jo Checkley on Wednesday 19 August.
Jo Checkley, editor-in-chief of Prima, said: “Crafting has always been at the heart of Prima, so when Little Woollens told us that they needed to reach more knitters and crocheters, we knew our readers would help. The response has been extraordinary, with more than 2,400 beautifully created handmade cardigans. We’re delighted to have delivered them to Liverpool, knowing the money they raise will support the hospital’s neonatal unit.”
Pam Dobie, Liverpool Women’s University Hospital’s volunteer service coordinator, said: “When I emailed Prima back in October, I could never have dreamt of this outcome. Little Woollens is such a lovely part of Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, entirely stocked and run by volunteers, and I really wanted to get the word out to those who may never have heard of it. Thankfully, Prima did more than feature us; they embraced the idea wholeheartedly. I am overwhelmed with the response but not entirely surprised; as a Prima reader since the days when I was a young mum, I knew it would resonate with the readers. I would personally like to say a massive thank you to Prima, Jo, and every person who has responded to the campaign. I am overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown. These beautiful, handmade items will be sold in our Little Woollens shop, and the proceeds will make a difference to every one of the poorly babies and their families in our Neonatal unit.”
Prima, a UK women’s lifestyle magazine, is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary.
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