Update! Penguin sweaters are no longer needed in New Zealand, but check back in the future. Thanks for all of your efforts!
A recent oil spill on New Zealand’s coast has left the environment and wildlife in shambles — including the local blue penguin population. While volunteers are working hard to rescue and clean the animals in the region, they require a little bit of crafty help: tiny sweaters, or penguin pajamas, for the rescued birds. These woolen sweaters keep oil-soaked birds warm until they’re well enough to be cleaned and prevent them from ingesting oil from their feathers.
If you’re interested in donating a penguin sweater, New Zealand yarn store Skeinz has provided a handy how-to and is organizing the donation efforts.
Penguin Jumper in 8ply – Must be 100% Wool Yarn
1 pair 3.25mm , 1 pair of 3.75mm needles , 1 set of 3.25mm dpn’s or circular
Cast on 36 stitches using 3.25 needles.K1, P1 to end of row. Repeat this row 7 times. Change to 3.75mm needles and K2, P2 rib. Work 4 rows increasing at each end of every row. (44 sts)
Continue until work measures 15 cms.
Decrease 1 st at each end of every row until 28 sts remain.
Decrease 1 st. in middle of next row (27 sts.)
Leave on needle.
Make second side the same.
Transfer the 54 sts from both pieces to 3 of the set of 4 3.25mm needles.(18 sts on each.) and work a round neck in K1 P1 rib for 10 rows.
Cast off.
Stitch up sides to decreasing to 27sts (opening for flipper). Add elastic to the top and bottom to prevent the penguins getting out of them. Top: 15cm of elastic; bottom 17 cm (knots allowed). Flat elastic okay.
For more details, visit Skeinz’s website.
Alison is Editor in Chief of the Etsy Blog. When she's not trawling Etsy for pottery, folk art, and vintage oddities, she enjoys exploring New York, historical nonfiction and thrifting. She loves a good cat video.
145 comments
Sign in to add your ownNangijalaJewelry says:
Oh my what a wonderful idea to help those poor penguins. Such a tragedy :,-(
216 days ago
Earleyimages says:
Great article. Always loved penguins.
216 days ago
Earleyimages says:
Great article. Always loved penguins
216 days ago
RossLab says:
Oil spills keep happening over and over... it so sad to see the wildlife and environment deal for the decades to come with our mistakes. I never thought a tiny sweater could help. It's a nice idea because we can all take part, without even moving from our favourite armchair. As my knitting skills are more then rusty, I better make sure to leave those openings for the flippers in the right place!
216 days ago
shizendesigns says:
I LOVE IT!!!!! I am definitely going to knit a sweater for a penguin. I love finding things I can do to help.
216 days ago
VoleedeMoineaux says:
Perfect! Pengins wearing sweaters in NZ!
216 days ago
ladyluckyduck says:
question: do these penguins not swim? I love this idea, I'm just concerned a sweater would felt if made with 100% wool as directed...
216 days ago
nekote says:
Love New Zealand and their attempts at helping the penguins!! go Kiwis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
216 days ago
AliceCloset says:
Oh,that's a great idea!! I will share this article with all my friend :D
216 days ago
paramountvintage says:
another oil spill? this is terribly sad. it's wonderful that people can get creative and help though.
216 days ago
scandivintage says:
That's such a great idea. :)
216 days ago
picklehead says:
This so sad :( poor little penguins. Definitely going to pass this along to my mother who is a knitting-addict.
216 days ago
MootiDesigns says:
How sad for the penguins. And another oil spill, of course. Great idea!
216 days ago
vintagejane says:
I will spread the word!
216 days ago
Kosmika says:
Uhm.. I'm not very good at knitting, but I can give it a try! :)
216 days ago
nicilaskin says:
i cannot knit, to bad, but what a lovely idea
216 days ago
PetiteFraise says:
so nice idea! if I was be able to knit, I'd do it! but unfortunately I can't :(
216 days ago
MossMountain says:
omg so awesome LOL :) penguins in sweaters!!!
216 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
Sweaters for penguins! Penguins are the best!!
216 days ago
FiscallyChic says:
This is so sad for the penguins, but heartwarming at the same time. I'd love to knit a sweater, but don't know how to knit. So I'll pass on the information.
216 days ago
OhMafelt says:
Thanks for passing along this information!
216 days ago
seagrassstudio says:
I'm in! favorite part of the instructions? "Add elastic to the top and bottom to prevent the penguins getting out of them."
216 days ago
KnitsForLife says:
Thank you for posting this! I'm going to go knit at least one :)
216 days ago
TwistedBows says:
Too bad there's not a crochet pattern for it. I can't knit :(
216 days ago
uncovermyeyes says:
Anyone know of a crochet pattern for these?
216 days ago
kzieler says:
I would love to do this but, cannot knit either - does anyone have a crochet pattern that I could use??
216 days ago
TheHickoryTree says:
That penquin is really smartly dressed. Such a good color on him/her. I'll try to make one for sure.
216 days ago
stockannette says:
I can knit - I'm on it!
216 days ago
ThisNThatBoutique says:
Does anyone have a crochet pattern? I'd love to make one, but I don't knit.
216 days ago
knittingcate says:
I do!!!!! Hoping the shipment don't take long time!
216 days ago
TheGressenator says:
I could probably eyeball it and make up a crochet pattern. hmmm....
216 days ago
afghansgalore says:
I would absolutely love to help the poor little penguins but alas I don't know how to knit! Have attempted it before to no avail. Is there a crochet pattern available?
216 days ago
chnkemnke says:
Shared on Facebook! How awesome is helping these penguins?
216 days ago
ToothNailTail says:
One more really good reason to learn to knit!!! Such a fantastic idea.
216 days ago
FireBugCO says:
I only crochet and would love to help, too! Keep us posted on the crochet pattern!
216 days ago
TheWeirdGirlWorkshop says:
Oh how I wish I could knit! Thank you to all who are able to make these!
216 days ago
VictoriaWest says:
That penguin picture is too cute! x
216 days ago
LiliDMagpieCreations says:
Poor Babies :( I'll Spread the Word to my local yard shop to get more knitters involved!!! I'm a crocheter and would be happy to work on a crochet pattern...just need to have some approximate penguin dimensions..
216 days ago
LuzAmigurumiPatterns says:
Oh! I don't knit much but I will try to get a crochet one done!
216 days ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
thank you! very caring and thoughtful of etsy to publish the plight of the penguins :) thanks Alison for writing this :)
216 days ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
and thanks to the knitters and crocheters above who are so kindly making their fingers do the work :) sorry - but I can't tie a shoelace to save my life, let alone add a long thin implement to the equation, to manipulate the snakey wee fibre ......
216 days ago
lizabethmccool says:
I agree there needs to be a crochet pattern! I can't knit to save my life!
216 days ago
epicycledesigns says:
Cute, but they are already saying the have too many -- better hold your needles, girls.
216 days ago
PeaceDogDesigns says:
Oh, I wish I could knit! I'd SO do this!! What a beautiful idea!! :o)
216 days ago
TheLaughingLlama says:
Thank you for this blog...I am an animal lover. I just passed this information along to my peeps on Facebook. It is wonderful and exciting to see so many creative people joining in to help the penguins. ;)
216 days ago
LaurenM7209 says:
This touched my heart! I can't sew but will pass on to others on Facebook!
216 days ago
AuracaunaDesigns says:
how wonderful! in case they need more.... my 100% REclaimed Wool yarn would be perfect! http://www.etsy.com/listing/45301986/eggplant-reclaimed-100-percent-shetland :) now I wish I could knit!!!!!
216 days ago
LaMues says:
Just wondering if one could re-purpose old wool sweaters or scarves... could someone please provide finished measurements? I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't knit but could manage making them from discarded wool sweaters. Thanks.
216 days ago
whitenoisemaker says:
more details for the NZ readers; http://felt.co.nz/blog/2011/10/knitting-for-penguins-caught-in-rena-oil-spill/
216 days ago
BlueRoseRetro says:
I am with LaMues... How about up-cycling 100% wool sweaters into penguin sweaters? I don't knit or crochet but I do sew and would be happy to make a sweater or two for my New Zealand, penguin friends.
216 days ago
BlueRoseRetro says:
I just checked the blog and found this message: "Skeinz have had an overwhelming response to this project and have enough jumpers on the needles to meet the initial demand. If you’ve already got a jumper started, complete it and send it in – otherwise, check the Skeinz blog for updates as they find out more."
216 days ago
slaterk4 says:
love to help!
216 days ago
sacredflesh says:
What if you do not know how to knit but have old sweaters that could be sewn into the right sizes? How big do they need to be?
216 days ago
crzybutiful06 says:
i wish i knew how to knit i would love to help the penguins!
216 days ago
thefuzzypeach says:
According to their blog, they currently have all the jumpers they need. http://theyarnkitchen.blogspot.com/
216 days ago
blainedesign says:
I just went to their blog and they are still accepting sweaters, for current and future needs. Alison, great story!
216 days ago
sharlalaJewellery says:
I was born and grew up on the beach that has been so terribly damaged in the Bay of Plenty, NZ, but unfortunately I am far away in London, UK and think that this is the most gorgeous idea!
216 days ago
Glynneybug says:
I emailed them and asked for a crochet pattern or measurements so that I could make my own pattern. I will let you know what I get back from them. :D
216 days ago
14xbags says:
This is s awesome! What a great way to help!
216 days ago
Ayca says:
Great idea!Off to check Skeinz website... Thank you for the great article!
216 days ago
TheChunkyScarf says:
I am absolutely definitely helping here!! Made a post about it :) www.dreamaginarius.com
216 days ago
LeighsArt says:
awwww that's awesome!!!
216 days ago
ChimeraStudios says:
iI do not know how to knit and am not sure my grandmother could teach me in time. Can I pay for materials instead?
216 days ago
lilakid says:
I love the sweaters. These little guys are only about 12 inches tall per wiki. For an emergency couldn't they use tube socks?
216 days ago
AnatomyVintage says:
How sad! If I could knit I would make 100. Maybe it's time to learn.
216 days ago
TheChunkyScarf says:
I am definitely helping!
216 days ago
CrotchetyCraft says:
I can crochet but not knit does anyone have a converted pattern, would like to help?
216 days ago
boxofsparkles says:
I am horrible at crochet and knitting ='( Does anyone know if we could donate a few dollars instead? I still want to help!
216 days ago
holymolygranoly says:
This is awesome! Wish I knew how to make sweaters. So happy the little penguins are getting help!
216 days ago
Theoccupant says:
Any information on crocheting patterns? I have a few friends that don't speak knitting that would really like to help.
216 days ago
jennifermorrisbeads says:
been looking for a good excuse to learn how to knit, and this is it! thank you for sharing this. x
216 days ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
That's so sweet, poor penguins! I'd love to make a little penguin sized jumper :)
216 days ago
Soanie says:
i'm a kiwi, and this disaster has been horrible. however, being here and updated, it's been in domestic news that there's been TOO many sweaters made already! i was surprised to see this link up for more.
216 days ago
Soanie says:
Funny I left a comment and it's gone. Anyway, just information from a kiwi herself. Thanks for the effort y'all! http://www.3news.co.nz/Woolly-jumpers-for-oil-covered-penguins/tabid/1160/articleID/229974/Default.aspx
216 days ago
3monstermama says:
Re Soanie's comment, the last time there was an oil spill there was also a call out for penguin sweaters and they got inundated. I would be willing to bet that there are sweaters left over from the last oil spill and thats why there are so many sweaters. Still one can understand the potential joy in responding to the "what are you knitting?" question with "A sweater for a penguin. . . ."
216 days ago
MissyLovesTi says:
What a beautiful idea! Those poor little penguins. I can't stand how these oil spills just keep happening. How can we be so shortsighted? If we don't change our ways NOW there will be no animals left to protect.
216 days ago
notesinstones says:
Is there a crochet version available? I'm not savy enough to convert needle to hook, and I would love to help out!
216 days ago
ImSoVintage says:
Wish I could knit, but I'll share this on my facebook pages.
216 days ago
ChasingLightDesigns says:
poor penguins! what a helpful/cute idea to help them though!
216 days ago
beatknits says:
I am totally going to knit sweaters for these poor penguins. Poor little guys.
216 days ago
lindaluf says:
Love it! Thank you for posting this. Definitely making some!
216 days ago
InMyLife says:
I am definitely spreading the word about this wonderful project... But I can't knit :/ I could crochet or sew if I knew the dimensions...
216 days ago
elleestpetite says:
Yay, save the penguins!
216 days ago
knotjustknots says:
can anyone post a crochet pattern for this? i cant knit, but would love to help
216 days ago
windsweptlady says:
See: never say domestic crafts are obsolete! I love that the use of our talents is so self-directed and thoughtful. What a loving craft community that knows its niche. Happy knitting, everyone!
216 days ago
dahlilafound says:
I love this! Don't suppose there's crochet instructions I don't knit. :( d xo
216 days ago
dahlilafound says:
Several requests for CROCHET instructions. If we can get measurements I might be able to wing a crochet pattern. Will share if you can help w/measurements! d xo
216 days ago
BigBeluga says:
So cute! I love penguins, and will get right to it!
216 days ago
DingsInsainity says:
What a lovely idea, I am not the quickest knitter in the world, but I am going to give it a go!
216 days ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
This is the first I have heard of this oil spill. It is so sad how common they are. Thanks for the info...It's a wonderful idea.
215 days ago
frankenyutz says:
Heads up ... I noticed the newsletter was dated Spring 2011, so I contact the store directly at info@skeinz.com to see if there was still a need ... here is the response I received: Thank you for your kind offer - at this stage the response has been overwhelming & we have enough pledges to cover the required number of birds needing jumpers - keep in touch with updates via our blog at http://theyarnkitchen.blogspot.com if we require more we will post here Many Thanks Mary Chatterton - Skeinz.
215 days ago
thecyclingartist says:
http://www.tct.org.au/jumper.htm Another link saying the campaign is over?
215 days ago
Christen26 says:
i can knit, and i love penguins. kills me to think some cultures make gloves from penguin hides. but wool? omg, if i get near it, i scratch all day! I will leave this one for the super fast knitters and admire and respect their efforts from afar! gotta love penguins and i think this effort is admirable. thank you!
215 days ago
DOTTO says:
muffin FACES. the little moos. what a supreme donation effort. you GUYS! supreme.
215 days ago
LittlePhoenixRising says:
Well I read that the campaign is over for now since they had such an overwhelming response BUT, like another Etsian said above, there will always be more spills SO if anyone can help all of us on here that crochet with a pattern of sorts, I for one would still be happy to make a few to have some on hand for the next (sadly predictable) oil spill.
215 days ago
AnnaDelores says:
This is the cutest. Thing. EVER! Wish I could knit, I'd be all over it!
215 days ago
courtneyobanion says:
Just because I love penguins, I am now determined to knit a sweater. What a great cause :)
215 days ago
AdornmentsNYC says:
oh, so cute, so sad. I wish I could knit. I would knit a little tuxedo sweater.
215 days ago
Arinias says:
is there an way to just do this on a round needle instead, of switch back and forth?
215 days ago
willowtreefarm says:
I have shared this with all my friends. Hopefully we can get some Penguin jumpers made : )
215 days ago
babble4baby says:
I knew I would see that day when penguins would wear sweaters. Check out my store at www.babble4baby.etsy.com
214 days ago
Iammie says:
Great post!
214 days ago
VintageChinchilla says:
Omg how sad :( Sadly since this happens often, maybe there should be a stockpile that can be shipped where needed in emergencies! Apparently you can never have too many penguin sweaters. But not in a cute way, in a totally sad freaking sad bummer way! :(
214 days ago
AlexandraMackenzieNZ says:
Whilst I am sure they have got all the sweaters they need at the momnet with many to spare (last i heard it was about 200 penguins). They still have not managed to pump all the oil off of the Rena (ship) yet dispite the best efforts of the salvage teams due to weather conditions. I believe they have resumed today but as the vessel has a huge crack in the hull and is apparently being held together by internal equipment the disaster is not over and there could still be much more oil spilt so many more jerseys may yet be needed. And like many have said before me - there will always be another oil spill!!
214 days ago
BoogalooBubbywear says:
Oh my G, this is so amazing!
214 days ago
Trimbuktoo says:
I will be knitting a penguin sweater this weekend! I never dreamed I would be able to do that!
214 days ago
kpmusic says:
I saw someone was concerned because this was in Skeinz Spring newsletter. You have to remember that in Australia, it is spring; their seasons are opposite ours.
214 days ago
grayworksdesign says:
Sharing now, and knitting one too!
214 days ago
frankenyutz says:
Yes, I realize now it is spring over there (o_0), but the bottom line is they are overwhelmed with penguin sweaters and don't need us to send them any more right now. When and if they need more, they will certainly post that on their blog, which you can subscribe to at http://theyarnkitchen.blogspot.com
213 days ago
johnmiller1331 says:
Aww how adorable is this! Wish I knew how to knit! http://hcgboost.net
213 days ago
TricksterInTheLight says:
That's so sad, yet so adorable
213 days ago
mnsfld says:
I wish there was a crochet pattern!
213 days ago
Trimbuktoo says:
It sounds like they have plenty of penguin sweaters, so I am going to knit a little human sweater in honor of a little penguin for my favorite knitting/crochet charity Afghans for Afghans.
213 days ago
cursiveart says:
This is awesome. But I am such a slow knitter, by the time I finished it and got it to NZ, they would probably have all the penguins cleaned.
213 days ago
Shivvers says:
This is the cutest and saddest thing ever. Good luck little guys!
212 days ago
Barbara707 says:
This website gives the dimensions http://www.factmonster.com/spot/penguinsweater.html - Can't wait for the crochet pattern! "Their sweaters are about 9 inches high and 4 inches wide, with openings for the head and flippers. The sweaters must be pure wool to provide enough warmth for the penguins." Even though this need has been met Skeinz is still encouraging determined knitters to send their handiwork along to “keep stocks available for the Wildlife Rescue Team to draw from if required.”
212 days ago
aserda says:
What a great picture of the penguin.
212 days ago
designlab443 says:
I can't knit, but I will cheer all you knitters on... Knit, knit knit, make those sweaters fit! Help a penguin keep their feathers fit!
210 days ago
Judalon says:
Can't knit, otherwise I would help. If there was a donation possibility I'd donate material cost for someone else to knit one. Hope it all pans out well!. Wonderful initiative.
210 days ago
FluffyMorgan says:
Where would the sweater be sent to? And... how long would a package take to go all the way from México to New Zeland? :S
210 days ago
LeatherWoodsCraft says:
Will post on my facebook page and get all those knitters working those needles!
210 days ago
ClosetGothic says:
Thank you for this article - I live right beside where the oil spill is and it is horrific, 100km of pristine shore has been coated with thick blobs of oil and yes, wildlife is suffering, as are the local people. At present the spill is 'just' under control and we are cleaning up. HOWEVER, good and kind Etsy people, despite all the wonderful offers here, Penguin Sweaters are NOT needed. Here is an article from Friday: http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/penguin-sweaters-wont-be-used/1145547/ I will contact Alison.
210 days ago
sabinat says:
I asked a friend in our office to teach me, finally, how to knit and I think we may have a crew of us (including some elementary-aged little girls) motivated to learn because of THIS story. Thank you for offering an avenue to make a difference. Because this will. :-)
210 days ago
ClosetGothic says:
Please, please read my post above before knitting any sweaters - thank you.
210 days ago
PurpleSnapdragons says:
I absolutely adore penguins and wish I could knit! This is such a tragedy. I'm sure there must be a lot of other animals and people in need too. Is there anything else we can do?
210 days ago
daysdawn says:
Why does it have to be wool? I don't use anything from animals.I don't know how to knit,either, so it doesn't matter.Wish I could help.
210 days ago
daysdawn says:
I put it on Twitter.
210 days ago
thesequinnedsheep says:
What a wonderful idea, I'm so glad Etsy are supporting this and highlighting this cause. I love penguins!
210 days ago
DitteRoemer says:
This is such a great idea and initiative! Yay! I'd like to suggest that the wool used be second hand yarn or up cycled already disposed of sweaters etc. (you probably get my drift). Why avoid buying new wool? - Because the wool industry is not harmless. Not at all, I'm sad to say. I'm not going to go into details here, but take a quick look at various animal rights' organizations and their investigations into what goes on. Although not all sheep may be molested, there is no way of knowing if the wool recently bought in a shop comes from nice or not nice places. Since I completely get that acrylic or polyester yarn may not have the same properties as sheep's wool when it comes to keeping the penguins warm although wet and oily by leading the water away from their bodies, I suggest using second hand yarn. Perhaps an old woolen sweater could be unraveled or sewn together to make a nice little penguin sweater. Reusing wool/yarn will not only help the penguins and sheep - it's also easier on the planet. All you knitters/crocheters who have contributed: Great work! It's so nice of you. :)
210 days ago
BreatheCouture says:
Oh what a fabulous way to help these little beautiful creatures!! :)
210 days ago
LorenzoTheCat says:
Bravo for the knitters!
210 days ago
FabricFascination says:
I read about this the other day from someone on the Quiltsy team. What a fun and practical way to help. The penguin pictures in their sweaters are adorable.
210 days ago
diymold says:
I love it。
210 days ago
daigled says:
The support for penguins is a good thing but maybe you should have checked with the store earlier, they've had enough sweaters for quite a while now. As cool as charity knitting is for penguins there are a lot of other organizations out there that could use the knitted help too. The Linus project is one, and many local areas area have programs to knit/crochet for premies and chemotherapy patients. Granted these aren't as cool as penguin sweaters but they are all good knitting causes. So if people are disappointed they can't knit for a penguin maybe they can knit for another charity? Just a thought.
210 days ago
bdykman says:
Poor Penguins, but they look so cute in their sweaters!
210 days ago
cakesandtroubles says:
I love penguins!
209 days ago
LucysPlace says:
Fantastic that people outside of NZ are helping! I read though that the idea of using penguin jerseys has now been abandoned because of the stress they might feel wearing them. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10760906 Here is a link for donations for anyone interested http://renaoilspill.co.nz/tag/donations/ :)
209 days ago
fireyvalkyrie says:
we did the same for the penguins in Africa after the oil spill years ago, so wonderful, and that is also why I ALWAYS buy DAWN dish detergent they donate to clean the birds. I have worked at a zoo with penguins and they are wonderful little creatures.
208 days ago
goddessofthecosmos says:
I was thinking about the sweaters for the penguins...perhaps they should be more 'penguin-ish' colors. While hot pink and lime green and bright orange might look super cute, they aren't neccesarily going to protect the penguins from predators and such as their natural colors would...Just a thought...
208 days ago
PinwheelStudio says:
What a wonderful idea - a great way to help out the little penguins while crafting! The penguins at our local aquarium are delightful - so playful and agile in the water.
206 days ago
StoneyMountainCrafts says:
Sherry Daughtry has created a Crochet pattern! You can find it here: http://cobcottagegifts.com/2011/10/30/crochet-pattern-penguin-sweater/
203 days ago
zakonek says:
Couldn't look more adorable! Love the little guys...
188 days ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Oh I hope I have time to do this project. How wonderful : )
188 days ago
metroretrovintage says:
I had no idea that one could put a sweater on a penguin! And if it helps them, then what a terrific idea!
175 days ago
didyouknowher says:
Was the concept of the razor sharp Astrolabe Reef non existent? I don't understand. This is Such twisted irony, an astrolabe is an instrument used to navigate latitude. Unfortunately I have only JUST been enlightened about this through TeenAngster. My heart goes out to Northern New Zealand.
153 days ago