Our Mission
Connect volunteer knitters and crocheters with breast cancer survivors to offer free Knitted Knockers to any woman who wants them. There is a huge demand for Knitted Knockers that can’t be met by any one group but together we can do it! If someone in each area will set a goal of meeting the need in just their county it can happen!
Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prostheses for women who have had breast cancer and undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. Traditional breast prosthetics can be hot, heavy and sticky. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are adjustable, washable and can even be worn while swimming. Our special volunteer knitters provide these FREE to those requesting them.
*estimated as of January 2026
Attn Knitters and Crocheters. The current need for knockers is:
Pairs of Swimmers in Light Neutrals – sizes D, DD, and F
Pairs of Light Neutral – Size DD
Pairs of Light (beiges) and Dark (brown and black) Neutrals all sizes are always needed.
Our experience bringing Knitted Knockers to the women of Rwanda. This simple breast prosthetic solution continues to spread around the world. "JUST GO! When opportunity calls... you never know what doors will open."
Watch this video to see Knitted Knockers in the News!
Meet some of the wonderful volunteers changing lives...
Meet Dale, Making a difference from Tucson, AZ!
Volunteer Highlight: Dale Arriaga (Tucson, AZ)
I have been involved with Knitted Knockers as both a recipient and a volunteer since 2017. I am a 71 year old retired Nurse and Sunday school teacher. I have been fighting tumors since I was in my 20’s, and it seems my journey with tumors and health issues will continue. My three sisters have also all had breast cancer and mastectomies.
In 2008, I had a mastectomy, but discovered that I couldn’t wear silicone prosthetics due to my sensitive skin and the Arizona climate. A lady at church told me about knockers and how much she loved them. I found Knitted Knockers to be lighter, more comfortable, and I can make myself many different designs and have fun with them. After I received my first pair, I knew I wanted to get involved with this organization.
We are Knitted Knockers Tucson, a small group of four, but WOW, what a group! Two of the ladies knit and two crochet. We supply the state of Arizona and help other states when needed. We support four clinics, including the Arizona Oncology offices in town. We have mailed out over 1,800 in Arizona so far, and have never run out of knockers, thanks to these three volunteers. I could not do this without them. They are true angels, helping women they don’t know feel confident, comfortable, and whole.
Knitted Knockers is the greatest organization ever! All the volunteers I have met are simply amazing. They became lifelong friends, even though we live far apart. The Knitted Knocker cruises we have been on together have been some of the highlights of my life.
I do many events to educate others about Knitted Knockers. When I do events, women are constantly telling me what a difference these knockers have made for them. I do a TV interview every year in Tucson, and people come up to me on the street and tell me what an amazing gift it was to receive their knockers. I even had a husband get a pair for his wife. He said she hadn’t been out of the house since her surgery, but after receiving the knockers, she started living again. I have never been so proud and honored to belong to any group.
My fight with cancer continues, but being a Knitted Knockers volunteer helps me to focus on something other than my own issues. It gives me joy and a purpose.
A fun side note from our founder, Barb:
The first time I met Dale in person was on the first Knitted Knockers cruise in 2019. I wore my “googly” eye glasses that are supposed to prevent seasickness. Dale pulled me aside and said, “Oh honey, I am so sorry but you have had too much to drink!” LOL She is such a hoot.
Dale is always ready to share the story about Knitted Knockers. She has always said, “Yes!” when asked to display information at events, share with medical teams and even travel great distances to spread the word. She has impacted more lives than we will ever know with her love and giving heart. She and her hubby, Rudy have made a huge difference in my life, and l truly believe Knitted Knockers would not be where it is today without her.
From all of us at Knitted Knockers…Thank you, Dale! We look forward to celebrating your 10 year anniversary with you and appreciate everything you have done to help Knitted Knockers!
Latest Update from Facebook
Knitted Knockers
Connecting volunteer knitters with breast cancer survivors to offer free knitted knockers, (soft, comfortable, knit prosthetics made by volunteers).
Behind every handmade knocker, there is a story. This one was shared recently by one of our caring volunteers, in her own words:
I first heard about Knitted Knockers in a newspaper article about 8 years ago. I had recently retired and was looking for something to do. I love to knit, but didn't think I needed too many sweaters since S.C .is a warm state, so I thought this would be a good way to knit and help others at the same time.
It was a relatively quick and easy project, so I felt like I had accomplished something and was also able to make someone feel better about themselves. Since I first started, I've knitted well over 1700 knockers!
Since body silhouette is a major concern for many women, having something that will help restore that to someone who has just gone through a rather traumatic surgery/life change is a blessing to them.
Considering volunteering with or receiving Knitted Knockers? She adds, “Give it a try!”
#knittedknockers #easyproject #bodysilhouette #beablessing #volunteer
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
An incredible message from Kelly Conner, a Knitted Knockers recipient who went on to start her own nonprofit, Give Grace.
“My name is Kelly Conner, and I am the founder of Give Grace, a nonprofit that provides comfort gift sets to women facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
During my own breast cancer treatment, I received a Knitted Knocker, and it meant so much to me. It brought comfort at a time when I felt most vulnerable and reminded me that there were caring hands and hearts behind me even from afar.
That simple act of kindness has stayed with me and is one of the reasons I wanted to create Give Grace.
Along with comfort items, we are creating a resource brochure to include in every set so that patients can easily find support across the country. Your work is exactly the kind of resource we want to highlight. Our goal is to make it easier for women to find the support that brings them comfort and dignity during treatment.
It would be an honor to share your organization with the women we serve.”
Kelly, it is our honor. 💗
Do you have a story like Kelly's? Share it with us in the comments!
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎤 Craftivism Panel with Barb at @vogueknittingonline – Part 3
Barb shares something that often surprises people — the ultimate goal of Knitted Knockers is to be put out of business.
Imagine a world where breast cancer no longer exists… and comfort like this is no longer needed. 💕
That’s the dream.
💬 What gives you hope in the fight against breast cancer?
#KnittedKnockers #Craftivism
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
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