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 A
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).
Did you know that your local service groups, such as Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Club, are more than happy to support your efforts and initiatives?All you need to do is reach out and ask! If you’re providing knitted knockers in your community, you may be eligible for a service grant. The application process is usually straightforward, requiring you to state your purpose, outline how the funds will be utilized, and provide the necessary 501c3 information. We can assist you with all these aspects.
We encourage you to connect with your local service club and inquire if they can provide you with the grant application paperwork. It’s always beneficial to have someone who can vouch for you and your grant request, although it’s not mandatory.
Good luck! 🍀
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Every Knitted Knocker we send carries a story of comfort and hope. Here’s one we’re honored to share:
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my daughter was 4 months old. I was 34, no family history whatsoever, no known genetic markers at the time. I had suffered nerve damage during a difficult delivery, postpartum depression, and the general stress of being a first-time mom. Knitted Knockers allowed me to set aside the medical and get back to living my life as quickly as possible with as little stress as possible.
My first reaction was "holy crap! they're huge" followed by gratitude that someone had taken the time to craft them. They came firmly stuffed, and it gave me the chance to perfectly adjust the stuffing to get exactly the right fit.
Knitted Knockers provides a much-needed alternative to those of us who are either waiting for the right time for reconstruction or who are just plain tired of being poked and prodded and are ready to get on with living life with as little fuss as possible. When I was done with treatment, I was DONE. I was ready to get outside and back to hiking (now with my baby girl).
As a recipient, the fact that another person on this earth took the time to do something so kind and at no cost to me, meant so very much. Cancer puts a strain on not only the patient's health but their finances, their relationships, etc. It takes so much from the person fighting. To be able to easily preserve dignity and confidence amidst all that chaos is vital to mental health. S. Reyman
#KnittedKnockers #knittedknockers #breastcancer #kindnessmatters
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
My first reaction was "holy crap! they're huge," followed by gratitude that someone had taken the time to craft them. They came firmly stuffed, and it gave me the chance to perfectly adjust the stuffing to get exactly the right fit.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my daughter was 4 months old. I was 34, no family history whatsoever, no known genetic markers at the time. I had suffered nerve damage during a difficult delivery, postpartum depression, and the general stress of being a first-time mom. Knitted Knockers allowed me to set aside the medical and get back to living my life as quickly as possible with as little stress as possible.
My first reaction was "holy crap! they're huge" followed by gratitude that someone had taken the time to craft them. They came firmly stuffed, and it gave me the chance to perfectly adjust the stuffing to get exactly the right fit.
Knitted Knockers provides a much-needed alternative to those of us who are either waiting for the right time for reconstruction or who are just plain tired of being poked and prodded and are ready to get on with living life with as little fuss as possible. When I was done with treatment, I was DONE. I was ready to get outside and back to hiking (now with my baby girl).
As a recipient, the fact that another person on this earth took the time to do something so kind and at no cost to me, meant so very much. Cancer puts a strain on not only the patient's health but their finances, their relationships, etc. It takes so much from the person fighting. To be able to easily preserve dignity and confidence amidst all that chaos is vital to mental health. S. Reyman
#KnittedKnockers #knittedknockers #breastcancer #kindnessmatters
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
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