The DOVE Fund and their Bandage Brigade

On January 12, 2000 a group of Vietnam Veterans started The Dove Fund .  In its short history it has built 44 schools, 11 daycare centers, 3 medical clinics, and 5 mayor water projects among many other ongoing projects.

I have been moved by one particular service that is provided by these dear folks and their volunteers. They provide bandages to the lepers of Vietnam. Since 2008 their Bandage Brigade has delivered over 12,000 bandages. These are handmade by volunteers from around the globe.

I was amazed that in this century there were still people suffering from this horrific disease. I wanted to help and ask others to do the same.

All Images Credit: [ The Dove Fund ]

Why Handmade Leprosy Bandages

According to the folks on the ground in the colony for The Dove Fund, the handmade bandages breath better, can be washed, sterilized and reused. The bandages are not only used for sores but also for stumps. Gauze would wear out to quickly.

One more very important factor about making these bandages, the recipients know that it takes a lot of time to make one and so they feel that someone cares. A message rarely given to them.

 How to Make the Leprosy Bandages

 

Below are the supplies and patterns for crochet, knitting and looming the bandages.  Feel free to experiment with any of these to see if you have a better process.

My understanding is that the crochet and knitting patterns have been more than tested by the Brigade and they will testify to the accuracy of the patterns.

The loom knitting pattern has only been tried once and not the complete length so if you complete the bandage PLEASE come back to this page and share your feedback, comments, and suggestions. Me, Dove Fund and the recipients will so appreciate it.

Note that they do have some specific requirements for the bandages. I have listed these below.

 

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Supplies Needed:

The Exact Yarn (Thread) in Specific Colors:

There are specifications for the materials used to make the bandages to avoid irritation.  Remember that open wounds are being covered. They ask that the thread be  No. 10 knit Cro-sheen, 100% mercerized cotton or polyester in white, cream or ecru.  No dyes please.

Suggested Brands are:  South Maid D54, DMC Traditions, Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread, Cro Sheen and JP Coats

This yarn is sometimes called the “bedspread cotton”

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The Needles: Crochet and Knitting
 Use size 2 (2.75 mm = UK 12) knitting needles if you knit loosely
Use size 3 (3.25 mm = UK 10) needles if you knit tightly.

Use size D (3.00 mm = UK 11)
Use size E (3.50 mm = UK 9) crochet hook (loose tension desirable)

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Knit Pattern:
Cast on 24 to 28 stitches so the bandage measures about 4″ across.
Knit every row until bandage is desired length of 48 inches long, and then bind off.
PLEASE DON’T FORGET: Secure thread end by slipping thread through last stitch, tying a double knot, and weaving end back through stitches. A sewing needle works well to do this.

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Crochet Pattern:
Chain enough stitches to measure about 4″ in width.
Row 1: Single crochet into each chain. Chain 1 and turn.
Row 2: Single crochet into each sc across row. Ch 1 and turn. Continue to single crochet to end, chain 1 and turn. Repeat row 2 until bandage measures 48 inches long

PLEASE DON’T FORGET: Secure thread end by slipping thread through last stitch, tying a double knot, and weaving end back through stitches. A sewing needle works well to do this

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Loom Knit Supplies and Pattern:

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Supplies for Loom Knitting

Loom: The KB Sock Loom EFG (Extra Fine Gauge) Do not get it confused with the Sock Loom 2.The EFG sock loom is the ONLY loom that works for this. To Purchase the Loom : Click Here

The Hook: You will need the KB Loom Hook instead of the one included with the Loom: Click Here

Yarn:  2 Rolls/Skeins of Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread 10

Technique: Knit with two strands as one : Click Here

 

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Pattern: Cast on 24 pegs. e-Wrap knit until the bandage is the desired length of 48 inches long, then bind off.

 PLEASE DON’T FORGET: Secure thread end by slipping thread through last stitch, tying a double knot, and weaving end back through stitches. A sewing needle works well to do this

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To Complete the Project: 
AFTER you have woven the ends back into the stitches, wash the bandages, roll them and secure with a large safety pin.  Put in plastic bag (several to a bag), remove air, and seal.

Send Your Bandages to:
Linda Stocker
The Dove Fund Bandage Brigade
171 Mulkey Lane, Arial, WA 98603

email: sgtstocker@gmail.com

or in Ohio

 From the Bandage Brigade Blog
Perhaps Therese of Estero, Fla., said it best when she wrote, “It’s a blessing to be able to help God’s special children in this way. We can’t heal their wounds but we can dress them with our love and concern. When I crochet these bandages I feel like I have mean­ing to my life again. I pray for each person that is given one of my bandages.”

 

Tagged: knitting for charity, leprosy bandages, the dove fund