Some crochet projects are about cosy scarves or pretty homewares. Others are about starting conversations.
This little project falls firmly into the second camp.
This free crochet pattern for mini knickers is designed to use tiny scraps of yarn to create something small, unexpected and meaningful. It’s a free knickers crochet pattern, yes – but more importantly, it’s a scrap yarn crochet project with a purpose: to gently encourage women to think about cervical screening and to get talking about something that’s often quietly avoided.
It’s quick to make, beginner-friendly, and perfect for using up leftover DK yarn. You might crochet one or a whole pile, but each tiny pair can help spark an important conversation.
Why crochet for a cause?
Crochet has always been about more than just stitches. It’s calming, connective and creative…and it can also be a powerful way to raise awareness.
This meaningful crochet project was created to be:
- Small and unintimidating
- Easy to make with scraps
- Shareable in public spaces
- Gentle but impactful
They can be left with an information tag in places like public toilets, changing rooms, community spaces or GP surgeries; anywhere women might spot them and pause for a moment.
That’s the beauty of crochet for awareness. It doesn’t shout. It simply invites thought.
What you’ll need
A small amount of DK yarn
3.5mm crochet hook
Scissors
Darning needle
The knickers crochet pattern
Start with a slip knot and ch 21.
Put 1 dc in the 2nd ch from the hook, then 1 dc in each chain to the end.
*Ch 1, turn. Put 1 dc in each stitch.
Repeat from * 2 more times.
Turn. Sl st in the first 5 stitches.
- Dc2tog in the next pair of stitches
- 1 dc in the next 6 stitches
- Dc2tog in the last pair of stitches
Leave the remaining stitches unworked.
*Ch 1, turn. Put 1 dc in the next 8 stitches.
Repeat from * 1 more time
Ch 1, turn.
- Dc2tog in the first pair of stitches
- 1 dc in the next 4 stitches
- Dc2tog in the last pair of stitches
*Ch 1, turn. Put 1 dc in each stitch (there should be 6).
Repeat from * 1 more time.
Ch 1, turn.
- Dc2tog in the first pair of stitches
- 1 dc in the next 2 stitches
- Dc2tog in the last pair of stitches
*Ch 1, turn. Put 1 dc in each stitch (there should be 4).
Repeat from * 1 more time.
*Ch 1, turn. Put 2 dc in the first stitch. Put 1 dc in each stitch along the row until the final stitch. Put 2 dc in the final stitch.
Repeat from * until you have 20 stitches in total.
*Ch 1, turn. Put 1 dc in each stitch.
Repeat from * 4 more times.
(You can change colour on the final stitch if you like, but you don’t have to.)
Work dc evenly around the whole shape.
There aren’t always obvious stitches here – just find a hole and go for it!
Cut and fasten off.
Fold the knickers in half and sew the two sides together.
Sew in all loose ends.
Want a printable version?
If you’d like a tidy PDF version of this knickers crochet pattern (including the awareness tag), perfect for printing or sharing, click HERE to download it.
Thank you for crocheting with purpose 💛