Kingston Legion Poppy Drape Project

Patterns

Two patterns are provided for both crochet and knit poppies. Please download the pattern of your choice from the link 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AS3p5yV9MvwPlNVa2YcOH185UyLbpSuD?usp=sharing 

 

• The Crochet Pattern_Preferred is a pattern that we have chosen as our preferred pattern due to its simplicity (only 3 crochet rows), uses 8 -12 yds of red yarn and 1.5 – 2 yds of black yarn. It produces a poppy with a 4” diameter,

• The Crochet Pattern_Alternate is the one recently used by the Town of Stratford and in information available for the Niagara Poppy Project. Its previous use means some people in our community may already be familiar with making it and there are many instructional videos and tips on YouTube and social media to view. This pattern has 4 crochet rows, uses approximately 17 – 20 yds of red yarn and 2 yds of black yarn producing a poppy that is 4”-5” in diameter.

• The Knit Flat No Sew Poppy has 2 patterns. These two patterns will require about 14-18 yds of red yarn and 2 yards of black yarn producing poppies that are 4” in diameter. These are patterns for experienced knitters as the poppy petals are knit individually and there is little straight knitting. Skills such as SSK (slip-slip-knit) and W&T (wrap and turn) are used. We elected not to use one other popular knit poppy pattern that is available and which is much simpler to knit because the outer red rows of the poppy do not show four well defined petals.

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Yarn

Poppies should be made of acrylic yarn, size 4 worsted. Only poppies of poppy red with black centers should be submitted. Yarn suggestions:

• Loops and Threads Soft Classic Solid in “Bright Red” and “Black”

• Bernat Super Value in “Berry” and “Black”

• Red Heart Super Saver in “Cherry Red” and “Black”

 

A limited number of yarn kits will be available to those who want them. Contact Cindy Crane at cindycrane615@icloud.com or call/text at 902-569-4885. The amount of yarn given out to each person will depend on how many poppies you are willing to make.

 

How to Help

• Crochet or knit as many poppies as you are able. Donations will be accepted until September 30th, 2026. Watch social media and this website for updates on poppy numbers. Drop-off locations will be announced shortly.

  • Poppies that are dropped off should be in a clear plastic bag, tied with a twist tie, and a label inside the bag that has the donor’s name, contact information and number of poppies clearly marked

• Monetary donation or donation of yarn in the brands and colors listed above. Approximately $25 or 3 balls of red yarn and 1/2 ball of black yarn is enough to make about 80-100 poppies using the Crochet Pattern_Preferred. For yarn or monetary donations, please contact Cindy Crane at the above coordinates.

• If you belong to a crochet or knitting group, you could do some group sessions on poppy making. Or you could volunteer to host a group of friends to get the ball rolling in your community. Some community service groups may also want to get involved as part of their efforts

• If you are an experienced crocheter or knitter you could help lead and/or instruct beginners at planned Poppy Making Socials. These will be advertised as they are planned.

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FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different pattern to crochet/knit the poppy?

A: The patterns available for download here were chose for both simplicity and general appearance. Although we would like you to use one of the patterns provided, we recognize that receiving poppies that are not uniform is likely inevitable due to differences in skill levels, personal style, crochet and knitting tension etc. So, in the spirit of this, other patterns may be used if the standard red poppy with a black center appearance is maintained. We have decided that a drape that has a variety of poppies may more closely resemble a field of natural poppies and will not get tied up in knots (please excise the pun) about some poppies that look different.

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Q: Can I make poppies of different sizes?

A: We are suggesting that the above patterns and size of 4”-5” diameter poppies be used, however we will not turn down poppies that do not fit that mould. As above, we have determined that a drape that has a variety of poppies may be as or more aesthetically appealing as one that is made of uniform poppies.

 

Q: Why acrylic yarn only?

A: As the drape will be hung outdoors, poppies must be made from acrylic yarn to be able to withstand the elements. Donations of wool or cotton yarns will be gratefully declined.

 

Q: Should I leave a tail on the poppies, or do I fasten/tie/weave in the ends?

A: Some patterns that exist (on the internet or YouTube etc.) suggest that a 10” tail is required to tie the poppies to the drape netting. This is not necessary as another fastening method that will be more secure will be used. Please fasten/tie the yarn ends as we been told by other groups who have done a similar project have found that that poppies tied with yarn ends tend to curl inward and hang loosely. If you don’t tie in the ends yourself another volunteer will have to do it after donation.

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Q: What happens if you get more than 3000 poppies?

A: This would be a nice problem to have. We currently have a budget for a drape for 3000 poppies. If donations exceed that number, the Kingston Legion would have to decide how to use the additional poppies. Ideas could include having more than one outdoor drape, having an indoor display at the Legion as well as the outdoor one, and having displays in locations other than the Legion Branch itself. We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves though as 3000 poppies from a small Legion Branch in a largely rural community is a reasonable, and achievable goal with community support.