Teens Connect The World: Brain, Children and Love

For the past two years, I’ve worked with Stitch-a-Wish, a Cook Children Hospital’s program where community members sew, knit, and crochet comfort items for pediatric patients. We create child-friendly pillowcases and small pillows that kids can use during their stay and take home, plus items like telemetry bibs and medical play dolls that help little patients understand procedures and move more freely. These handmade pieces are used every day across the medical center for comfort, therapeutic play, arts & crafts, and safety.

Why it matters

A core vision of Stitch-a-Wish is that every pediatric patient receives a personal, kid-sized pillow and pillowcase, something bright that’s theirs in a tough moment. This simple gift is only possible because volunteers and donors step in with time, fabric, and care.

What we make

-Telemetry bibs/bags, G-button covers, and play-therapy dolls (used throughout the hospital)
-Small pillowcases (15″ × 24″) and child-sized pillows (high-need, ongoing)

How you can help

Sew from home. Follow the hospital’s patterns and guidelines (wash items, smoke-free environment; flannel/minky OK, no fleece).
Donate materials (100% cotton/flannel, polyester fiberfill, thread, etc.).
Spread the word so more kids receive a pillow they can keep.

Ready to jump in? Apply or learn more on Cook Children’s official page, Stitch-a-Wish Volunteers. Cook Children’s

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Below are the updated sewing needs for October 2025.

1. NICU Lovies

The NICU(Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) lovie pattern has changed, but you’re still welcome to use the older “ghost” pattern (the one that resembles a little ghost). We don’t have an official pattern for the new version, but I’ve included a few links and a volunteer-created version below for inspiration.

Material requirements:

• Must be made of flannel, cotton, or minky
• No fleece (due to infection control policies)
• No crocheted or knitted lovies at this time
• No embellishments like buttons (choking hazard)

Helpful Resources:

• DIY Lovey Bunny Blanket – YouTube Tutorial
• Project Nursery Bunny Lovey – Free Pattern
• Amanda’s pattern (attached)

2. Gel Pad covers – ! Most Needed Item!

We are completely out of the 9 X 15 finished size gel pad covers.

Specs:

• Approx. 9 X 15 inch finished size  (a little bigger than what is listed on the website)
• I’ve been told the cut out size is 10 X 34 inches, please let me know if that is incorrect.
• Same instructions as the one on website except that the sizes to cut and the finished measurements are different.  
• Can be made of flannel, minky, or cotton

3. Christmas Gift Bags

We’re currently needing large, and extra-large drawstring-style bags. These can be sewn year-round using solid or child-friendly Christmas fabrics. Fabric may say “Merry Christmas,” but please avoid religious messages.

Sizes Needed:

• XL: 40” L x 24” W
• L: 36” L x 24” W

Stitch-a-Wish Volunteers website

If you have questions or want to confirm current needs before you start, please check the official page or send me an email. Thank you for lending your hands and heart. Please join us in stitching comfort for kids.