This is a combined bandage project.

Part one is to get you and your family more prepared under the heading of FIRST AID items. To do this, make 40 of the 4 inch x 48 inch bandages and 10 of the 2 inch x 36 inch ones for your own medical kit. [Modify the directions for the size you are making-see below]. These can be autoclaved [sterilized in a pressure cooker] and are re-usable.

Part two, Once you have made enough for your family, start making them according to the following patterns to donate to the D.O.V.E. bandage project. [link at bottom].

Patterns/Instructions: [[pictures removed for this sheet but are available at the website at bottom. Rich]].

Finished Size: approximately 3 ½ to 4 inches wide by 4 feet long. If it shrinks up to be a bit smaller when washed…don’t worry that is fine. They are used to wrap everything from tiny fingers to the stumps of lost legs and feet. No two applications are the same so our bandages can vary a bit as well.

Material specifications: 100% mercerized crochet cotton or polyester – size #10 – white, cream or ecru (no irritating dyes). This is commonly called “bedspread cotton” (1 ‘ball/skein’ will usually make two bandages.)

Suggested brands include: South Maid D54, DMC Traditions, Aunt Lydia’s Classic Crochet Thread, Cro Sheen and JP Coats. You can find these online as well as at your local Wal-Mart, fabric or craft store.

Tightness:  The bandages shown above are good examples of how they should look. It should be ‘medium-tight’, not strangling, but fairly close, with breathable holes  If yours look Mesh-like they are too loose – please switch to a smaller crochet hook  (size D) or knitting needle (size 2).  These are tighter and made with smaller thread/yarn (no worsted weight) than the ones Global Health used to send to India as the climate and needs are different in Vietnam.

Knitted Leprosy Bandage:

Use size 2 (2.75 mm = UK 12) knitting needles if you knit loosely or average,

Use size 3 (3.25 mm = UK 10) needles if you knit tightly.

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.

Crocheted Leprosy Bandage:

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

Chain enough stitches to measure about 4″ in width.

(I use 23 chs and an E hook, and it takes about 6 rows to equal one inch.)

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 pulling thread through last loop, secure with a knot and weaving the end back through the stitches.  A sewing needle works well to do this.

When Completed:

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.

NOTE:  The bandages do NOT have to be perfect, so if you are afraid your are not straight enough or you dropped a stitch 5 rows before, don’t let that stop you.  Relax and have fun making them.

Why handmade bandages and not gauze or store bought”?

“These leper bandages breathe better, and can be sterilized for reuse.” The lepers wear these bandages on their stumps as well as on sores.  Gauze would wear out much too fast.

The recipients recognize the time involved in making these and it is a special blessing to them that someone cares enough to take the time.  Each one is cherished and gratefully accepted.

http://leprosybandages.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-crocheted-or-knitted-leprosy.html