An Urgent Request: Knits for North Korean Refugees

Every year, refugees from North Korea escape into China, where they must blend in with locals in order to escape detection by Chinese officials. If detected and deported back to North Korea, these refugees face starvation, torture and execution.

ARC, a charity-knitting organization in Washington, D.C., and Life Funds for North Korean Refugees, a Tokyo-based non-profit organization, are working together to help these refugees through knitted items.

ARC sends to North Korean orphans and families who are refugees. While knitted goods may not seem like much to those of us whose needs are met, the impact of a new, useful gift can be immense. Knits can remind refugees of their humanity, identity, and encourage them to keep striving for a better future. - ARC

Last week, ARC sent out an urgent request for 10 sets of children's knits (each set includes a cap, a scarf, and a pair of gloves/mittens) by the end of the month. iKnit has decided to help out by knitting as many of the needed items as possible.

How can YOU help?

You can help out by crafting items or by donating yarn for the items! The items must follow certain color & style requirements and not look "foreign, too prosperous, or atypical of local style" so that the refugees wearing these items will not be detected.

(From the ARC website) 

What Colors and Styles to Use:Ordinary, inconspicuous colors such as black, brown, dark green, navy blue, dark purple or maroon. Styles should be simple and plain; avoid stripes, polka dots, etc.

• Hats: Beanies are best. Earflaps are okay, but no pom-poms please, as they make it easier to identify the wearer in a crowd.

• Scarves: Straightforward garter stitch or ribbing is preferred. Various designs should not be too distinctive or uncommon; no tassels please.

• Gloves & Mittens: Unadorned but made to keep warm.

For more information, please visit ARC's website here. If you have any other questions or need to drop off items, please email us at iknitmsj@gmail.com.