A simple crochet hook is helping Alta’s Steven Smith bring comfort to women after mastectomy surgery — one Knitted Knocker at a time.
Smith is working to form a local volunteer group that will make Knitted Knockers, the soft, lightweight, hand‑knitted or crocheted breast prosthetics provided for free through the nationwide nonprofit KnittedKnockers.org.
The organization, headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, has distributed more than 1 million free knockers since it began tracking numbers in 2015. Today, over 7,800 registered makers and groups contribute worldwide, supplying hospitals, cancer centers and individual recipients in all 50 states and dozens of countries. All knockers are made by volunteers, and Smith says all recipients receive them at no cost.
Smith first discovered the nonprofit through a short documentary online.
The video told the story of founder Barb, who struggled with traditional breast prosthetics that were heavy, hot and uncomfortable. Her doctor suggested she knit her own — a moment that sparked what would become an international volunteer movement. Barb’s first pair, made by a friend, changed everything. She later described putting them on and finally feeling like herself again after surgery.
Smith, who teaches crochet classes around the area, says the global reach of the mission is part of what inspired him.
Knitted Knockers has grown far beyond the U.S. In Rwanda, volunteers were trained to make knockers for local women, and those makers later taught a team in Kenya — a ripple effect Smith says shows the power of simple skills and shared compassion.
Locally, Smith has already delivered several pairs of knockers to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, along with promotional materials from the national organization. He says staff welcomed the donation.
He’s now building a local volunteer group, with interest from Alta, Newell and Fonda. Smith says the work is about giving back — and offering comfort to women who have endured difficult recoveries.
Knitted Knockers are made from approved mercerized cotton yarn, chosen because it’s soft, breathable and safe for sensitive skin. The organization maintains a strict list of approved yarns to ensure comfort and durability. Each knocker is stuffed with polyfill, washable, adjustable and designed to fit inside a standard bra. Smith says founder Barb’s experience shows how meaningful they can be.
Smith hopes the local group will grow and continue providing comfort to women across northwest Iowa and beyond.
Those interested in joining can find Smith’s group on Facebook under Northwest Iowa Knocker Makers, or visit KnittedKnockers.org to learn more, download free patterns or donate approved yarn.
