Wildlife rehabilitation centers often use hand knit and crochet “nests” to cradle orphaned and injured birds and other wildlife while they are recovering. They appreciate nests in various sizes, to accommodate everything from a single baby hummingbird to an injured dove or a litter of orphaned baby rabbits.

My daughter has worked at one of these centers for several years. Her comments and suggestions inspired the design of this pattern, and her feedback has been invaluable in helping me modify the design to better meet the needs of the rehabilitation staff and the patients in their care.

These nests are created in crochet, for its more robust fabric. They feature tight stitches, flat bases, and double-walled sides, to provide extra stability, sturdiness, and durability, as well as easy care. The adjustable side heights offer flexible usage options (e.g. for cavity nesters). The double-walled sides prevent the nests from tipping over as easily when occupied by active nestlings and allow older nestlings to perch on the sides, just like they might do in the wild.

This is an easy pattern, worked in spiral crochet, with two strands of yarn held together, throughout. It includes instructions for nests in various sizes, from 1.75” - 7” in diameter. Also included are tips, notes, and links to relevant tutorials, so even a beginner can successfully create beautiful nests.

Two 7 oz. skeins of Red Heart Super Saver yarn is enough to make five nests in graduated sizes.

Thank you for contributing your time and talents to help injured and orphaned wildlife!