To some, the catheter bag is one of the most humiliating and obvious signs of illness. By design, the clear plastic bag easily indicates to caregivers the amount of urine in the bag. But it also telegraphs the contents to anyone visiting the patient. In the case of hospice, it’s jut one more indignity at the end of life.

The volunteer knitters for Hopewell House in Portland, Oregon were asked by the caregivers to create a cover for the catheter bag. The caregivers were thrilled with the design.

This cover is for a bag that attaches to a hospital bed and measures approximately 9” high, 11” at the bottom and tapers to 10” at the top. The cover has two tabs that button at the top, allowing an opening of about 3” for the the hanger and tube.

Using a worsted weight acrylic yarn that can be machine washed and dried, the cover is a simple rectangle with tabs on one end, folds over and is seamed at the sides. Buttons are used on the tabs. Generally a single skein of 200 yards is sufficient.