2025 Poppy Display at St. Paul's Church in Westport
Be part of something beautiful this Remembrance Day!
Since 1921, the poppy has stood as a powerful symbol of remembrance in Canada. Inspired by the iconic poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, the poppy reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many people around the world in places of conflict.
Inspiring Photos of Poppy Displays in Canada & UK
Calling All Knitters, Crocheters & Crafters in Westport
St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Westport is launching a heartfelt community project — and we need your help!
We’re creating a stunning outdoor display of hand-made poppies to honour and remember all those who have served, and those affected by war, past and present. The display will "bloom" at the corner of Spring & George Streets in November 2025.
But first — we need hundreds of poppies! Whether you knit, crochet, or craft in your own creative way, we’d love for you to join us. Together, we’ll form a cascading wall and field of poppies — a powerful tribute shaped by many hands in our Westport community.
How to Get Involved
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Create Poppies: Knit or crochet poppies at home using the needlework patterns below.
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Drop-Off Location: Finished poppies can be placed in a collection box at the church entrance on George Street throughout October. If you would like to arrange a specific drop-off time please email stpaulschurchpoppies@gmail.com
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Deadline: All poppies should be dropped off by November 1st.
Display and Remembrance Service
The poppy display will be installed for two weeks in November, including Remembrance Day.
We invite everyone to join us for a special Remembrance Day service at St. Paul's on the Sunday before November 11th. Details to follow.
During the poppy event, we will also be collecting donations in support of the Royal Canadian Legion Upper Rideau Branch 542. Contributions are welcome and appreciated to continue supporting veterans and their families. We will add more information soon on how to donate.
Poppy Patterns & Recommended Materials
St. Paul's is looking for poppies made with a bright poppy red, worsted weight, size 4 yarn. Yarns such as Caron One Pound in Claret, Bernat Super Value in Berry, or Red Heart Super Saver in Cherry Red, are great options to make your poppy! For the poppy, you will need approximately 17-20 yards of red yarn and 2-3 yards of black yarn. You will also need a size 5mm, US 8 knitting needles or a size 6mm/J crochet hook. Needle or hook size may be adjusted but finished poppy should be between 4-6 inches in diameter.
Crochet Pattern
Abbreviations
Ch: chain(s) | Dc: double crochet | Sc = single crochet | Sl st = slip stitch | (12) = indicates number of stitches at end of round
Pattern designed by Hania Wojtowicz
With black, make a slip knot with a 10” tail and ch 2.
Round 1: 12 dc in second ch from hook. Join with sl st to first dc. Fasten off and leave a 10” tail. (12)
Round 2: Using red yarn, join into the top of any of the black dc leaving a 10” tail. Ch 3 (counts as a dc). 1 dc into the same stitch. 2 dc into each of the remaining dc. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. (24)
Round 3: Ch 1. 2 dc into each of the next 4 dc, sc into next dc. *sc in next dc, 2 dc into each of the next 4 dc, sc in next dc*. Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Join with sl st into bottom of starting ch 1. (40)
Round 4: *2 dc into each of the next 8 dc, slip stitch between the 2 sc of the previous row*. Repeat from * to * three times. Fasten off and leave a 10” tail. (68)
The 4 tails will be used to attach the poppies to the art installation, so do not cut them off or weave them into the poppy.
Knit Pattern
Abbreviations
K: knit | P: purl | K2tog: knit 2 together | (Sl1, K2tog, psso): Slip 1 purl-wise, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over
Pattern designed by Susan Simms
With red, cast on 52 sts leaving a 10" tail at the beginning.
Work the next 8 rows as follows:
Right side: *K10, p3* repeat from * to * to end.
Wrong side: *K3, P10* repeat from * to * to end.
Cut red leaving 10" tail.
Change to black tying to red at needle and leaving 10" tail before starting with the black.
Next row: K2 tog across
Next row: P across
Next row: *(Sl1, K2tog, psso)* repeat from * to* across to last 2 sts. K2 tog.
Cut yarn about 10" long and thread through the last stitches with a darning needle. Pull tight while removing from needle. Sew sides up with black, then with red using the mattress stitch, or leave for us to sew up. There should be no seam showing. Leave a 10” tail on both black and red ends.
The 4 tails will be used to attach the poppies to the art installation, so do not cut them off or weave them into the poppy.
Questions?
Do you have follow-up questions or would you like to volunteer to help set up the poppy display at St. Paul's Church in Westport? Send an email to stpaulschurchpoppies@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting our St. Paul's community poppy project!