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Poppies Project

A Community Celebration of Craft

Join the Journey

Following the hugely popular ‘Common Threads’, we are excited to announce our next endeavour – a poppy stream to be displayed in Lichfield Cathedral for the period of Remembrance in 2027.

What we hope will be a record-breakingly long piece, will be filled with community-made poppies in red, purple, black and white to commemorate those affected by war and committed to peace.

See below to find out how you can get involved…

We are happy to offer talks for groups about our projects, please get in touch with Dagmar (07394 558778) to discuss your requirements and what we can offer.

Poppies Project

Why?

Our aim is to get more than 120 thousand poppies. Poppies will be all connected together into one hopefully record-breaking display and presented inside Lichfield Cathedral in 2027

What?

  • We are looking for knitted, crocheted, sewn or embroidered poppies
  • Poppies can be any size
  • Poppies can have green leaves, but they don’t have to have leaves
  • Poppies need a string or loop at the back to enable us to attach them
  • Poppies can be made by anyone and everyone
  • Poppies can be dropped off to Lichfield Cathedral or to The Fabric Vault

When?

  • We will be offering free community sessions in Lichfield Cathedral where you can learn and make poppies – details of sessions will be on our websites
  • Official launch of this project will be on 4th May 2026
  • You will be able to see the progress in November 2026
  • The final display will be in October 2027

How?

You can come and join one of our community poppy-making sessions in Lichfield Cathedral (dates are listed below).

You can create your poppies at home, either on your own or together with family and friends.

We also offer talks and workshops for community groups, including craft groups, WI groups, schools, youth organisations, and other local groups.
We can visit your group to talk about the project, run a short poppy-making workshop, or combine both into a creative and inspiring session.

For schools and youth groups, we also offer a “Group Kit”, designed to help leaders run their own poppy-making sessions. Each kit includes the materials, guidance, and information needed to get your group involved in the project.

You can use any pattern or textile technique you prefer. However, if you would like to use one of our own specially designed patterns, created with the help of our talented knitting and crochet teachers, these can be purchased below, in Lichfield Cathedral, or at The Fabric Vault.

Please support this project — these patterns are for personal use only and must not be copied or shared. From every pattern purchased, £1 will be donated to The Royal British Legion.

When purchasing a pattern online, please note that you will need to “book an online session”. Once booked, your pattern download link will be sent in your confirmation email.

What do the different coloured poppies mean?

The text and pictures below are from BBC Website

Red Poppies

The red poppy is the most famous symbol used to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in World War One and conflicts that followed.
Wearing a poppy was inspired by the fields of poppies that grew where many of the battles were fought.
The red poppy belongs to the Royal British Legion – a charity created by veterans of World War One.
They say that the red poppy represents remembrance and hope.

Poppies Project

Purple Poppies

The purple poppy is often worn to remember animals that have been victims of war.

Animals like horses, dogs and pigeons were often drafted into the war effort, and those that wear the purple poppy feel their service should be seen as equal to that of human service.

In particular, many horses were killed or injured in World War One.

Donations to the Animal Purple Poppy Fund go to charities including World Horse Welfare and the Household Cavalry Foundation.

The Animal Purple Poppy Fund uses the word poppy with the agreement of the Royal British Legion.

Poppies Project

Black Poppies

The BlackPoppyRose commemorates the contributions of black, African and Caribbean communities to the war effort – as servicemen and servicewomen, and as civilians.

The charitable organisation was launched in 2010 and aims to highlight “largely untold historical legacies” from the 16th century onwards.

Poppies Project

White Poppies

Some people feel that the red poppy glorifies war and conflict.

Instead they might choose to wear a white poppy.

The white poppy is handed out by a charity called Peace Pledge Union, which promotes peace.

They say that the white poppy commemorates people who died in conflict, but focuses on achieving peace and challenging the way we look at war.

Poppies Project

Contact Us

Contact John

Contact Suzie

Contact Dagmar

Poppies Details & Drop Off Info

  • Poppies can be made during our sessions in Cathedral or you can make them at home and brig them to us
  • Drop off your poppies to The Fabric Vault, Tudor Row, Lichfield
  • Poppies need to have a string or a loop at the back

Stitch Session Schedule (May 2026 – Dec 2026)

Join us at Lichfield Cathedral to stitch, connect, and create. All materials are provided.
📌 Please check the Cathedral website or contact The Fabric Vault for up-to-date times before attending.

May 2026

Monday 4 May 
10:00 – 12:00
Monday 25 May 

10:00 – 12:00
Tuesday 26 May 

10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
18:15 – 19:45
Wednesday 27 May 

10:00 – 12:00
Thursday 28 May 

10:00 – 12:00

June 2026

Friday 19 June 
10:00 – 12:00
18:15 – 19:45

July 2026

Tuesday 21 July 
14:00 – 16:00
18:15 – 19:45

August 2026

Tuesday 18 August 
14:00 – 16:00
18:15 – 19:45

September 2026

Tuesday 8 September 
14:00 – 16:00
18:15 – 19:45

October 2026

Tuesday 6 October 
14:00 – 16:00
18:15 – 19:45
Monday 26 October
 
10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 27 October
 
10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
Wednesday 28 October 

10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
Thursday 29 October 

10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00

November 2026

Monday 2 November 
10:00 – 12:00

December 2026

Friday 18 December 
10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
Monday 28 December 

10:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00

2027 Dates

To be Confirmed

Let’s come together – stitch by stitch – to celebrate our community, our history, and our shared creative spirit.

The Fabric Vault together with Lichfield Cathedral
Connecting threads across time.