Preston North End and National Football Museum Launch Giant Scarf Knitting Project

The National Football Museum and Preston North End have unveiled a distinctive craft initiative designed to honor one of The English Football League’s founding clubs. This initiative, named The Giant Scarf Project, represents a joint effort between the National Football Museum and the Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET). It aims to engage both groups and individuals in crafting a “very special piece of woolly art.” Drawing inspiration from a fan’s embroidered neckwear from the 1960s, participants are urged to knit one or more strips for a scarf in PNE colors. These strips will then be stitched together to form a giant muffler featuring a traditional design, slated for exhibition at a celebratory event in Spring 2025. According to a museum spokesman, the completed scarf is expected to span the entire width of the pitch at the club’s Deepdale stadium. Tim Desmond, CEO at the museum, stated: “This is a brilliantly creative way to celebrate Preston’s footballing history but it’s much more than that – it’s about bringing communities together and providing inclusive opportunities for everyone to engage in the culture of football.” He further commented: “An idea like this creates a sense of unity and celebration, helping to tackle loneliness and isolation, and improve the wellbeing of our communities. “Football inspires people like nothing else, and we cannot wait to unveil the finished piece.”” Michael Barrett, heritage coordinator at PNECET, remarked: “Nothing says nostalgia in football like the traditional bar scarf. “This fantastic partnership with the National Football Museum celebrates Preston’s rich football history.”” Supporters interested in participating can obtain a knitting pack, which includes a ball of navy or white wool, needles, and an instruction sheet, from the PNE Club Shop, PNECET Offices, Ingol Library, Sharoe Green Library, and Ribbleton Library. PNE holds the distinction of being one of the 12 founding clubs and was the first team to achieve a league and FA Cup double during the inaugural league season of 1888-89, thereby earning the moniker “The Invincibles.” Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.