The Penguin Foundation and Phillip Island Nature Parks' Knits for Nature program has been hugely successful for over 20 years.

Generous knitters and groups from all around the world answered the call to knit jumpers for little penguins to save their lives in the event of oil spills.

These days, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is well stocked with jumpers in the unfortunate event of an oil spill.

"We thank the hundreds and thousands of people who contributed their expert knitting skills to provide these life-saving garments for the estimated colony of 38,000 little penguins living on Phillip Island," said a Penguin Foundation spokesperson.

"To continue raising vital funds for the Penguin Foundation, we gladly accept themed jumpers, which we sell with plush penguin toys in our retail stores.

"These funds directly support penguin and wildlife rehabilitation, as well as research. Please note, the jumpers are not worn by actual penguins," the spokesperson said.

"Any style that is a bit eye catching, stripey or themed would be wonderful as they are very attractive souvenirs for people visiting in-store and they raise vital funds for our not-for-profit Penguin Foundation.

"Christmas colours are popular, as are football-themed jumpers and countries of the world flag colours."

As the jumpers are not for use on animals, the need for pure wool is gone - acrylic is fine. Little hats and scarves are very welcome too. Please note that buttons and other embellishments that may pose a choking hazard to children cannot be accepted.

If knitting is not for you, a crochet pattern is also available.

Little penguin jumper patterns can be found at: penguinfoundation.org.au/whats-new/

Please send or deliver your little penguin jumpers to: Penguin Foundation: Shop 4, 154/156 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922.