An American non-profit is helping bereaved families recover from loss one crocheted sweater at a time.

Loose Ends is a niche yet important outlet for those whose mothers and grandmothers left behind unfinished knitting or crochet work. Their volunteer knitters finish projects left behind by those who have passed away.

While it seems too specific to be of much use, Loose Ends has already connected 5,000 volunteers or "finishers" with families who have lost a knitting member, and they've been able to complete 20 projects, with another 200 in the works.

"There was a sense of peace for me," said Annie Gatewood, a Maine resident whose mother had died of lymphoma during a project of knitting sweaters for her grandchildren. "I absolutely know that my mother would've been delighted."

Gatewood told As it Happens that it took a leap of faith to mail away the unfinished sweaters, but was absolutely delighted when they were finished and sent back.

For the finishers, it's an opportunity for their talents to be put to seriously appreciated work, and perhaps make a new friend or two. Gatewood met her finisher, Sarah DeDoes, and described it as a special experience.

It isn't just knitting and crochet projects which Loose Ends manages, but basket weaving, embroidery, quilting, sewing, rug weaving, cross-stitch, needlework, and felting.

Headquartered in Maine and Seattle, Loose Ends was started by two avid knitters, Jen Simonic and Masey Kaplan, who say that friends would often ask them to finish blankets, sweaters, or other projects left undone by deceased loved ones.

NBC News recently covered the story of Robin Maclean, whose mother Barabara passed away before being able to finish a sweater and a pair of mittens for her great-grandson Ethan.

The company provides finishing services for Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Spanish, and Czech-speaking families.

WATCH NBC's coverage of the story below…

SHARE This Touching Story With Your Social Knitwork Below…