Knitting for Charity
If you're looking to help spread some good and joy in the world, knit for charity or for those going through hard times and could use a little joy.
Christmas is coming, and I'm sure many of you will be getting yarn under the tree. And as New Year follows, I know a lot of your 2027 goals will be to use up some of that stash yarn. Here are two lovely charities you can donate to, as well as some FREE pattern ideas to help you get started on your donation knitting!
KNOTS OF LOVE
This lovely organization focuses on providing knitted items to cancer patients and NICU babies. They only collect two items - beanies and NICU blankets. Knots of Love was organized in 2007 and it's mission is to "to serve The Lord Jesus by providing free handmade gifts of love and warmth to people experiencing chemo induced hair loss and to tiny babies in NICUs across the USA."
All donations are given to patients free of charge, and across all 50 states. They have various locations you can send your items to, and there is no item requirement. You can send one item or a hundred items - they will welcome it all!
Now, because these items are going to sensitive patients, they do have a few strict guidelines to keep things sanitary and ready to use for these incredibly sensitive patients.
WARM UP AMERICA
This organization supports everyone in need across America. Your items go to the homeless, to NICU babies, to hospice patients, to foster children, and more. They accept a variety of items like baby and adult blankets, hats, mittens, shawls, and scarves. It all depends on the the location and what they need for their people in need.
An interesting thing this non-profit does is also accepts 7x9 inch squares. These squares are all collected and then local volunteers put the squares together to create blankets for those in need. So maybe if you are new to knitting and want to try different stitch patterns and practice your skills, do it in 7x9 inch squares and donate them!
You can see different locations current needs and addresses to send your items to.
THE SNUGGLES PROJECT
If you're an animal lover, this is the charity for you. "Snuggles" are a security blanket for animals in the shelter. While some shelters provide blankets and mats, they are often not the best quality and many animals don't like the industrial smell of them. To help calm their anxieties and have their own Snuggle, they can be calmer and feel more at home.
Plus, as sad as it may seem, more colorful items than the industrial blankets give can help visitors stay longer and notice the animals differently. One pup who has a pilled black blanket could be left while the other dog with the colorful knit blanket gets taken home. Whether you want to believe it or not, people do judge books by their cover.
BLANKETS
Probably one of the best blanket patterns, would be the Ten Stitch Blanket by Frankie Brown. The nice thing about this pattern, is that you can easily make it as big or small as you want. Plus, you only work with 10 stitches at a time! No need to have extra long cables and thousands of stitches. You can use any size yarn too!
For a NICU blanket, Knots of Love even has a free pattern you can follow, Clouds of Love! It's got a bubbly texture, and you could easily adapt it to any size yarn.
And if you need just a mindless project you can pick up and put down anytime, this Peekaboo blanket is the best option. It's knit in good 'ole garter stitch.
HATS
Preemie Baby Beenie is a perfect little hat that is simple and quick. Great for NICU babies.
This Bankhead hat is a super easy textured hat that comes in sizes Baby to Adult XL. So no matter how much yarn you have or who you're making it for, this pattern is great.
For those newer babies, you could also do a fun hat with the cutest little bear ears. How precious is the Bearly Bonnet?
SCARVES
I have a free pattern, The Gifting Hat and Scarf, that is a super easy and beginner friendly knit. It's mainly garter stitch with a little spice. It is made for adults, and would be a great option for homeless shelters and senior centers.
The Simple Thing scarf is another great option for a quick knit on a small amount of yarn.
And if you want to make something a little more fun for foster kids, this ZickZack Scarf is such a playful way to add color and happiness into a knit.
I hope you can find joy and satisfaction this year by knitting for charity and supporting those who need help around the world.
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you liked this article. If you found it helpful, give it a like! If you have questions, comment them below!
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