This guide to crocheting and knitting for charity includes several of my favorite free #yarnheroes patterns and where to donate your finished items.
Many of you know I've had the honor of participating in the Lion Brand "Yarn Heroes" campaign for crocheting and knitting for charity this past month. (Read my Yarn Heroes interview with Lion Brand here!)
For my free charity pattern, I designed a child's hooded blanket based on a large granny square. My hope is that this afghan pattern with give young kids who are going through a rough patch because of illness or family trauma a safe place to recede to. You can get the free "Granny Gives Back" hooded blanket pattern here!
Now that some of you might have had a chance to start your own charity projects, I want to share where I'll be sending my completed hooded blanket.
Project Linus is a charity that brings children security through blankets and has nationwide drop off locations. This charity in particular struck a special chord in my heart because the woman who founded it, Karen Loucks, began it by simply making one blanket for a children's cancer center in Denver (where I live!). She is proof that we can all make a difference, even by starting small.
Since 1995, Project Linus has delivered an incredible six million blankets to deserving kids. Isn't that amazing!? I'm so proud to serve a small part in Project Linus' important mission. (If you love Project Linus' mission as much as I do, my free "Snowdrifter" afghan pattern would be another quick project to donate as well.)
There were so many inspiring free patterns that were shared by my fellow bloggers as part of the Yarn Heroes project, I decided to choose five of my favorites to share with you in case you're feeling inspired to be a yarn hero this season.
These crochet patterns are all free and make perfect items to donate to charities. "Donate to which charities, Jess?" you might ask. I've got you covered there too! Scroll down to see my favorite causes that accept crochet and knit donations.
1. Cobblestone Cowl by All About Ami - This piece of neck candy looks like an elegant knitting project, but it's actually a simple crochet slip stitch pattern! 
2. Rowan Hat by Delia Creates - This adorable unisex hat is usually a paid pattern on Delia Creates, but she's offering it for free when you use it for charitable crafting! Use the promo code in her blog post to download this pattern!
3. Frozen Lake Infinity Scarf by Two of Wands - This cowl is just the squishy, luxurious hug many people need during the colder months of the year.
4. The Loft Pom Crochet Blanket by Mama In a Stitch - This free crochet baby blanket pattern works up quickly in chunky yarn and makes a really special gift to give a little one who is going through a hard time.
5. Millbrook Slouch Hat by 1 Dog Woof - This free beanie pattern is quick and warm, making it a great charity project for just about everyone.
And there are a few other Make & Do Crew free patterns that I think would make perfect projects for charity:
1. "Piece of Cake" Cowl -- easy and inexpensive
2. "Pom Pom Party" Hat -- great pattern for beginners
3. "Aspen Socialite" Headband - sizes newborn - adult
Crocheting and Knitting for Charity -
Organizations That Accept Donations
Knots of Love
Donate a cozy crochet cap via KOL to those suffering from treatment-induced, traumatic hair loss. That extra warmth is sure to be appreciated by someone this winter.
Operation Gratitude
One of the handful of organizations sending care packages to troops deployed oversees. Hand-made hats and scarfs are always welcomed.
Binky Patrol
Send a DIY blanket (crochet, knit or sewn) to kids affected by illness, trauma or living in foster care. Make a little one smile this holiday season.
Warm Up America
This national organization joins small crochet and knit squares and pieces them together into larger afghans for those in need. This is a great way to be part of something bigger--quite literally.
Snuggles Project
Crochet a security blanket (aka snuggle) for homeless, lost or abandoned dogs and cats. Yarn snuggles always make everyone feel better.
Threads of Compassion
Donate a crochet or knit scarfs to survivors of sexual abuse to help them cope with their traumatic experience.
Knitted Knockers
A reader, Catherine, suggested this fantastic charity. Volunteers use patterns on the site to knit and crochet breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. How awesome is that idea?! I just love how the skills of knitting and crochet can make a real, meaningful impact on people's lives.
Which one of these free crochet patterns would you like to make for charity? Let me know in the comments!
Brittany says
Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm new to Colorado and have been trying to find a charity I to crochet for! I love to craft and I'm sure my family is tired of all the crocheted gift ?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yay! Welcome to Colorado! I hope you find it a great place to live. I love it!
Linda says
New York checking. Since stroke have some yarn just sitting. Doyou know where we could send it for a donation.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hi Linda,
That is a great question. I'm not exactly sure where to send yarn that hasn't been crocheted or knitted yet, but in the past I've given some to local schools as well as hospitals where volunteers might knit/crochet hats for babies that are born there.
Those places might be a good starting point. 🙂
Jess
PATTIANNE says
I am guilty of having a yarn "Stash' that exceeds my lifespan expectations (according to my doc) Plus I have a 100+ yr old Craftsman house to Re-renovate 25 + yrs after the first Reno...my problem is finding a suitable local charitable organization to donate Huge BINS of yarn to. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do that search? Don't have the spare funds for a lot of postage, so would like to find an org that can do a pickup or in drivable distance for a very busy hubby. Am located in central west GA, on the AL border 90 mi south of Atlanta...
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Oh boy, I feel you! I'm hoping to clean up my craft room today actually. I've found that some schools will accept the yarn for art projects as will some hospitals who have volunteers that make hats for newborns. You might be able to call places like that and see if they'd enjoy your generous donation!
Jess
Amanda says
Jess,
Will you please send my information to Ms Pattianne. I am interested in her yarn stash. I have attempted to post and make contact twice and my post never show up.
Thank you so much for your assistance and your site, it has helped me greatly in my new adventure of beginning a high school crochet club.
Sincerely,
Amanda
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Amanda,
Your comments usually go to me for moderation so they don't show up immediatly on the site. That could be why they're not here yet! 🙂 I will see if I can put you two in touch. A high school crochet club sounds AWESOME!!
Jess
Amanda D Yeager says
Pattianne,
I am starting a crochet club at the high school where I teach. I am located in the Opelika, AL area and finding your post tonight is an answer to prayers. I would be grateful to accept any of your yarn stash that you are willing to donate to our cause.
Amanda
Amanda D Yeager says
Pattianne,
My name is Amanda and I am a high school chemistry teacher on the AL/GA line, Opelika/Auburn area. I am very interested in making contact with you, as I am starting a crochet club at school next year. I am going to allow the students to choose the charity to donate their items too as I teach them the art of crochet and knitting. My plan is to post of Facebook in order to recieve any community donations, but I would be willing to meet and benefit from you by accepting any or all of your yarn "stash". Please contact me.
Sincerely,
Amanda
Catherine Sanchez says
Please consider adding KnittedKnockers.org to your list of crochet/knit charities. I've been knitting for them for about 6 months and they are wonderful.
"Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can't be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. Our special volunteer knitters provide these free to those requesting them. Knitted knockers can be adjusted to fill the gap for breasts that are uneven and easily adapted for those going through reconstruction by simply removing some of the stuffing."
Knockers can be knitted or crocheted and all patterns are free on the website.
Thanks for considering my suggestion. Love your site. Can't wait to try the Seaside Slip-ons!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Catherine,
Thank you so much for the suggestion. I freaking love this idea! I just added it to the list of charities and would love the chance to make a pair myself. I've got several deadlines right now, but I'll try to plan something for the fall.
Thanks again.
Jess
Megan Zirkle says
Please consider donating to Stitch Mission, a 501(3)c charitable organization that collects and distributes handmade donations to orphans around the world. They are currently accepting child size blankets, beanies, and squares. Thank you! 🙂
http://www,stitchmission.org
http://www.facebook.com/stitchmissionusa