7 Tips on How to Knit and Crochet for Charity

The holidays have past, but crafting for charity is a great way to stay in the spirit of giving.

With so many worthy causes and charities in the world, choosing what to make, which yarn to use and where to donate can be a bit challenging. These tips are are organized to help you find the right project and organization for you. Enjoy making someone wonderful and sharing it with someone in need this winter using the 7 suggestions below.

	Choose the Best Yarn for Your Project When you donate a project to charity, make sure it is easy to care for. It’s a good idea to use all machine washable and dryable yarn, like Wool-Ease Thick & Quick or Vanna’s Choice. But if you are using a fiber that needs special care, make sure to check that the group you a donating to can take projects made of that yarn and sew a label for care instructions into your gift. Click here to see our yarn pages with all the care instructions and yardage information.
	Try Our Charity Connection When you’re looking for a group to work with, our online Charity Connection is a user-friendly way to find out what groups are accepting donations, where they are located and what they are hoping to receive. If you know a charity who that is looking for donations, you can register on the Charity Connection quickly and easily to let others know about your project. Click here to visit the Charity Connection page.
	Project to Donate: Prayer Shawls Making prayer shawls for those in need of support or strength in any way can be a helpful, warm reminder that others care for them in their time of need. Prayer shawl groups or ministries are devoted to making and giving shawls to those in their communities. Find out if there is a prayer shawl ministry in your area, or you can  start one yourself with friends. Click here to see the patterns for prayer shawls.
	Project to Donate: Afghans (whole or squares) If you only have  a little time, why not make a block for an afghan? If you’re looking for a new stitch to try out or want to develop your knit or crochet skills, use our Stitch Finder to pick out a stitch pattern and then create a block the appropriate size. You can use up your excess stashed yarn making afghan blocks and seam them together yourself, or get help from a group like the Warm Up America! foundation. groups like WUA help knitters and crocheters connect their individual blocks into large masterpieces that can keep others warm. Click here to see W.U.A.’s site on donations. Click here to see pictures of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio’s donation drive with W.U.A. this fall.
	Project to Donate: Chemo Caps Softness and comfort are key for these projects simple, fast-finish projects. These caps warm and comfort patients undergoing chemo therapy, and are often made in cheerful and bright colors to brighten their time in treatment. Many hospitals or cancer centers will accept donations, so be sure to call and see if they are in need. Click here for free knit and crochet patterns for chemo caps
	Project to Donate: Warm Accessories During the holidays many people donate small accessories to scarf or mitten trees; but just because the holidays have past it doesn’t mean donations aren’t needed. If you love to make smaller projects, shelters, schools and hospitals are often accepting them during the colder months. Plenty of charities specialize in mittens, scarves, or hats, find a pattern you love to make, and you’ll keep a lot of people warm this winter. Click here for patterns for hats, scarves, mittens and accessories.
	Short on Time? Donate Yarn. While not knitting or crocheting yourself, donating your extra stash is a great way to support children’s after school arts clubs, senior center craft groups, and local charity organizations in your area. Arts organizations are often in need of supplies, and sharing your left over yarn with those who have been crocheting for decades or are just learning to knit is a beautiful way to share the crafts you love with others.  Many groups donate their projects to charity after they are finished, keeping the cycle of giving going. Click here for help finding a group to donate to, or just call our local schools and charities to ask if they are accepting donations.

Have you made a project for charity? What is your favorite kind of project to donate? Leave a comment to share your story.