Knitting for Charity
Several ideas for knitting for charity
7/21/20253 min read
There are so many ways to knit for charity. Some charities accept knitting for international recipients, while others help people within your own communities. If you would like to knit for someone in need, here are some organizations that will help you get your projects to the right recipients. A few things to consider when knitting for charity: organizations often have restrictions on materials used or designs, so make sure you know what they are before you start knitting; always keep the recipient in mind and understand their needs when choosing what to make; remember nobody is expecting perfection from a handmade donation, but do your best to donate high quality items.
Project Linus
Project Linus is an organization that provides security blankets and afghans for children in need. Many of the children who receive the blankets are seriously ill or have experienced a traumatic event. Local chapters across the United States ensure that the blankets you donate are given within your community.
Warm Up America!
Warm Up America is a US-based organization that connects knitters and crocheters with charities around the country that need blankets and wearable items to keep people warm. If you’d like to donate these items or blanket sections, be sure to check their current needs page.
Knit A Square
Knit A Square is a great organization to dip your toes into knitting or crocheting for charity, as they accept small blanket squares that they assemble for orphaned or vulnerable children in South Africa. Many children there have lost one or both of their parents to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. KAS helps provide them with much-needed warmth and comfort.
Snuggles Project
The Snuggles Project helps give blankets (or Snuggles) to animals in shelters. They provide comfort and warmth to animals who are often scared or difficult to handle. The items donated also makes the animals more likely to get adopted! Donations are beneficial in multiple ways, so check their directory for a local shelter in need.
Binky Patrol
Binky Patrol provides blankets across the United States to children of all ages who are experiencing illness, homelessness, or other trauma. Regional chapters are encouraged to build a community to help kids in need locally. There are many ways to donate or get involved on their website.
Knitted Knockers
https://www.knittedknockers.org/
Knitted Knockers gives out, well, exactly what their name says! They provide knitted and crocheted prostheses to breast cancer survivors who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy. They have several approved patterns available on their website. If you’re looking for a unique way to make a difference, here’s your opportunity.
Teddies for Tragedies
https://www.teddiesfortragedies.org.uk/
Teddies for Tragedies is a UK-based organization that sends handmade items to kids in refugee camps, orphanages, and hospitals around the world. It started with teddy bears, but they now send jumpers, mittens, blankets, and more. Contact them for more info on donating items.
Knots of Love
Knots of Love sends hats to children and adults going through chemotherapy, as well as blankets for infants in the NICU. Patients going through chemotherapy often lose their hair, and these hats provide warmth and style. Check their website for how to get involved.
Red Scarf Project
https://www.fc2success.org/programsmentoring-and-support/red-scarf-project/
The Red Scarf Project is all about sending red scarves to foster children after they turn 18. Once they are legally adults, they “age out” of the foster care system and often struggle to make it on their own. The Foster Care to Success organization distributes scarves to them on Valentine’s Day every year to send them the message that they haven’t been forgotten.
Of course, these are just a few organizations that provide knitted items to people (and animals!), but there are always more folks in need within your own communities. If you want to contribute, check with your local hospitals, homeless shelters, schools, and senior centers to see what they need and what restrictions they have. You can also connect with people in your community directly and ask what their needs are. I hope this post has inspired you to make a real difference with your knitting skills. Happy stitching!
