9 Charities Looking for Knitters & Crocheters
It’s safe to say that 2021 is off to a rocky start, but the Woolyknit team is determined to bring you a sense of calm and community. Today we wanted to talk about ways that you can help spread a bit of joy and support to those in need of it around the world. We’ve talked lots about the benefits of knitting and crafting when it comes to looking after your mental health, so whilst you unwind, why not craft something that will help a charitable cause.
We’ve created a list of 9 charities that are looking for makers to knit and craft various items from little donkeys to baby blankets in order to support those in need and raise much-needed funds. If you know of any other charities looking for knitters, make sure to leave them in the comments section so that we can create a catalogue of charities to support.
We recommend that before you start any project that you get in touch with your chosen charity to ask their advice on the best way to post/drop off donation as restrictions may have affected their donation process.
Credit: Francis House Children’s Hospice
Francis House Children’s Hospice
Deadline: Easter 2021
Local to us here at Woolyknit, Francis House Children’s Hospice host an annual appeal for knitted Easter chicks which they fill with creme eggs to sell around Greater Manchester in order to raise funds. They’re looking for knitted or crocheted chicks that you can customise however you like (hats, scarves, accessories, etc) or just leave plain. You can find the patterns on their website including one for a bunny if you fancy making one (or a herd)! Once they’re finished, simply post them to their office in Manchester – you can find the address in the link below. Francis House are also asking for volunteers for their ‘Chick Hospital’ to “administer stitches, fix broken beaks or perform googly eye transplants” – all of which you can do safely from your own home. See the link below for all the details.
https://www.francishouse.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/our-annual-fundraisers/easter-chick-knit/
Warm Baby Project
Warm Baby Project are looking for knitters to make everything from blankets and teddies to traffic light hats and cardigans. Whilst they are currently unable to take donations due to COVID, they are encouraging knitters to keep crafting and to hold onto their knits until appeals are open again. Check out the link below for more details.
https://www.warmbabyproject.com/become-a-knitter
Knit a Square
Knit a Square are asking creatives to knit or crochet 8 inch squares so that they can be turned into blankets for orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa. To make them as warm as possible KAS request that you use natural wool – you can find all the details about how to make and send your squares on their website below.
Credit: Give a Knit
Give a Knit
This amazing charity has a beautiful mission of spreading joy to as many people as possible with their knitting and crochet teddy bear kits. Give a Knit will send you your kit to help you unwind from the stresses of life, and once you’ve made your bear, you can return it to them in order to be donated to their charity partner, HIHFAD, in support of children in Syria. All their materials are 100% recycled and all profits from their shop are donated to HIHFAD. This one would make an amazing gift for someone who is learning to knit or crochet.
HIHFAD – Knit for Syria
HIHFAD are appealing for knitted or crocheted jumpers, blankets, scarves, gloves, mittens and teddy bears for children in their hospitals in Syria. Once made, these can be posted to their office in Birmingham for them to distribute. You can find the address and all the information on their website.
Credit: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary are looking for crocheters and knitters to make little donkeys to be sold in order to raise funds to support their charity. You can find the patterns in the link below and once you’ve finished your donkey you can post it straight to them.
https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/support-us/get-involved/get-crafty
Bliss
Bliss do amazing work for premature and sick babies, and they are looking for knitters to make blankets, clothing and toys. You can find lots of adorable patterns on their website using the link below, as well as lots more information to help you get started. Bliss advise that you check with your local neonatal unit about what items they need and the best way to deliver your knits.
https://www.bliss.org.uk/support-bliss/volunteer/knit-for-premature-babies
Credit: Cat’s Protection
Cat’s Protection
Cat’s Protection are looking for knitters to make blankets and mice toys for foster cats in their care. Make sure you avoid using stretchy yarns and small plastic pieces like safety eyes to avoid any injury to the cats and kittens. They say that since their cats aren’t fussy about colours, this would be a great way to use up scraps of wool that you have laying around!
https://www.cats.org.uk/canterbury/support-us/knits-for-kits-calling-all-knitters
Credit: mynomadhom.com
Octopus for a Preemie
Originally a concept that started in Denmark, this charity aims to bring calm and comfort to premature babies in the UK. Whether you knit or crochet, this charity is looking for little octopus toys, for which they provide lots of information on their website to ensure that every octopus is safe enough to be used. From materials to size to tension, their FAQs contain everything you need to know before you get started.
http://www.octopusforapreemie.com/
If you have found yourself with a bit extra time recently under the current circumstances, what better way to spend that time than unwinding with your knitting needles or crochet hook and helping to spread a little bit of joy at a time when the world needs it most.
As we mentioned, we recommend that before you start any project that you get in touch with your chosen charity to ask their advice on the best way to post/drop off your donation as restrictions may have affected their donation process.
If you make anything for any of these charities, send us some photos of your makes! And if you know of any other charities looking for knitters, weavers, crocheters or crafters, leave them in the comments section below.
Could you consider adding knitted knockers UK, who knit and crochet soft breast forms for people who have had mastectomy or breast surgery
I need some knitting charities who need products ow.
Hello there, I am able to crochet. I can crotchet little bags and flowers for toddlers. I can also crotchet blankets. Any charity in Kent needing any of these?
Many Thanks,
Hi I’m looking to donate wool,
Is there anyone who donates wool
Please do leave the names of any charities or groups that are in need of donated wool in the comments section of this blog post, as we would love to help out where we can!
I have wool to donate if you still need it. Whereabouts in the country are you?
Hello there I am looking for somebody who would be willing to make me a blanket to cover a single bed I am not very good with needles or crochet hooks my little brother is not very well at the moment he had been in hospital for 10 days and I would love to do him crochet blanket for his bed I am prepared to pay for it it if I could just find somebody that would be willing to do it for me me we could work out colours that he likes
I love knitting and have a surplus of wool, but I don;t seem to be able to find a charity near me, I live France, my district is Indre or Loire et cher
if anyone has any idea s greatly appreciated.
My mother in law has a stack of plastic crates full of wool to donate to knitting charities.
Can you please let me know who may be interested?
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