Crocheting for charity

What can I crochet for charity?

Here at LoveCrochet, we love our charities! If you’re looking to help others by using your trusty crochet hooks, we have plenty of ways you can crochet a little more joy into someone else’s life. Whether you’re crocheting for National Random Act of Kindness Day on February 17, to donate to Warm Up America all year round, or simply teaching someone to crochet so they can get donating, there are charitable acts that you can do anywhere at anytime!

Crochet for someone in need

There are loads of charities and organizations looking for your handmade donations to give to people in need. While it might seem like a small contribution, items crocheted with love can bring someone warmth and comfort which can make all the difference. Browse our list of charities below for ideas of what you can crochet and where you can donate your items.

Buy crochet patterns in support of charity

If you’re looking for a new crochet project to start, consider buying one of these gorgeous patterns where the proceeds go to a charity. Instant warm fuzzy feelings guaranteed!

Crochet together for charity

On your own, a baby hat here and a scarf there can be a simple way to make a difference. But if you’re keen to work on something bigger, then consider joining a maker’s group full of like-minded crocheters and make something together like a blanket. Blankets are great because they can easily be made from crocheted squares, meaning that even beginner crocheters can contribute. Plus, they are quick if you’ve got a good-sized group. Don’t have a maker’s group? Here's how to start one.

Free crochet patterns to donate

Buying a crochet pattern where the proceeds go to charity is lovely, but so is downloading a free pattern and then donating the item to charity after it’s crocheted to perfection. Here are some of our favorite free crochet patterns that could make the world of difference. From preemie baby hats and granny squares, to cozy blankets and winter accessories, there’s something here to crochet a little more kindness into the world.

Host a crochet and bake sale

If you love crochet, baking or both, consider hosting your own crochet and bake sale. This can be anything you want it to be! You can even go for a tea party theme and crochet tea cozies and cup warmers to sell. Like ‘The Big Tea Cozy’ campaign our friends in the UK ran in support of Breast Cancer, consider hosting your own event and raise money for a charity by selling tickets to the event or goods to the guests. All you need to succeed is a passion for your chosen charity!

Sell your patterns for charity

Are you a crochet designer looking to give back in some way? Consider donating some or all of the proceeds of your crochet pattern sales to a charity of your choice. Many of our designers who decide to go down this route like to make a themed pattern that matches a charity they’re looking to give back to.

Charity starts at home

If you want to spread the crochet love, then start small by teaching someone to crochet. This could be a neighbor or friend, or you could even volunteer at a care facility and share your skills with the residents to bring a little joy into someone’s life.

Which charities can I crochet for?

If you love crocheting for charity, take a look at the worthy causes in your neighborhood. Reach out to your local hospitals, shelters, hospices, thrift shops, schools, and care homes to find out if they can use the crocheted items that you can make. Further afield, there's so many worthy causes to crochet for. Whether it's crocheting for preemie babies, animal shelters, the elderly, or the homeless, there is no shortage of causes looking for your kind donations. Take a look at our list of charities.

Poverty and homeless charities

Warm Up America

Since 1992, the non-profit Warm Up America has had over 20,000 volunteers help knit and crochet over 1,000,000 blankets, afghans, and items of clothing to American's in need. Help them at anytime of the year or join them in knitting, crocheting, and distributing hats, scarves and gloves for their annual 'Made with Love' campaign! Read more »

Cucumel's Compassionate Carpets

The amazing team at Cucumel's Compassionate Carpets are helping clean our oceans and bring comfort to America’s homeless veterans by crocheting sleeping mats out of recycled plastic bags. You can help by creating your own plarn (plastic bag yarn), and crocheting these innovative lightweight and waterproof mats to donate. Read more »

Crochet for women and children charities

Newborns in Need

If babies are your weakness, then join Newborns in Need as they gift baby necessities around the US to ill, impoverished, or premature babies. They need your lovingly crocheted items today! Read more »

Knit for Kids

Knit for Kids work to help impoverished children worldwide, one crocheted or knitted garment at a time. All handmade goods are welcomed by this dedicated charity. Read more »

Binky Patrol

Binky Patrol work to provide crocheted, sewn, and knitted binky blankets to women and children in shelters. You can greatly help their cause by donating yarn and binkies. Read more »

Project Linus

You can help Project Linus with their mission to keep children in need warm by providing crocheted and knitted blankets. Read more »

The Pink Slipper Project

Help the Pink Slipper Project in their mission to warm the toes of women and children currently living in shelters by crocheting and donating slippers. Read more »

Enchanted Makeovers

Help Enchanted Makeovers with their work to empower women and children in shelters by donating crocheted and knitted lap blankets. Read more »

Cancer charities

Knots of Love

With over 400,000 blankets and beanies distributed so far, Knots of Love are all about spreading warmth to men, women, and children going through chemo. You can help by donating crochet hats and blankets using the free patterns featured on the Knots of Love website. Read more »

Mental health charities

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) work to build better lives for those suffering with mental illness. Host a crochet and bake sale to help fundraise for this important cause. Read more »

Animal charities

The Snuggles Project

The Snuggles Project are a non-profit charity who work with displaced and homeless animals. They accept donations of blankets, towels, and snuggles. Read more »

Yarns for charity

While you can crochet something fabulous to donate out of any yarn you like, you can also buy yarn that contributes to a charitable cause. These yarns either donate a percentage of their sales to wonderful charities, or they work in other ways to be charitable. Manos del Uruguay are a non for profit organization that brings employment and creative opportunities for women living in rural Uruguay. West Yorkshire Spinners specifically developed their newest yarn Re:treat in collaboration with the UK mental health charity, Mind, to bring awareness to mental health. These yarns feel good to buy and give you the perfect excuse to add to your stash!

Do you crochet for a charity? It warms our hearts to see your special makes. Share your charitable crochet creations with the LoveCrochet community.