27 Quick Crochet Patterns Perfect to Donate to Charity
The crochet community is so generous and giving! Crocheting for charity is something that many of us do. And that is where we have come in to help! This challenge enters around helping you find those quick and easy crochet patterns that are perfect for donating!
Note: when I say ‘we’ I am referring to myself and all of the participating designers involved.
There are lots of reasons why crocheters make items to donate. Some crocheters just love the art but do not have anyone to make gifts for. Others find it a great way of using up their part-used skeins or odd balls of yarn that have been hanging out in their stash for a while. Perhaps you make items for a particular charity because they have helped you or a loved one at some point? Whatever your reasons, it feels good to make something and donate it.
During this Challenge we would love for you to make items and donate them locally as you see fit. If you are new to making items to donate there are many places around you that will accept donations. I have found that the following types of places will almost always accept donations in my area;
- local hospital ward
- homeless shelter
- women’s refuge centre
- respite centres
- emergency services like the police and fire stations may take items for when they go on a call – I know most emergency services love little stuffies etc that they can give to children to help them calm down but some also love to have blankets too!
- food banks do not just accept food donations
- local schools so that each child can have a hat or scarf for going outside
- Supported living – such as what we commonly call ‘old people’s homes’ here. Supported living housing can also look after disabled people or those rebuilding their lives. Residents adore gifts!
If you are unsure whether somewhere local to you will accept donations just ask, check out their website if they have one, or give them a call.
HOW DOES THE CHALLENGE WORK?
- This event runs from 1st-30th May 2023.
- Each day at 10am London time I will update this blog post with that day’s featured pattern. This pattern will be a FREE PDF download for 24 hours only.
- I will give you the code and links you need. I will direct you to the designer’s blog post for more information about the pattern and the link, or you will be taken directly to Ravelry.
- Please note that there will be no patterns on the last 3 Sundays of the month, or on the 31st May.
- By accepting the free pdf download we hope that you will also make one of that pattern to donate to a local charity or organisation.
- After the challenge this post will remain as a round-up so you can always come back and re-discover these patterns at any time!
Never miss a pattern:
If you would like an email each day a pattern is released so you don’t miss any of them you can sign up to my Events and CALs email. This is different from my standard newsletter which is issued usually once a week (occasionally twice). My emails have coupon codes for discounted patterns, competitions and more.
The last thing before we start …. When Ravelry ‘acts up’
Ravelry can be a little temperamental, especially when using external direct links in events like this.
If you find you are having issues getting the code to work, before you let me know about the issue can you check 2 simple things for me please?
- Check you signed into ravelry at the point of entering the coupon code. This is almost always the reason for not being able to get a code to work or it shows as expired. Ravelry likes to randomly sign people out of their accounts and you cannot get a free pattern without being signed in.
- Have you copied and pasted the coupon code? Make sure that there are no sneaky spaces hidden at the beginning or end of the coupon code – Ravelry does count these as part of the code!
The patterns!
May 1st – Pomander Unisex Scarf by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
This scarf is a great unisex piece and has an easy repeat so is perfect for donating!
This pattern is free on the blog post – click the photograph to be taken there.
May 2nd – Extra Large Fidget Toy from Hooked For Life Publishing
Mary Beth has this great fidget toy pattern!
Fidget toys are great gift or donation ideas for schools, emergency services, residential homes for the elderly and so much more!
This pattern is free on the blog post – just click the photo!
May 3rd – Chunky HHDC Scarf by Ambassador Crochet
Scarves are great donation projects. And this one uses one stitch that is perfect for men or women.
Using chunky yarn this project works up quickly and is a great way to learn a new stitch if you haven’t used the hhdc yet! It is also a great easy crochet pattern.
This pattern is free on the blog post. Click the photo to be taken there.
May 4th – Paige Hat by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Recently re-written for you in three adult sizes this hat works up quickly and is full of some fantastic texture.
It works up particularly well in solid colours.
This is a free pattern on the blog post, just click the photo to visit it.
May 5th – Seaglass Ruffle Scarf by Salty Pearl Crochet
A simple scarf made with one skein of super bulky yarn so this one will work up quickly.
Check out those gorgeous heart shapes! The ruffles complement them perfectly.
This pattern is free on the blog post.
May 6th – Impeccable Tweed Hat by Make It Crochet
Learn how to crochet an easy hat with this free easy crochet pattern. Just single crochet and chains will give you a warm, lightly textured hat in less than two hours.
This pattern is now free on the blog post. Click the photo to be taken to it.
May 7th – Sweet Jacqueline Beanie by Simply Melanie Jane
This crochet slouch hat is the perfect fashion accessory loaded with texture and just enough slouch.
This is a paid pattern. Click the photo to be taken to the blog post.
May 8th – Hygge Headband by Raffamusa Designs
The Hygge Arrow Headband is super soft, elegant, and with amazing texture!
The pattern comes in 5 sizes so that you can donate headbands to anybody from babies to adults.
This pattern is a free pattern within the blog post.
Click the photo to be taken to the blog post.
May 9th – Moguls Scarf by Straight Hooked
The Moguls Scarf is fun and quick to make, plus the texture will “wow” everyone who sees it!
Click the photo to be taken to the blog post which contains the free pattern.
May 10th – Stella Scarf by Crafting Each Day
Whip up a quick and snuggly scarf in worsted weight yarn with the Stella Scarf pattern.
I am loving the textures on this one!
The pattern is free on the blog post – just click the photo to check it out!
May 11 – Double thick potholder by Fosbas Designs
Susanna has designed this super thick pot holder to protect surfaces.
Sometimes your donation box needs something outside of a hat or scarf, and having something that can also help cheer up a kitchen can also be a great donation item. For example, it may make a temporary apartment feel more homely for families away from home because a loved one is in hospital.
This pattern is a free pattern on the blog post. Click the photo to check it out.
May 12th – Simple Cowl by My Crafty Pursuits
This cowl is an easy make to help keep someone warm.
I love the change of colour around the top edge – it really adds something to this design.
Click the picture to be taken to the blog post where the pattern is free to view.
May 13th – Mesh Chemo Cap from Krissy’s Over the Mountain Crochet
This easy to crochet chemo cap is perfect for the summer months. And it is a super quick crochet pattern.
Click the photo to be taken to Krissy’s blog post where you will find a free version of the pattern.
May 15th – Tunisian Colour Block Scarf by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
If you want an easy Tunisian Crochet project perfect for beginners to the technique then this is it!
I have linked to my blog post for this one because it has the video tutorials for the stitches used in this pattern. I used one Caron Cake for my scarf.
This pattern is free on the blog post.
May 16th – Elf Worry Worm by Start Crochet
These Magical little Elf Worry Worms are great to give to people suffering from anxiety or to share with strangers for Random Acts of Crochet Kindness.
This is a free pattern on the blog post.
May 17th – Spirals into Square Dishcloth by Underground Crafter
This textured dishcloth crochet pattern starts with 4 spiral motifs that are joined with a single crochet seam.
The Spirals into Square Washcloth pattern was designed to meet the donation requirements of Each Stitch Counts ( https://www.eachstitchcounts.org/ ), an organization that provides food pantries with handmade washcoths paired with dish detergent to alleviate hygiene insecurity.
This pattern is forever free on the blog post.
May 18th – Simple Scarf Pattern by Carroway Crochet
Make this simple scarf with one skein of super bulky yarn. It will work up quickly and looks fabulous – which makes it a great item for those donation boxes!
This is a free pattern on the blog post.
May 19th – Pink Ribbon Hat from My Fingers Fly
This is a crochet pattern for an elegant chemo hat with a ring of pink ribbons around it using worsted weight yarn in white and pink.
Of course, you can change up the colour of the ribbon easily. I love this design!
This pattern is free on the blog post.
May 20th – Delightful Velvet Headband by Straight Hooked
This super quick headband pattern uses a small amount of yarn. It is a great easy crochet pattern.
Please note that Malena only sells her patterns via her website.
May 22nd – Paige Cowl by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
The Paige Cowl perfectly matches the Paige Hat above.
Written for ages 4-adult this one is perfect for those donation boxes!
You will need between 100-175 yards of 4 weight (aran) yarn, depending on the size you are making and a 5mm hook.
This is a free pattern on the blog post.
May 23rd – Pocket sized fidget toy from Hooked for Life Publishing
A while back Mary Beth did a pattern and video tutorial for an extra large crochet fidget toy, and while it has been very popular, she has fielded several requests for a small one so here it is!
Pattern is free on the blog post.
May 24th – Sweet Jacqueline Scarf by Simply Melanie Jane
This crochet scarf is a beautifully textured, simple yet stylish accessory for your handmade wardrobe.
And it perfectly matches the hat above!!
This pattern is a paid pattern only.
May 25th – Starla Headband by Carroway Crochet
The Starla Headband is a modern style headband featuring the popular twisted design and it is so easy to make. Once you get how to make the twist I am sure you will try many more headbands in this style.
This pattern is free on the blog post.
May 26th – Cozy Cabled Ear Warmer by Juniper and Oakes
Practice your crochet cables and make up this cozy ear warmer. If you don’t already know how to make cables, there is a step by step instruction and videos available to aid you. You can make these up quickly, and donate a boxful in no-time!
This pattern is free on the blog post.
May 27th – Bucket Chemo Cap by Krissy’s Over the Mountain Crochet
This easy to crochet bucket chemo cap is so fun to wear. It has a bit of airflow, with solid bands just in case you need more coverage. The embellishments are a bonus.
Click the photo! The pattern is free on the blog post.
May 29th – Soup Bowl Cozy from Fosbas Designs
A quick project to keep your soup warm for long! Wip one or more to donate this season.
They are great for nursing homes.
This is a free pattern on the blog post.
May 30th – X’s keyhole scarf by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
Finally, we have the X’s Keyhole Scarf.
This is another great scrap or stash busting project that works up quickly. You can adjust the length but it is designed to not be bulky under your coat but still give you warmth where you need it.
Coupon code: not needed – click the pic and your download is at the bottom of the next page.
If you would like an email each day a pattern is released so you don’t miss any of them you can sign up to my Events and CALs email. This is different from my standard newsletter which is issued usually once a week (occasionally twice). My emails have coupon codes for discounted patterns, competitions and more.
