Crafting for a Cause: Charities that Accept Handmade Knits
- Stephanie
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Knitting and crochet are not only relaxing hobbies but also powerful ways to give back to those in need. If you're looking for meaningful ways to use your skills, there are countless charities that accept handmade knit and crochet items. Whether you're drawn to supporting babies in the NICU, unhoused communities, or animal shelters, your handmade creations can provide comfort and warmth.
In this guide, we’ll explore some incredible organizations that welcome handmade donations, plus tips to ensure your projects meet their needs.
Why Knit or Crochet for Charity?
Crafting for charity is more than just a generous act — it’s a rewarding way to connect with others and give your creative time a greater purpose. By donating handmade knits, you can:
✅ Provide warmth to vulnerable individuals
✅ Help families in challenging situations
✅ Support animals in need of comfort
✅ Reduce yarn stash guilt by putting leftover skeins to good use
Charities That Accept Handmade Knits and Crochet Items
Here are some trusted organizations that accept knitted and crocheted items, along with project ideas for each.
1. Warm Up America
Focus: People in need across the U.S.
What They Accept: 7" x 9" knit or crochet sections that are joined to create blankets, as well as finished hats, scarves, and afghans.
Best Projects: Easy-to-make squares, scarves, and blankets.
Website: warmupamerica.org
2. Project Linus
Focus: Children in need, from infants to teens.
What They Accept: Handmade blankets, including knitted, crocheted, and quilted designs.
Best Projects: Soft, child-friendly blankets in bright or comforting colors.
Website: projectlinus.org
3. Knitted Knockers
Focus: Women who have undergone mastectomies.
What They Accept: Soft, lightweight, and comfortable knitted breast prosthetics.
Best Projects: Knitted breast forms using soft, non-wool yarns in neutral or skin-tone colors.
Website: knittedknockers.org
4. The Red Scarf Project (Foster Care to Success)
Focus: College-bound youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
What They Accept: Red scarves (solid red or red with tasteful patterns) sent during the holiday season.
Best Projects: Simple, warm scarves in shades of red using soft, easy-to-care-for yarn.
Website: fc2success.org
5. Snuggles Project
Focus: Comfort for shelter animals.
What They Accept: Small knitted or crocheted blankets to provide warmth in animal shelters.
Best Projects: Durable blankets in washable yarns like acrylic or cotton.
Website: snugglesproject.org
6. Hats for the Homeless
Focus: Unhoused individuals in need of warmth.
What They Accept: Warm hats, scarves, mittens, and blankets in adult sizes.
Best Projects: Simple, warm hats with ribbing or thick textures for added warmth.
Website: Search for local organizations that serve unhoused populations to donate locally.
7. Local Hospitals & NICUs
Focus: Premature babies and newborns in need of warmth.
What They Accept: Preemie hats, baby blankets, and small garments.
Best Projects: Soft, breathable yarns in soothing colors — check with hospitals for guidelines.
Tips for Crafting for Charity
✔️ Choose Soft, Durable Yarns: Opt for easy-to-care-for fibers like acrylic, cotton, or superwash wool. Avoid scratchy or delicate yarns unless specified.
✔️ Follow Size Guidelines: Each organization has unique size and material requirements — be sure to follow them closely.
✔️ Avoid Embellishments: Skip buttons, beads, or loose threads that could pose choking hazards or become damaged.
✔️ Wash Before Donating: Ensure your item is clean and lint-free before sending.
✔️ Add a Note of Encouragement: Many charities welcome kind notes to include with your gift — a small gesture that makes a big impact.
Make Your Yarn Count with Greenstone Yarn
If you're looking to craft for a cause, consider using hand-dyed superwash yarn from Greenstone Yarn to add warmth and beauty to your donations. Our 50g skeins are perfect for smaller charity projects like hats, scarves, or preemie garments. Browse our Greenstone Yarn Collection and start your next heartfelt project today!
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