To encourage you to get started on some quick charity knits before the holiday gift knitting season really sets in, I’ve put together a list of ideas and links to free patterns for projects that you can complete fast. Knitting for charity is its own reward, but when you’re done, don’t forget to stop by and enter the contest and you may be rewarded with a great prize, too.
1. Cabled Baby Hats by Julie Hentz
These worsted weight baby hats are both cute and quick. They are especially great if you are learning how to cable without a cable needle. Want to make one even faster? Follow the stitch counts in the pattern, but don’t work the cables. What about making one of these this weekend for Newborns in Need?
2. Thuja Socks by Bobby Ziegler from Knitty
Whether you are a long-time sock knitter or just starting out, you’ll be surprised how fast these dk or worsted weight men’s socks fly off your needles. These even have a simple ribbing texture so you won’t get bored. How about sending some of these to Sandy at Bridge and Beyond to help warm up the homeless in Ohio?
3. Scrunchable Scarf by Susan McConne
This is a super simple and flexible scarf pattern that makes a quick, unisex scarf. For really fast results, try bulky weight yarn or multiple strands of worsted weight held together. If you make one before December 15, you can send it to the Red Scarf Project, which helps the Orphan Foundation of America include handknits in winter care packages they send to support college students who are former foster kids.
4. Hurricane Hat by Andrea Goutier
A wonderful spiral effect is built into this worsted weight hat pattern. This looks stunning in variegated colorways, especially those with long color repeats like Noro Kureyon or Patons SWS colors. What about making one of these to cheer up a woman in chemotherapy? Check out Caps for a Cure to find out how.
5. Seaman’s Cap from Needle Beetle
This pattern uses about 200 yards of worsted weight yarn so it is perfect for those oddballs of Patons Classic Merino, Cascade 220, or Caron Simply Soft you probably already have in your stash. Its multiple sizes and unisex style make this free pattern quite versatile and ready to send to a variety of charities. New Jersey-based Hats for the Homeless might welcome one of these.
If all else fails, even a simple blanket square will earn you an entry into the contest. Most charities request that your blanket squares be 10″. That’s only a bit larger than your average gauge swatch, people! Binky Patrol, Project Linus, and Warm Up America all distribute handmade blankets and you can often donate just one square (though once you make one, you may want to make more).
What are you guys waiting for? Happy knitting!
