Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

APRIL GIVEAWAY – WEEK #1

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Do you like old crochet and craft books?  I do!  I have a house full of them.  When I find them at a garage sale or thrift store, I grab them and buy the whole lot.  When I get home, I  discover duplicates.  So, this week, I’m offering a DOZEN of my authentically elderly books for the April Giveaway.

First is this little Coats and Clark book from 1967.  It’s mostly knit, but has several crochet patterns, including some lovely afghan stitch mittens.  The other 11 books are old copies of Workbasket Magazine.  These are not in mint condition – NOT.  But, they are intact and full of amazing patterns, recipes, gardening tips, etc.  If you’re not familiar with Workbasket, you’ve been missing out!

READ THE RULES BELOW THEN ANSWER THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO CROCHET FOR SPRING, 2010?

Here are the rules:

Each item will be mailed to the winner by USPS – books by media mail.  For now, this contest will only be open to participants with a U.S. mailing address.

This is how it will work.  Each Monday, I’ll pose a question on my blog.  Everyone who answers the questions will be entered in the drawing on the last day of that month.  Some ‘answers’ may require you to post a link to a specific pattern or site.  The winner will be announced along with the next Monday’s question.  The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with mailing information.  If the winner doesn’t contact me, the prize will be offered on another occasion.

RESPONSES MUST BE POSTED HERE AND NOT EMAILED TO ME PRIVATELY OR POSTED ELSEWHERE FOR ENTRY.

TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR, THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE DAY OF EACH MONTH (OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER) AND THE WINNER MUST EMAIL ME ([email protected]) WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.  So, for sanity’s sake, that deadline will really mean that I need to hear from you no later than 8 PM the following Monday (so you have plenty of time to email me and I’ll get the email for sure even if I don’t sign on to my email on a Sunday).

Simply enter to win by leaving a comment on this post answering the question posed.

Comments

  1. (Ooh, vintage crochet!)

    I’m planning to crochet a few doilies this spring. I’m almost finished with my first one ever, and I’m already excited to try another. (I know some people think doilies are old-fashioned– but that’s actually part of the reason I like them!) I think they’ll be great warm-weather projects, since they’re so small and lightweight.

  3. I am very excited to be crocheting bamboo, linen and rafia hats for this Spring/Summer 2010. Switching over to light weight, unique fiber yarns so we can keep out UV rays and stay cool!!! I just made pink bamboo aviator cap – unique and beautiful.

  4. Ideally.. a jellyfish with pink blue and purple for my daughter. Maybe a matching set of rabbits, one for her, and one for my son. I’d also really like to make some bibs for a friends upcoming baby to be. I haven’t quite found something to make for myself though, unfortunately, lol. 🙂

  5. There’s a bundle of joy coming in June. I’m planning on crocheting a onesie & booties, of course both in cotton yarn!

  7. I’ve found some great patterns for crocheted swimsuits and am hoping that if I start in Spring then I’ll have one ready for summer. It requires a little bit of sewing (lining) though and I’m not too good with that yet so we’ll just have to see.

  8. I’m crocheting socks! I made some heavier, furry socks for winter and now I want to branch out into lighter, spring socks.

    I also am crocheting a doormat out of hemp string (like you might use for macrame) and acrylic yarn in rainbow colors. It’s not specifically for spring, but it’s spring and I’m making it for now, so I think it counts.

  9. I am making a scarf for a new friend of mine. She just celebrated her 86th birthday and is a lovely lady. I am also double crocheting all my odd ends of yarn into a multiple color afghan to be given to displaced families at an Indian reservation in Tucson, AZ.

  11. I have a feeling my entire spring and most of my summer will be spent crocheting a Christmas present for my brother 🙂 It’s a huge picture afghan with a golf theme – I am SO excited!

  12. I’m going to crochet a bird’s nest that’ll hold some old mercury glass eggs I have. After that, it’ll be time to start working on a blanket for my first grandchild.

  13. I’m finishing up a couple of baby blankets. After that, I’m planning to make 2 cute crochet dresses for the youngest 2 baby grands.

  14. I plan to make a little “pocket purse” for my 13-yo granddaughter. And I want to make a doily. Of course more dishcloths. LOL! And whatever else catches my eyes. Plus, my dgd asked me to make her an afghan. It will be my first ripple pattern, and I am looking forward to that.

  15. Right now I’m crocheting a broomstick lace scarf without a pattern. I can’ decide whether to sell it, keep it, or give it away.

  17. I want to try crocheting recycled strips of the ubiquitous thin plastic grocery/shopping bags into a sturdy reusable bag.

  20. I am finishing up a baby outfit, dress, bloomers and hat for my first great-grandchild due in July, and I am also starting a lavender coat for her. Yes, we know it is a girl. Can’t wait, first great-grandchild from first grandchild’s wife.

  21. I am going to make a shawl to wear in stores and restaurants and church. I am also going to make a light weight blanket to use while watching TV.

  22. I’m working on my monsterous afghan project for my grandparents 50th anniversary, hopefully I’ll be done in time- only three more months.

  23. I want to crochet myself a shell top and skirt to match using a lightweight boucle yarn. I also am in the process of teaching myself to do fine crochet as I want to make edgings for pillowcases, towels, sheets, etc. and some crochet motifs and flowers for embellishments on crazy quilt blocks and other projects I am working on at this time.

  24. Hi, this is not an entry for the contest but I am looking for knitting clothing pieces that were popular during the mid 1960’s and early 1970’s particularly for skirt, long/short sleeved tops, cardigans and dresses using lightweight boucle yarn…I knitted quite a few clothing pieces but am unable to find the pattern books…If you happen to run across a magazine/patterns/pattern book that is from the time period and has patterns for clothing, please let me know. I have turned my house upside down trying to find the patterns but so far have had no luck. I would appreciate it very much. Thanks, Marilynne

  26. OH MY! I just got 3 large show boxes of old Workbaskets that were my grandmother’s (she past this last Sept)! I love those books. About 5 years ago I bid, and won, an E-Bay auction of a large box of them too. I still haven’t gotten through them all because I keep crocheting coasters & doilies from them! LOL

  27. I will be crocheting baby hats to be donated to military hospitals. The hats are for the newborns of military personnel who are deployed, about to be deployed or just returning.

  30. hi marilynne,
    have you visited the knitting blog on craftgossip to ask about the knitting patterns? terrye kinch is the editor there and might offer more help than any of the crocheters – altho’ many people both knit and crochet. good luck with your search!
    jd

  31. lovely things and stuff, i can remrmber the magazine from years ago, my mother and my aunts used this book alot. it would be nice to have one in my own hands. thank you…

  32. i’m kniting and crocheting infant hats for a local hospital. love to have one those books, they bring back alot of memories. thank you…

  33. At times I test patterns, and am now using one of the patterns to crochet a stole for my daughter. Haven’t decided if she will get it for her birthday or Christmas.

Have you read?

Make To Donate: 20 Beginner Crochet Patterns To Make And Donate

New to charity crochet? These beginner-friendly crochet patterns are perfect for donating to shelters, hospitals, NICUs, pet rescues, care homes, and community support groups.

If you are a beginner crocheter and you want to make something useful for charity, let me just say this first: you do not need to be fancy to be generous. You do not need complicated stitch patterns, designer-level finishing, or a yarn stash that looks like a boutique wall. You need a hook, some suitable yarn, and a project that can be used by someone who needs it.

That is the beauty of beginner charity crochet. Simple beanies, scarves, soap sacks, washcloths, rectangles, baby rugs, slippers, and lap blankets can all be meaningful. In fact, beginner-friendly projects are often the most practical donations because they are easy to wash, easy to wear, and easy for charities to distribute.

This article is part of our Make To Donate crochet series, where we gather useful crochet patterns for makers who want to give back. These beginner crochet donation patterns are especially good if you are still learning, returning to crochet after a long break, or crocheting between real life interruptions — you know, dinner, teenagers, pets, laundry, and the mystery of why there is always one odd sock in the house.

Before you donate, always check with the charity first. Hospitals, NICUs, shelters, cancer centres, and animal rescues all have different requirements. Some may want acrylic, some may need cotton, some may have exact sizes, and some may not accept certain items at all.

Beginner Crochet Patterns To Make And Donate

Basic Back Loop Beanie

A simple beanie is one of the best beginner crochet projects for charity donations. This pattern comes in multiple sizes, which makes it useful if you want to make hats for babies, children, teens, and adults. Once you get into the rhythm, it is the kind of project you can make more than once without overthinking every stitch.

Easy Peasy 30-Minute Beanie

This quick beanie is perfect for beginners who want to feel productive fast. It works well for donation drives because it is warm, useful, and doesn’t need lots of shaping. Make a few in soft washable yarn and you’ll have a little stack ready before you know it.

Gentle Kisses Charity Beanie

This charity beanie has enough texture to feel special while still being a practical donation item. It is a good next-step project if you have made a basic hat and want something with a little more personality. Hats like this are useful for shelters, winter drives, and cancer care donations when made in suitable yarn.

Misty Days Preemie Beanie

Preemie beanies are tiny, quick, and meaningful, but they must be made carefully to the receiving hospital’s rules. This pattern includes several small sizes, making it a sweet option for baby-focused charity crochet. Use soft yarn and skip embellishments unless the hospital specifically allows them.

Warm Up America Crochet Rectangle

Crochet rectangles are fantastic for beginners because they let you practise neat stitches while still contributing to a bigger charity project. This pattern is designed for Warm Up America-style donations and is ideal for craft groups. One small rectangle may not look like much on its own, but joined with others it becomes warmth.

Charity Crochet Lattice Lapghan

A lapghan is smaller than a full blanket, which makes it much less intimidating for beginners. This pattern is a lovely option for aged care homes, wheelchair users, hospital comfort donations, and community care projects. It gives warmth without requiring you to commit to a huge afghan.

Quick Crochet Afghan Pattern

This CraftBits afghan pattern is a good one for crocheters who want to make a larger donation project without choosing something overly complicated. Blankets are always comforting, and a quick afghan can be useful for shelters, crisis accommodation, or winter drives. Use practical colours and machine-washable yarn if you are making it for everyday charity use.

Preemie Baby Rug Crochet Pattern

This small preemie baby rug is designed as a charity crochet project and is a manageable size for beginners. It is a thoughtful option for baby donation programs, provided your chosen organisation accepts this type of item. Small projects like this are lovely when you want to make something meaningful without taking on a huge blanket.

Vintage Baby Bunting Cocoon Crochet Pattern

This baby bunting cocoon has a traditional handmade look and would suit baby-focused charity groups that accept cocoon-style items. It is a more specific donation project, so always check guidelines first. If accepted, it is a sweet and comforting make with a lovely vintage feel.

Gift Box Soap Sack Crochet Pattern

Soap sacks are wonderful beginner donation projects because they are small, useful, and easy to make in batches. This pattern works well for hygiene kits, shelter donations, and community outreach baskets. Made in cotton with a bar of soap tucked inside, it becomes a practical little gift of care.

Lily Sugar’n Cream Crochet Mesh Soap Saver Bag

This mesh soap saver bag is another useful cotton project for beginners. It is small enough to finish quickly and practical enough to donate in multiples. Soap sacks are especially good when you want a charity project that doesn’t use much yarn.

Crochet Soap Saver And Washcloth

This pattern gives you a matching soap saver and washcloth, which would be lovely for hygiene packs or shelter donations. Beginner crocheters can practise useful stitches while making something that has real everyday value. Cotton yarn is the best choice here because it washes well and suits bathroom use.

Quick And Easy Crochet Washcloth

A crochet washcloth is one of the most practical beginner projects you can make. It is small, useful, and forgiving, which makes it perfect when you are still getting your tension under control. Make a stack in cotton yarn and they are ready for care hampers, hygiene kits, or local support groups.

Favourite Crochet Washcloth

This beginner-friendly washcloth is soft, textured, and useful for everyday care. Washcloths are brilliant donation items because they do not need sizing, they are easy to launder, and they can be included in so many different charity packs. They are also great confidence-builders for new crocheters.

Quick And Easy Crochet Scarf For Charity

A simple scarf is a classic charity crochet project for good reason. It is warm, practical, and easy to customise depending on yarn and size. This pattern is a lovely choice for shelters, winter drives, and beginner crocheters who want a project with straight rows and a useful result.

Simple Scarf Charity Stash Bash Pattern

This simple scarf pattern is perfect for stash-busting and charity making. It is the kind of pattern you can work on while watching TV or chatting with a friend, which is exactly what I like in a donation project. Simple scarves can be incredibly useful during cold weather drives.

Crochet Neck Warmer Scarf For Operation Gratitude

A neck warmer is smaller than a scarf but still gives warmth where it is needed. This makes it a great beginner project for practical donations and care packages. It is also a nice choice when you want something unisex and compact.

Classic Prayer Shawl Crochet Pattern

A prayer shawl is a beautiful comfort project, and this one has a simple repetitive style that suits calmer crochet sessions. It would be lovely for grief support, hospital comfort, cancer care groups, or community pastoral care. Choose soft yarn and calming colours for a gentle finish.

Sawyer Easy Prayer Shawl Crochet Pattern

This easy prayer shawl is another thoughtful beginner-friendly option for charity crochet. Shawls take longer than hats or soap sacks, but they are deeply comforting donations. This is a good project when you want to slow down and make something with intention.

Two-Hour Crochet Slippers For Beginners

These rectangle slippers are a clever beginner project because they start with simple shapes and turn into something wearable. They are useful for shelters, comfort packs, or aged care donations if the organisation accepts handmade slippers. Check whether non-slip soles are needed before donating.

Tips For Beginner Charity Crochet

Start with projects that are useful and simple. Beanies, scarves, washcloths, soap sacks, rectangles, and lap blankets are all excellent beginner donation makes. Avoid complicated shaping, fancy fibres, and anything with small parts that could come loose.

If you are donating to hospitals, babies, or cancer care groups, follow the guidelines carefully. If you are donating to shelters or community groups, focus on warmth, washability, and practical colours.

The best beginner charity crochet project is not the fanciest one. It is the one you finish, wash if required, package neatly, and send off to someone who can use it. That is the real magic.

More Create To Donate Crochet Ideas

For more charity crochet inspiration, browse CraftBits crochet patterns and read our CraftGossip guide to crocheting for a cause.