Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

OMG! I’M SWIMMING IN YARN……

by

I’ve just learned that my beloved mother in law is coming to stay for several months.  Have to make room for her.  Seriously.  What to do with all the yarn/books/hooks/magazines/print outs/etc in the ‘yarn room’ that will be her bedroom?  I’ve spent the past TWO days – no kidding, hours and hours – organizing, boxing, winding, cutting, sorting, etc this mess.

yarn-mess-1-0809

Does it help to know that I have ADD?  Does it help to know that I’m a rotten housekeeper?  Does it help to know that I’ve been working way more hours lately than my supposedly part time job usually calls for?  Does it help to know that much of the stuff in this room was given to me?

No!  None of that knowledge is either an excuse or a solution to this mess.  So far, I’ve sorted and boxed many skeins of yarn, way too many computer print outs of patterns, and an astonishing number of UFO’s that have simply been abandoned.

The ADD part for an adult who is supposed to be the main housekeeper is this:  If I can’t see it, I don’t know I own it!  Well, I know in a vague way that I own lots of yarn, patterns, hooks, etc.  And, I may recall in a more specific way that I have lots of red and black RH yarn.  But, for the life of me, I cannot tell you -even having recently culled through this mess – if I have enough of anything to crochet a sweater or if I have a G hook in rosewood or even if I have a pattern for a Christmas doily.  I’m sure I have all of the above, but I don’t KNOW it.

So, forgive my mess and know that it will be to the advantage of my readers that there will be lots Lots lots of contests soon to receive the overflow of my yarn trove, hooks that I’ll never use, and duplicate pattern mags and books.  Don’t go far.  I’m gonna unload these things over the next few months and you’ll ALL have a good shot at winning some.

Note:  In the interest of full disclosure, the picture above is from an LB blog.  I CANNOT find my camera in all this mess.  Surprised??

Comments

  1. Holy cow. I could have written this post a few weeks ago!!!! I just cleaned out my room for my MIL and discovered the same situation. I don’t know what I have without it being out in the open. And I certainly don’t have enough of anything to finish a project of significance. And now that everything’s clean, I’m almost frozen with fear to let it all explode again. But I have to dig things out somehow and pack a few knit/crochet projects to take on the go for traveling and don’t even know where to begin.

  2. I’m in a similar state as we’re converting my office/craft room into the nursery for our first baby – due in early Nov. – I know I have some time yet, but we started tackling it this weekend and- whew! where do I move it?! Good luck to you and keep your head … above the yarn!

  4. My yarn collecting obsession has become so huge! The first thing that came to mind as I was rushing home the other day (after an ADD episode where I left the oven on with sculpey clay in it and left the house for 3 hours) was, what if the house is on fire? How will I replace all of that yarn?? My goal now is to use up what I’ve got and try to resist collecting for a while. 🙂

  5. Me too! I’m the same way–if I cant see it it doesn’t exist. The house is always a little messy–not gross, just messy. Yard and minivan too because I have to have everything out where I can see it.
    I even took the doors off the kitchen cupboards so I could find things when I cook (it looks a little weird but it works for me). I didn’t know this was a symptom of ADD and I really didn’t know anyone else had the same problem (I’m an enigma in my family). Thank you for sharing and please dont let me win any of your contests–you know why : )
    Jill

  6. Are you my twin?? I do have the yarn semi-contained, but it is stuffed in nooks and crannies everywhere the bags (and boxes) will fit. Plus loosely contained WIP bags…

    I also have about the same volume of beading “stuff”…. A patio full of those containers, etc., and WIPs on the dining table… my dresser… bookcases……

  10. Don’t feel you’re alone. I finally got my yarn stash organized – and now I won’t allow a yarn to go into my closet until it’s on the list. It’s the only way to keep track.
    Now as for patterns and books … um, that’s a whole ‘nuther situation.

  11. If you really want to hang on to some of that “stuff” then try underbed storage boxes for every bed in the house. And bed skirts ( a simple 10-12in. strip of fabric pleated and pinned to the box spring) work wonders. Then there are the slyly disguised double stack sofa table (4 bins) and the end tables from those nice storage boxes. Of course they’re covered with a lovely coordinating drapery/upholstry remnants or clearance fabrics from JoAnne Fabrics. Those bigger bins also fit nicely under your hanging clothes in the closet and as a bonus you can put your shoes on top so you don’t have to bend over so far! : ) If it were fall I’d suggest the attic. Who needs a linen closet? Turn it into an organized stash space by putting the towels under the bathroom sink and giveing everybody the sheets that fit their bed to put in a drawer in their room. I have lots more ideas! Ever seen a boys room that had a train shelf running the perimeter of the room. Then what’s wrong with a lovely collection of the same size plastic shoe or photo boxes bordering a room? Makes sense to me. Ok, Ok, I’ll stop. Can you tell I’ve been through this a few times? : )

  12. Well gal this really makes my day here.. we too had company the last two months and I really cleaned up things too and found stuff I didn’t know I even started… I do have two of those unfinished projects done now and another one to be done soon… then I have one more that a friend started and her eyes got bad so will work on that after the one afghan I have going for myself… then not sure what after that… so I truly think we are all alike in so many ways… so when I read stories like this one.. I dearly love it and it really makes my day… Nancy

  14. I’ve just moved and have finally put all the yarn in one place! Since I am a stasher I seriously didn’t know how much I had since it was under every bed, in cabinets, closets – the car! It’s out of control. My mom had yarn that was twenty years old in the back of her stash (nice stuff too!) Nice to know the rest of the knitting world has this stash problem!

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.