Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

WE FIGURED OUT WHAT WE WANT IN A BOOK…..

by

gutenberg-cro-book-0509

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16605/16605-h/16605-h.htm

In an earlier blog entry, I asked readers to comment on what their ‘dream’ crochet book would be like.  I have my own preferences, but clearly my wish list is not complete.  You came up with many more useful, if perhaps unattainable from any crochet artist or publisher, wish list.  At least, I think we’ve come pretty far from the crochet book pictured above!

I’ll give you the summary here.  See what you think.  Please feel free to comment further so we can fine tune this list.  I DO plan on sending a summary of our Wish List to a long list of publishers of crochet books.  Really!  So, if you have an opinion, strong or otherwise (and I think many of us have rather strong feelings here), post your comments.  I’ll do another summary and round of comments til we get this thing properly honed.  These comments are not necessarily in list of importance.  It might be even more helpful if we could prioritize, so feel free to rank your ‘wishes’. Here goes:

WHAT CROCHETERS WANT IN A CROCHET BOOK    SUMMARY 05/09

1. STITCH COUNTS AT END OF ROW
2. PHOTOS OF MULTIPLE VIEWS, COLOR PHOTOS, SCHEMATICS, SYMBOLS, CHARTS – LACK OF COLOR PHOTOS IS A DEAL BREAKER
3. LAY FLAT OR SPIRAL BINDING
4. SIZE – SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN A PAPERBACK NOVEL (only one person commented on size and I’d actually prefer a larger book)
5. PAPER QUALITY – MATTE, GLOSSY (too much glare), LAMINATED (can be wiped off)
6. PATTERNS – ORGANIZE BY
TYPE
SKILL LEVEL
SEASON
YARN WT
THEME
(Are there other categories we might want listed?)
7. SKILL LEVEL – DESCRIPTION (I have a problem with this as skill levels are actually highly subjective much of the time.  Having a list of stitches used in the project and comments like ‘tailored’ , indicating the necessity of increasing and decreasing, might be more valuable than an arbitrary ‘easy, medium, difficult’ designation.)
8. STITCH ILLUSTRATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS – ENLARGED PHOTOS OR ILLUSTRATIONS HELP A LOT
9. AFFORDABILITY OF MATERIALS (See Item #17 below.)
10. QUICK PROJECTS (What about a mix of quick and not so quick?)
11. HOOK SIZE IN #, LETTER, OR MM (for international conversions)
12. YARN – FIBER, WPI, SIZE, WEIGHT, SUBSTITUTIONS (Problem so often is that by the time a book is published, the yarn is no longer in production.)
13. INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEFTIES

14. CATEGORIES: Not that we necessarily want all of these in the same book, I think.
BABY
DOILY
GRANNY
GARMENTS
RUNWAY
TRENDY
HOUSEHOLD/DECOR

15. BOOK, WEBSITE, ERRATA, QUESTIONS, LINKS, YOUTUBE, RESOURCE SECTION, SUPPLIES – in this digital era, it would be most helpful for us to be in touch with the author for clarifications. How practical is this??

16. ABBREVIATION CHART, GLOSSARY, LIST OF SUPPLIERS, RESOURCES, ETC.

17. EACH ITEM CAN BE PICTURED IN SPLURGE YARN AND ECONOMICAL YARN.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CUT AND PASTE A SECTION YOU WANT TO COMMENT ON AND POST IT TO THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW. I’LL DO ANOTHER SUMMARY OF ALL COMMENTS SOON!

Comments

  1. I want very detailed step-by-step color photographs (as in Japanese pattern books) and charted as well as traditionally written out patterns.
    Uh.. Laminated?! I am not willing to pay the extra cost of laminated book pages and spiral bindings are not that important to me. People can always photocopy that page of a book they own and put it in a paper protector for their personal use. I agree, color photographs are essential.

    I like it when they give a variety of good yarn choices instead of one specific brand.

  2. Hi jd, It’s me!! My dealbreaker for a book (or magazine for that matter) if clothing items-must have larger sizes. I like having material options. I don’t like buying yarn without feeling it and highly specialized yarn is too expensive to buy with out using, I want WPI and weight. The scale of 1-5 that the yarn companies are using are not alway accurate-a ‘4’ in one yarn doesn’t work up as the same as ‘4’ in red heart-found out to my disadvantage-I now have a sweater too big and too much work to frog the whole thing.

  3. I like the idea of the laminated book so I can mark what step I’m on. Also, if the writer could triple check their pattern to make sure it’s correct would be nice. I get so mad when I paid money for a pattern and then end up having to figure it out myself.

  4. Thanks for the list, I like that ! I’m dreaming of self-publishing a book someday, so I’ll keep that handy.. 😛
    I’ve never really had any spiral-bound book in my hands and wonder how it holds in time..but I really love the idea !

  5. 11. HOOK SIZE IN #, LETTER, OR MM (for international conversions)

    I love all the ideas I read. I am thinking that this one may be a typo, because it would make more sense to have #, Letter, AND mm listed. The comment about paying more for laminating was a valid one. What if the book was made with the pages three hole punched on the left side and also so that the pages can be taken out of the book easily so they can be worked with. With the holes punched in, the pages could then be put into a binder. JMHO

  6. I like a book which cover the classic as well as new, a doily category, especially flower: Irish crochet, flowers and leaves decorating something modern, like a cell phone case, something lacy, I like things which are quick, but I also like something lacy which I can work on a bit everyday. I guess I am basically more interested in thread.

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.