Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT CROCHET-ALONGS?

by

Have you ever participated in a CAL (crochet along)?  Neither have I.  Oh, a bunch of readers will have participated in them.  I can’t really determine how I feel about them.  The Mystery CAL’s seem like they might be more interesting than a ‘regular’ CAL.  I’m not quite sure what benefits there might be for a CAL.

This is the first motif in a Lion Brand CAL that I just received information about.

CAL motif 0909Aside from the fact that I don’t want to join motifs, I find this hexagon to be quite pretty.  Don’t know where this CAL is headed – if it’ll be an afghan, scarf, or garment.  I’d have to sign on every Thursday to find out.

Therein lies the rub.  I won’t remember on Thursday.  Will you?  Yeah, I know I could maybe figure out how to use the calendar feature on my browser and have it remind me – but I’d probably have piles of other work to do on Thursday and would overlook the reminder.

My friend Ronnie has made several interesting things on CAL’s.  The latest of her projects that I’ve seen turned out a unique, very smart cardi-wrap that I would like to make.  But, it was a Mystery CAL, so since I didn’t know which way it was headed, I woudn’t consider joining.

So, what are the pros and cons of CAL’s.  Let me here from YOU!

Comments

  1. I don’t particularly like CAL’s or KAL’s due to the fact that 1: I’ve seen too many errors during the process. Therefore when that happens you have to wait for the errata and start again. 2: You don’t know what you’re making, so it might not be something you want to make, nor do you even have a clue as to what it’s supposed to be, so have no idea if you’re on track with the directions given. Too many mysteries for my taste. If I’m interested in the slightest, I wait till the whole pattern has been posted with photos before I decide to actually make the project or not.

  2. I’ve just started on CAL’s. The first one I totally enjoyed (maybe because I suggested the doily to use)… lol
    The CAL’s make sure that I get done with the project instead of keeping starting new ones. The fact that you are supposed to show your progress makes for interesting discussions. And also, if you have a problem with a pattern, then everyone is on the same page.

  3. I agree, the hexagon is very pretty though not my favorite color combo. I would be much more likely to join if I knew which way it was heading. The colors I would use for a scarf are very different from what I would use for a afghan which are very different from what I would use for a sweater. And how the heck do you know how much yarn to buy?? BTW – I would love to see the cardi-wrap pattern

  4. As you may have gathered…I’m addicted to CALs…especially the mystery ones.

    I look at them as an opportunity to test patterns, to give the designer/host input on the pattern, to review different pattern writing techniques/phrases/styles.

    And then comes the unveiling…seeing the pattern done in different colors or yarns is very exciting…

  5. A few years back I participated in two crochet-a-longs for Irish Crochet butterflies, and we used antique patterns that were supplied to us by the group’s owner. We could post questions, or suggestions, to the group; and it was a big help to read other peoples comments about how they were solving the Irish Crochet problems they were encountering. I gleaned some very helpful tips at how to master the Irish Crochet padding cords that I had never used before. It was wonderful to see the photos of the finished butterflies that others had created. The knowledge that I gained about Irish Crochet was definitely worth me joining the crochet-a-long.

  6. I do NOT participate in any crafts-alongs. I want to see the whole project, with a picture, and preferably schematics, before I start so I know where I’m heading. As a previous poster said– I want to know if it’s going to be something I want to make in the first place, and “one row a day” is not my way of crocheting (or anything else). I don’t like working “blind”- the “discovery” aspect is usually disappointing IMO, no better than the current “prizes” in Cracker Jack boxes.

  7. except when you have a designer of the caliber Ronnie seems to hit on (hi /ronnie) I don’t do cals either but I admire those who have the courage to do so.

  8. I have only ever done one crochet along, and I am currently participating in it. I have really enjoyed doing this crochet along as it has helped me with some techniques, and also helped me learn to more efficiently plan my time, and I know I can always go and ask someone in the crochet along what to do if I get stuck. It is kind of fun to see everyone do the same project, but all with different colors and yarns. I am most excited to see everyones finished afghans (we are crocheting one 12″ Granny Square per month). I joined the block a month crochet along because it is NOT a mystery crochet along, so you know what you are crocheting, and they give you alternative squares to do as well. I would definitely recommend that everyone get out there and join at least one crochet along if you have never done one before.

  10. I have never participated in a CAL, but just signed up to have new ones sent to me. I would like to try one, but not a mystery. Those of us who are seniors with no children & no babies to crochet for would not always want to crochet another granny afghan…couldn’t begin to tell you how many of those I have made. I would love to try one for a cardigan sweater for myself or for socks you can wear with shoes. Thanks for the question.

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.