Crochet

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What’s so great about Ravelry?

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I have been aware of Ravelry since it first came online.  Initially, and for a long time thereafter, I wondered what all the fuss was about.  People had to wait for an invitation to join it.  Kinda like those first Lexus commercials years ago that were quite mysterious, featured no automobile, but just let us know that something ‘exciting’ was coming our way.  I don’t get excited about new cars.  Sorry…

But, yarn and patterns and blogs and chat about them DO get me excited!  That’s why Ravelry is so cool.  If you haven’t joined yet, go to the site and get yourself signed up.  I don’t think you have to stand in line to do that anymore.  I don’t know enough about designing websites to know if the initial invitation period was technically required or if it was just a very good publicity tool.  What I do know is that the site is worth exploration.

Here is where you can see the many versions and variations on this pattern.  I especially enjoy the inspiration from seeing all the different yarn weights and colorways in which talented crocheters have created the shawl.  Having seen this shawl worked up in very colorful yarns inspires me to pull out some of my favorite variegateds to crochet one for myself!

I have spent far less time on Ravelry than I would like.  The computer is a huge time-eater for me.  Now – I didn’t say ‘time-waster’ – but it can be that too!  When I really first understood the attraction to Ravelry was when I was anticipating making a Southbaby Shawlette, a free pattern offered by LionBrand Yarns.

I had several concerns about the pattern.  First, I didn’t want to use a ‘mohair-like’ yarn because I am one who must perpetually frog a new pattern til I figure it out and memorize it.  Mohair is not kind to froggers!  I emailed a friend who had made several of these and asked for her advice.  She referred me to Ravelry for information on the pattern.  Bingo!  I got what I needed in short order.  What could be better than an instant room full of crocheters who are ‘talking’ about what I want them to ‘talk’ about?  Not only that, but they had ALL beat me to the punch.  They have been using this pattern for months, many having made more than one version of it.  I was able to quickly benefit from their successes and failures without having to make a bunch of mistakes myself.  I like that!

Bottom line was that I purchased two different yarns to make this pattern.  First is Lanett Superwash Merino which is not a mohair-like yarn.  I’ve finished that shawl.  Next, now that I’ve learned the pattern (and boy is it simple!), I’ll make it in the white angora I bought at the most recent Yarn Crawl.

Comments

  1. Ravelry is fantastic. I’m a fairly new knitter and I love how many patterns are on there with examples. It is a fabulous resource.

  3. Ravelry is awesome! There is so much fun stuff going on all the time – Swaps, charity projects, knit/crochet-alongs, etc. Plus, I have have met some really nice cool people who have a common interest. And the resources and help the Ravelry community provides is invaluable!

  5. My dear daughter calls it “crack for crocheters and knitters. I too love ravelry, but I haven’t done much with my personal part of it. I need to get more active. As a research tool it is EXCELLENT!

  6. I almost never use the yarn that a pattern calls for. At revelry I can look at pattern and very often see several versions of it..different yarns. colors, and even on different bodies Ala the interweave gallery gals AND with notes about modifications and progress. AND that’s just the patterns..not yarn finder or the forums or the people… it’s virtually endless!

  7. Hi jd, I do the same thing with yarn. In Ravelry, some yarns have gotten lots of comments and advice. I look up a specific yarn, and on its yarn page, there’s a tab at the top for comments. I’ve learned so much from what others say about what happened when they washed the yarn, or used for a certain kind of project.

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.