Use your hands to do good! You can knit, sew, or crochet items to donate directly to UK causes. Do you have little projects that you make in between bigger ones? Often I have blanket squares or small toys that break up the bigger projects but what to do with them afterwards? If you do, then think about donating them to a charity.
Local hospitals often take blankets and small knitted or crocheted items for preemies and still births. If you make blankets squares then it’s worth asking if they would take them to make bigger blankets for adults and elderly patients. My local hospital has ‘ blanket fairies ‘ who just make up blankets from donated squares. Little hearts are popular, given our in pairs, one for the patient and one for the family to form a connection between them. Hats and scarves are great to help keep the homeless warm.
If you would prefer to donate your work to people in crisis around the world them look for a charity dealing with refugees or children affected by conflict.
Or maybe you have a connection to a particular medical condition, a family member who suffered from dementia or breast cancer, or had a stoma, and you would like to help others suffering with the same condition.
Here are a few suggestions to help get you crafting for good.
Babies and Children
• Octopus for a Preemie: Crocheted octopuses are very popular. Their curly tentacles remind babies of the umbilical cord. This comforts them in the neonatal unit.
• Bonnie Babies: Knit or sew premature baby clothes, blankets, and burial clothes.
• Pyjama Fairies: Sew custom, wrap-around pyjamas and surgical gowns for children. They make hospital stays less scary. Hospitals and Patients
• Local NHS Trusts: Many regional hospital hubs accept volunteer-made twiddle muffs, tray mats, and baby memory box items
• Mastectomy Pillows: Sew heart-shaped pillows for men and women after breast surgery. They fit comfortably under the arm to protect tender areas.
• Twiddle Mitts: Knit or crochet thick muffs with buttons and ribbons sewn on them. These give dementia patients something to keep their hands busy. It helps calm and comfort them.
• Syringe Driver Bags: Sew small fabric bags for patients who need pain medicine. It lets them walk around easily while getting care.
Big Charity Campaigns
The Innocent Big Knit: Every winter, knit tiny woolly hats for Innocent Drinks smoothie bottles. For every hat sold, 25p goes to Age UK to help older people keep warm.
Project Linus – Project Linus UK is a volunteer-led Community Interest Company that provides handmade, washable quilts and blankets to sick, disabled, or traumatised babies, children, and teenagers up to 19 years old. Named after the blanket-carrying Charlie Brown character, the organisation’s mission is to offer a sense of physical and emotional security through “a hug you can keep.” All blankets are gifted directly to the child to own forever.
Charities abroad
There are many charities serving communities in areas of crisis. Make blankets, warm clothing and simple toys for refugees.
The dress a girl campaign takes simple cotton dresses for girls in African countries because dressing in a new dress implies a girl is cared for and less likely to be abused. Simple sanitary packs help maintain dignity for women and girls in crisis.
Teddies for tragedies provides soft knitted toys to comfort children in crisis all over the world.
These are just a few of the many charities you can help by donating a little bit of you crafting time and skills
How to Get Started
1. Find a Pattern: Charities list the exact patterns you must use on their websites. This keeps items safe and comfortable for patients.
2. Use the Right Materials: Most charities ask for specific fabrics (like soft, washable cotton) or specific yarn (like acrylic) so items are easy to clean in hot hospital machines.
3. Check the Rules: Some charities (like Pyjama Fairies) require you to sew a test item first to get approved.
Check with your chosen charity on how to donate your items. Get together with a group of friends to make things and send them off in a batch to save postage.
Check out the links to projects home and abroad
What Kate Made Today 