Knitting is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to help others. A warm hat, a soft blanket, or a tiny pair of baby booties can comfort someone in need. But where should you send your handmade items?

That’s where this list comes in.

In this article, you’ll find charities that welcome knitted donations. Whether you want to help premature babies, cancer patients, the homeless, veterans, or even rescue animals, there’s a place for your work.

Finding the right charity can be tough. You want to ensure your donations matter and go where needed. I’ve researched so you don’t have to.

Below, you’ll see charities organized by whom they help and what they accept. Pick one that speaks to yo,u and start knitting with purpose.

Charities That Accept Knitted Donations

If you love knitting, you might wonder where you can donate your creations. I’ve found charities that welcome your handmade gifts.

These organizations often use knitted items to help people in need. You can make a difference with your yarn and needles. Ready to find the perfect place to send your knitted donations? Let’s get started.

1. Project Linus

Project Linus provides blankets to children in need. Your knitted blankets can comfort a child during tough times, helping children who are ill, traumatized, or need warmth.

Unique features:

• A nationwide network of chapters.
• They accept quilts and knitted blankets.
• They support hospitals, shelters, and foster care systems.

2. Knit for Peace

This charity connects knitters with communities in need worldwide. They accept items like scarves, blankets, and hats. Your donations go to those facing poverty, illness, or hardship.

Unique features:

• Global reach.
• Accepts a variety of knitted items.
• They provide knitting patterns for beginners.

3. Warm Up America

Warm Up America focuses on providing warmth to people in the U.S. It accepts knitted afghans, hats, and scarves. Your knitted pieces can go to people who need extra care during winter.

Unique features:

• Supports local communities.
• Helps low-income individuals and families.
• Offers patterns for knitting and crocheting.

4. The Red Scarf Project

This project supports foster youth transitioning to independence. Your knitted scarves provide warmth and a sense of hope. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.

Unique features:

• Focus on foster youth.
• Donations are needed annually in the fall and winter.
• Gives scarves to college students in need.

5. Knots of Love

Knots of Love is dedicated to providing knitted caps for cancer patients. Your small-knitted hats can provide comfort to those fighting cancer or other illnesses.

Unique features:

• Focuses on cancer patients.
• Accepts hats and blankets.
• Volunteers knit for hospitals across the U.S.

6. Hats for the Homeless

This charity knits hats for homeless individuals. Its focus is on providing warmth during winter, which can be a relief in tough conditions.

Unique features:

• A local charity based in New York.
• Collects donations year-round.
• Accepts hats for all ages.

7. Soldiers’ Angels

Soldiers’ Angels supports U.S. military members. Knitted items, such as scarves, socks, and hats, can comfort soldiers overseas.

Unique features:

• Supports military personnel.
• Helps soldiers and their families.
• Donations go to troops overseas and veterans.

8. The Knitting Project

This charity accepts knitted donations to provide warmth for those in need. Its focus is on delivering knitted items to people in homeless shelters and hospitals.

Unique features:

• Focuses on shelters and hospitals.
• Accepts a variety of knitted items.
• Provides warmth to local communities.

9. Little Hats, Big Hearts

Little Hats, Big Hearts provides red-knitted hats to babies born in February, heart health month. The hats are given to infants born in hospitals to raise awareness for heart disease.

Unique features:

• Focus on heart disease awareness.
• Only accepts red knitted hats.
• Partners with hospitals across the U.S.

10. Lion Brand Yarn Community

Lion Brand Yarn Community is a network that connects knitters with charity projects. It has multiple programs for donating knitted goods to those in need.

Unique features:

• Multiple charity programs.
• Offers free knitting patterns.
• Focus on donating handmade items to various causes.

11. Knit-a-Square

Knit-a-Square collects knitted squares to create blankets for children in Africa. The squares are then sewn together to make warm blankets for children in need.

Unique features:

• Focuses on Africa.
• Accepts 8×8-inch knitted squares.
• Makes a big impact with small donations.

12. Project Night Night

Project Night Night provides comfort bags filled with blankets, books, and toys to children in homeless shelters. They also accept knitted items, especially blankets and hats.

Unique features:

• Focus on homeless children.
• Accepts comfort bags with various donations.
• Helps kids transition to a new home.

13. The Snuggles Project

The Snuggles Project gives knitted items to animals in shelters. Knitted blankets and toys can comfort pets waiting for their forever homes.

Unique features:

• Helps animals in shelters.
• Accepts blankets, beds, and toys.
• Provides warmth and comfort to animals in need.

14. Muffs for Seniors

This charity collects knitted hand muffs for senior citizens. It donates them to nursing homes to help keep their hands warm, offering a small but meaningful gesture of care.

Unique features:

• Focus on senior citizens.
• Accepts hand muffs.
• Helps people in nursing homes.

15. Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity

Mother Teresa’s charity accepts knitted donations for impoverished people, particularly in India. They welcome knitted blankets, scarves, and hats to keep people warm.

Unique features:

• Global charity with a focus on poverty relief.
• Accepts a variety of knitted items.
• Focus on Indian communities.

16. Knit One Give One

This charity is all about knitting for others. They organize events and campaigns to collect knitted donations and provide warmth to those in need.

Unique features:

• Organizes events for knitters.
• Works with local shelters and hospitals.
• Collects donations during cold months.

17. The Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association accepts knitted blankets and shawls to comfort patients with Alzheimer’s disease. These donations can bring some comfort to those affected by this disease.

Unique features:

• Focus on Alzheimer’s patients.
• Accepts blankets, shawls, and lap robes.
• It helps provide comfort during difficult times.

18. Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude sends care packages to U.S. military service members. These packages often include knitted items, such as scarves and hats.

Unique features:

• Supports military service members.
• Sends care packages to deployed soldiers.
• Accepts a variety of knitted items.

19. Baby Bundles

Baby Bundles helps newborns in need. They accept knitted baby blankets, hats, and other small items to help babies and new mothers in underserved areas.

Unique features:

• Focus on newborns and mothers.
• Collects items for babies in need.
• Focus on underserved communities.

20. The Humane Society

The Humane Society accepts knitted items for animals in shelters. Your knitted blankets and toys can offer comfort to animals while they wait for adoption.

Unique features:

• Supports animal shelters.
• Accepts knitted toys, beds, and blankets.
• It helps provide comfort to animals during their stay.

21. Knit for a Cure

Knit for a Cure raises awareness for cancer research. Knitted items like scarves and hats are donated to cancer patients, providing comfort and raising funds for research.

Unique features:

• Focus on cancer awareness.
• Accepts a variety of knitted items.
• Helps raise funds for cancer research.

22. Bundle Up for Baby

Bundle Up for Baby provides warm items for infants in need. Your knitted hats and blankets can help babies in hospitals and shelters stay warm during the colder months.

Unique features:

• Focus on newborns.
• Accepts hats, blankets, and mittens.
• Provides warmth to babies in hospitals and shelters.

23. The Baby Boomerang Project

The Baby Boomerang Project collects knitted items for babies in need. Its mission is to provide warmth and comfort to babies born in low-income or underserved communities.

Unique features:

• Focus on low-income babies.
• They accept baby blankets, hats, and mittens.
• Aims to give back to the community.

24. Compassionate Knitters

Compassionate Knitters creates handmade items for people facing difficult situations, such as illness, injury, or financial hardship. They accept knitted blankets, hats, and scarves.

Unique features:

• Supports people facing difficult life situations.
• Accepts a wide range of knitted items.
• Focus on providing comfort to those in need.

25. Warmth for Warriors

Warmth for Warriors sends knitted scarves, hats, and blankets to veterans. Its goal is to offer comfort and show gratitude to those who served in the military.

Unique features:

• Focus on veterans.
• Provides warmth to U.S. military veterans.
• Accepts scarves, hats, and blankets.

Knitting for a cause is an easy way to make a difference. Charities are always looking for donations; your knitted items can comfort those who need them most.

Why Donate Knitted Items?

Knitting is more than making things—it’s about comfort. A warm scarf, a soft baby hat, or a cozy blanket can mean the world to someone going through a hard time.

When you donate your knitted items, you’re not just sending yarn. You’re sending care, warmth, and a reminder that someone out there cares.

1. Helping Shelters Stay Warm

Many people in shelters don’t have enough warm clothing. Cold nights can be brutal, especially for those without proper gear.

• Hats and scarves help block the wind.
• Socks and gloves keep hands and feet warm.
• Soft blankets provide comfort in uncertain times.

2. Supporting Hospitals and Patients

Hospitals can feel cold and impersonal. A handmade item brings warmth—both physically and emotionally.

• Chemo caps protect sensitive skin.
• Baby hats keep newborns warm.
• Lap blankets provide comfort to those in long-term care.

3. Giving to the Community

Some families struggle to afford winter clothing, and others need extra kindness. Your donations help fill that gap.

• Schools and churches distribute warm items to kids in need.
• Community centers pass out hats and gloves in winter.
• Handmade gifts remind people they are not forgotten.

What to Keep in Mind Before Donating?

Knitting for charity is a great way to help others, but before you send your items, you should check a few things. Not every charity has the same needs, so a little planning goes a long way.

1. Follow Each Charity’s Guidelines

Every charity has rules about what it can accept. Some need baby hats, others need blankets, some want bright colors, and others prefer neutral tones. Always check:

• Materials – Some charities only accept wool, while others prefer acrylic.
• Sizes – Premature babies need tiny hats. Adults need larger ones.
• Colors – Hospitals may ask for soft, calming shades. Shelters might prefer darker colors.

A quick look at their website can save time and effort.

2. Use Durable and Washable Yarn

Your knitted item will be used often. It needs to last. Choose a yarn that is:

• Machine washable – So it can be cleaned easily.
• Soft – Especially for babies or chemo patients.
• Strong – So it doesn’t fall apart after a few washes.

Wool, acrylic, or cotton blends work best.

3. Finish Projects Neatly

Loose ends and fragile seams don’t hold up well. A little extra care makes a big difference. Check before you send:

• Weave in all loose ends – So nothing unravels.
• Avoid buttons or small pieces – Babies and pets can choke on them.
• Make sure the seams are secure So the item lasts longer.

A well-made item isn’t just nicer—it’s safer and more useful. Taking these steps ensures your donation is truly helpful. A little care now means more comfort for someone later.

How to Get Started?

Knitting for charity is simple, but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it.

First, pick a project that fits your skills.

• Start with hats, scarves, or blankets if you’re a beginner.
• More advanced? Try baby booties, mittens, or stuffed toys.
• Could you keep it simple? Neat, sturdy stitches matter more than fancy designs.

Next, choose a charity that speaks to you.

• Do you want to help premature babies, cancer patients, or the homeless?
• Maybe you love animals and want to knit for shelter pets.
• Think about what matters most to you. That’s where your knitting will have the biggest impact.

Finally, find free patterns that match donation guidelines.

• Many charities provide specific patterns and size requirements.
• Look for washable, durable designs.
• Check websites and knitting forums or ask local craft groups.

Once you have a plan, grab your needles and start—every stitch counts.

Conclusion

Knitting for charity is a small act that makes a big difference. A hat can warm a newborn, a scarf can comfort someone in the cold, and a blanket can bring peace to a hospital patient.

Every stitch you make carries the warmth of your heart, and each project reminds you of the impact one person can have.

Your creations become symbols of care and compassion, touching lives in ways that go beyond the tangible. Whether you’re knitting for those in need locally or for global communities, your effort is appreciated and valued.

It’s a simple but powerful way to show kindness, making the world a little brighter and warmer for those who need it most.

If you’ve been thinking about giving back, start today. Pick a project, choose a charity, and use your skills to help someone in need. No donation is too small—every item, no matter how simple, can make someone’s day better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Knitted Items Do Charities Accept?

Charities accept hats, scarves, blankets, mittens, socks, baby items, chemo caps, and pet blankets. Always check their guidelines for size, material, and color preferences.

Can I Use Any Yarn for Knitted Donations?

No, many charities prefer soft, washable yarns like acrylic or cotton. Some have specific requests, so always check before starting your project.

Do Charities Provide Knitting Patterns?

Yes, many charities offer free patterns to ensure donations meet their needs. You can find them on their websites or by contacting them directly.