18 FREE Crochet Charity Patterns

Stitchers have a long history of making items for charity. Warm hats, scarves, mittens, and more are welcome and comforting gifts, and show that someone is thinking of the recipient. And when you want to make something but don’t know who to give it to, a charity is a great choice!

These 18 crochet charity patterns are a mix of items for different purposes. Hats could go to cancer patients, or charities making sure that people are warm in winter. Shawls can be used for prayer shawl ministries. Other items could go to women’s shelters. Make sure you check requirements of the charity before you donate: some may have restrictions on the type of yarn you use or which items they’re currently accepting.

Free Crochet Charity Hat Patterns

These hats work for a variety of situations: cancer patients, NICUs, homeless shelters, women’s shelters, refugees who just moved and don’t have winter clothes, families with growing kids who need some help, or other situations. Adding or removing pompoms is a great way to customize how the hats look as well.

1. Chic and Simple Perfect Hat by Marly Bird
2. Spencer Beanie by Ashley Edmonds
3. Slip Stitch Beanie by HanJan Crochet
4. Ombre Beanie by The Purple Poncho
5. Chevron Peaks Slouch by A Crocheted Simplicity
6. Napoly Hat by Blue Star Crochet
7. Basketweave Baby Beanie by Raffamusa Designs
8. Easy Children’s Crochet Hat by Rich Textures Crochet
9. Granite Stitch Hat & Cowl by Blackstone Designs
10. Spiral Style Hat by Crafting Each Day
11. Jasmine Beanie by Ned & Mimi

Free Charity Accessory Patterns

These varied charity patterns are good for different types of charities! The face scrubbies and slippers can be used for care packages for hospital or hospice patients or other people who live in care facilities. Mittens and fingerless gloves are welcomed by shelters and even some food banks to give out, while a prayer shawl ministry would appreciate the shawls.

1. Face Scrubbies by Desert Blossom Crafts
2. Harlequin Slippers by My Poppet
3. Norse Crochet Mittens by The Loopy Lamb
4. Tunisian Fade Shawl by With Alex
5. Paige Triangle Shawl by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
6. Autumn Crunch Fingerless Gloves by Pine Tree Crochet
7. Rainbow Sprinkles Crescent Shawl by Marly Bird

You Might Also Like:

• Crochet Hats Designed by Marly Bird
• 10 Free Crochet Prayer Shawls
• Crochet for Charity

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of charity crochet projects are most needed?

Hats are consistently the most-needed donation item across many organizations… they’re quick to make, needed in all sizes, and help so many people from preemie NICU babies to homeless adults. Blankets for shelters and hospitals are always welcomed. Chemo caps for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Comfort shawls for people in difficult circumstances. Baby items for shelters and organizations supporting new parents in need. Stuffed animals for children in hospitals or crisis situations. Lap blankets for nursing home residents. Each organization has different needs so always check before making.

Are the 18 patterns in this collection specifically designed for charity?

Yes! The patterns in this collection were curated with charity donation in mind… they tend toward practical, durable, quick-to-complete items in universally wearable styles. No overly fussy stitch patterns that would use more yarn than needed. Good sizing that works across recipients. Machine-washable considerations. Items that organizations will actually use and distribute. This kind of curated charity-specific collection saves you time researching what to make… just pick a pattern from the list and you’re supporting a good cause.

Can I crochet for charity with my craft group or knitting circle?

Craft groups and charity are a beautiful combination! Many knitting and crochet groups dedicate some or all of their making time to charity projects. The social accountability helps… you’re more likely to complete charity items when you’re making them with others. Groups can coordinate to make matching sets of items, cover more donation items collectively, and share the cost of yarn. Some groups even fundraise for yarn specifically for charity making. Check if your local yarn shop hosts or organizes charity craft nights.

How should I wash and care for charity items before donating?

Always donate clean, freshly washed items! Organizations can’t always wash every individual donation and appreciate items that are ready to use. After finishing your project, wash according to the yarn’s care instructions, dry thoroughly, and store in a clean bag or container until donation day. For items going to sensitive populations (hospitals, NICUs, patients with allergies), using fragrance-free detergent is thoughtful. Include a note with care instructions if the yarn requires special washing, so the recipient or organization knows how to care for it.

How do I find a local organization to donate my charity crochet to?

Start close to home! Contact your local hospital’s volunteer coordinator, nursing home, women’s shelter, or food bank and ask if they accept handmade donations and what items they need most. Local churches and community centers often have donation programs. Your local yarn shop may have information about donation drives in the area. Online search for “[your city] charity knitting” or “[your city] handmade donations” surfaces local programs. Organizations like Project Linus, Warm Up America, and Knit for Kids accept donations by mail if there’s nothing local.