Hands-on, creative hobbies like knitting are not only a good way of passing time, but they're also a brilliant option for anyone struggling with low-moods or poor concentration. There's nothing like creating something new – and doing a good deed – to keep your mind focused and raise your spirits. So we've rounded up the best charity knitting patterns available for free download.
Please contact your chosen charity ahead of sending your knits ensure they are still accepting donations as the pandemic continues. If not, please hold onto your knitted items until further notice.
Knit blankets for rescue kittens
Calling all cat lovers! The animals charity Battersea Dogs and Cats Home welcome donations of knitted blankets and mice for their cats to enjoy while they wait for new homes. Patterns are available on their website, along with a postal address details.
Similarly, the RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Centre in North London has made an appeal for people to knit small blankets for their tiny rescue kittens. They are seeking blankets of 30cm to 40cm in size, made out of machine washable wool to keep their cute kitties warm and cosy while they wait for new homes. Want to help? You can send your knitted creations to Pets At Home, Friern Bridge Retail Park, Pegasus Way, Friern Barnet, London N11 3PW.
Knit for Peace
Knit for Peace is an initiative of the Charities Advisory Trust who accept all kinds of new knitted goods for babies, children and adults. They believe that knitting (and crochet) is good for people and work to bring people together and give them ways to help those in need You can find hundreds of ideas for charity patterns on their website here and post creations to: Radius Works, Back Lane, London NW3 1HL.
Knit clothing for premature babies
Bliss is a leading UK charity for supporting families with born premature or sick babies across the UK. Their website features a selection of free downloadable patterns for knitting clothing, blankets and toys for premature babies. They ask that you please contact your local neonatal unit to find out what items they require before you start.
Make toy animals for SPANA
SPANA is an international working animal charity that works all over the world, providing support from emergency care and aid to free veterinary services. You can download their Big Knit For Vets Kit fundraising pack from their website, which includes five patterns for knitting Duncan the donkey, Hattie the horse, Oscar the ox and Emma the elephant – plus a crochet pattern for Clarence the camel. Each pack include a sponsorship form and a donation envelope. Should you wish to donate your finished knitted animals, they will be sent overseas to be used in education programmes to teach compassion and empathy to the future generation of animal owners.
Make teddies for children in need
Although they are not technically a registered charity, Teddies 4 Tragedies accept knitted bears for children who haven’t any toys or who have suffered a trauma. They have a number of UK branches that collect, check and pack the items, then find locally supported missionaries or aid groups working with children in tragic circumstances overseas – often refugee camps, orphanages and hospitals in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America,
Knit twiddlemuffs for dementia patients
People with dementia often have restless hands and like to have something to keep their hands occupied. Twiddlemuffs provide a source of visual, tactile and sensory stimulation and at the same time keeping hands snug and warm. Making one to donate is a great way to use up scraps of wool and fabric, and with an added feel-good factor! Find our guide on how to make a twiddlemuff and where to donate them, here.
Raise money for the lonely
Innocent Smoothies' The Big Knit Campaign was set up to raise money to help end loneliness among older people. Since 2013, people have been knitting these cute little hats that fit perfectly on top of the drinks, with each bottle sold raising 25p for Age UK. If you fancy getting involved this year, now is the perfect time to make a head start with these free hat patterns available on their website.
Help displaced people in Syria
Many people in Syria are current displaced, living in damp and draughty conditions such as tents, caves and abandoned buildings. As well as raising money to buy supplies, Hand in Hand for Syria also collects knitted or crocheted blankets and clothing which is then taken to Turkey to be distributed in Syria. You can find a list of the items needed on their website here.