Free Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern & Charity Craft-Along

Cooler weather will be here before we know it, and now is the perfect time to think about warm, snuggly blankets for those in need. This month, we have a new free knitting pattern designed by Sophia Minakais and some fabulous prizes for our latest Charity Craft-Along. Grab your needles and hooks to join us in making baby blankets to donate this fall!

About Our Featured Designer

Sophia is a senior designer for Knitting The Natural Way, where she shares her passion for unique, fun and practical natural designs. All of Sophia’s patterns, from baby knits to specially formulated designs for pain relief, are available at www.knittingthenaturalway.com.

Free Knitting Pattern: Warm Hands Baby Blanket

Break out your yummiest yarn to knit a soft, warm baby blanket to donate to the children of the Warm Hands Network charity, or to cuddle your own baby, with this easy-to-follow pattern.

This pattern was designed to support the children of the Warm Hands Network, a Canadian based charity providing clothing to families in the Canadian North. When knitting baby blankets to be donated to the WHN, please be sure to follow their contribution guidelines, to ensure that your gift will be put to good use. Their guidelines ask that all baby blankets be made using wool or other animal fibers, or acrylic. Baby blankets should be at least 35” x 35” and should always be labeled with washing instructions.

You can mail your Warm Hands Network donations to this address: 
Warm Hands Network
240 First Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 2G6

If you have questions about your donation, please contact warmhandsnetwork@gmail.com.

Click here for a free PDF download of the Warm Hands Baby Blanket Pattern by Sophia Minakais.

Please note, you will be subscribed to the Knitter's Pride newsletter; if you already get our emails, simply enter your address to confirm and download the pattern.

How to Participate

• Knit the Warm Hands Baby Blanket or Crochet any baby blanket meeting the criteria above during the course of this KCAL, which takes place Friday, August 7 through Wednesday, September 30, 2020. 
• Email your finished photos to helloknitterspride [at] gmail [dot] com to be entered in our prize drawing by Midnight CST on September 30, 2020. Please include your city/state (or city/country) and how you would like to be identified if you win (i.e. first name only, first name middle initial, etc.). 
• Connect: For this KCAL, we are testing out a free bulletin board system with the hope that all crafters can safely participate and connect with each other. Click here to join the conversation (it's free!) and please let us know what you think! You can also share your projects on Facebook or Instagram using the #knitterspride and #KPCharityKCAL hashtags, or in our Ravelry group. 
• Donate your finished project to someone in need! In addition to the Warm Hands Network, you can check with local organizations such as hospitals, shelters or hospices, or you can send your donations to Wool Aid, where they will be given to those who need them most. 

Colorwork Charity Craft-Along: Prizes

We have lots of great prizes up for grabs!

Grand Prize Drawing:
1 lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive their choice of a Deluxe SmartStix Interchangeable Set or a Zing Crochet Set. To be eligible, email your finished photo to helloknitterspride [at] gmail [dot] com by Midnight CST on September 30, 2020. Make sure to include your city/state (or city/country) and how you would like to be identified if you win (i.e. first name only, first name middle initial, etc.). 

Additional Prizes: 
We will choose winners at random to receive Rainbow Knit Blockers, Rainbow Row Counter Rings, Knitting Charms and Zooni Stitch Markers. These prizes will be drawn not only from finished photos submitted via email, but also to those participating on our Charity message board, Facebook or Instagram using the #knitterspride and #KPCharityKCAL hashtags, or in our Ravelry group. 

We will notify all winners via email or direct message after September 30, 2020. 

We can't wait to see what you make!

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Free Knitting Pattern & KCAL: A Precious Resource Colorwork Cowl

Our next Charity Craft-along for 2020 is here! Many of us are spending more time at home, and we invite all of our fans to give color work knitting a try using this new free pattern from designer Michael Harrigan!

About Our Featured Designer

Michael Harrigan is a knitwear accessory designer based in Bangkok, Thailand. He enjoys traveling the world for inspiration for his designs and specializes in lace knitting and stranded colorwork.

Over the past several years he has designed patterns for accessories, such as scarves and cowls, shawls, other types of wraps, and hats. Many have been self-published, several have been produced for major yarn companies, and others have featured in online and print magazines.

Michael has been certified by The Knitting Guild Association as a Master Knitter, Knitting Technical Editor, and Knitting Judge.  If you'd like to learn more about Michael and his designs, visit his website or view his Ravelry page here.

Explore more of Michael's designs during this KCAL with coupon code Rainforest150, giving you $1.50 off any single pattern until June 30, 2020 - click here to shop Michael's Ravelry store.

Free Knitting Pattern: A Precious Resource by Michael Harrigan

A Precious Resource is knit in the round and is suitable for anyone with basic colorwork knitting skills – as only two colors are involved on any round. This cowl / neck warmer features stranded colorwork patterns inspired by the world’s endangered rainforests - in fact, one of Michael's favorite charities is The Coalition for Rainforest Nations, which is dedicated to helping tropical governments and communities responsibly manage their rainforests to combat climate change and incentivize conservation. 

Click here for a free PDF download of Michael's new colorwork cowl pattern, A Precious Resource.

Please note, you will be subscribed to the Knitter's Pride newsletter; if you already get our emails, simply enter your address to confirm and download the pattern.

How to Participate

• Knit ANY of Michael's colorwork patterns or Crochet a colorwork design of your choosing during the course of this KCAL, which takes place Friday, May 8 through Friday, June 26, 2020. 

• Share your finished photos here in our Ravelry group, or post them on Facebook or Instagram using the #knitterspride and #KPCharityKCAL hashtags to be entered in our prize drawing (more on that in a moment!).

• Donate your finished project to someone in need! If you need a few suggestions, try checking with local organizations such as hospitals, shelters or hospices, or you can send your donations to Wool Aid, where they will be given to those who need them most. 

Colorwork Charity Craft-Along: Prizes

We have 3 great prizes up for grabs: a Deluxe SmartStix Interchangeable Set, a Size 12 Rainbow Row Counter Ring, and a set of Nirvana Pom Pom Makers. 

All projects meeting the requirements above which are finished between May 8, 2020 - June 26, 2020 will be eligible in our prize drawing. We will randomly select our 3 lucky winners from those who have shared their finished sock projects here in our Ravelry group, or on Facebook or Instagram using the #KPCharityKCAL hashtag. We will notify the winners via direct message after June 26. 

We can't wait to see what you make!

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Spring Charity KCAL & Warm Feet, Warm Heart Socks by Mone Dräger [FREE DOWNLOAD]

Our first Charity Craft-along for 2020 is here! This spring, we invite all of our fans to make socks for those in need. These portable projects are perfect for changing seasons, and we've teamed up with designer Mone Dräger to bring you a new FREE pattern to knit during our Spring Charity Craft-along!

About Our Featured Designer

Mone lives in a village in Germany and loves to craft and be creative. She can’t imagine a day without knitting and enjoys playing around with colors and stitch patterns. She has a special fancy for knitted accessories, above all socks.  If you'd like to learn more about Mone and her designs, follow her blog or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram or Ravelry.

Free Knitting Pattern: Warm Feet, Warm Heart Socks by Mone Dräger 

A couple of years back, with her sock drawer constantly overflowing, she started to donate socks to various charities and was baffled to learn how big the need for socks is. Her sock design ‘Warm Feet, Warm Heart’ was designed especially for charity knitting, having unknown recipients in mind. Knitted almost entirely in ribbing patterns with an integrated heel, the socks have sufficient elasticity to fit differently shaped feet and even accommodate to the needs of people with swollen ankles.

Click here for a free PDF download of Mone's new sock pattern, Warm Feet, Warm Heart.

Please note, you will be subscribed to the Knitter's Pride newsletter; if you already get our emails, simply enter your address to confirm and download the pattern.

More Sock Patterns

Mone has many more sock patterns for you to enjoy, and has created a special deal for our blog readers this spring! Get 25% off all individual sock patterns* by entering Warm Feet KAL (three words with spaces between and in capital letters as written here) at checkout. This coupon code is valid now through Friday, March 27, 2020.

*sock pattern collections not eligible for this discount

How to Participate

• Knit or crochet ANY sock pattern during the course of this KCAL, which takes place Friday, March 13, 2020 through Friday, May 1, 2020. 

• Share your finished sock photos here in our Ravelry group, or post them on Facebook or Instagram using the #knitterspride and #KPCharityKCAL hashtags to be entered in our prize drawing (more on that in a moment!).

• Donate your socks to someone in need! If you need a few suggestions, try checking with local organizations such as hospitals, shelters or hospices, or you can send your donations to Wool Aid, where they will be given to those who need them most. 

Spring Charity KCAL Prizes

We have 3 great prizes up for grabs: a Ginger DPN Set, a Waves Crochet Set, and a Large Navy Pattern Holder! 

ANY pair of socks finished between March 13, 2020 - May 1, 2020 will be eligible in our prize drawing. We will randomly select our 3 lucky winners from those who have shared their finished sock projects here in our Ravelry group, or on Facebook or Instagram using the #KPCharityKCAL hashtag. We will notify the winners via direct message after May 1. 

We can't wait to see all of your knitted and crocheted socks! 

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A Quick Guide to Crafting for Charity

We received such a tremendous response to our Charity Knit- & Crochet-alongs last year that we've got several more planned for 2020 - stay tuned! Before we announce our first Charity KCAL for 2020, we'd like to share some tips and resources for anyone new to the world of charity crafting, plus a few ways you can use your crafting skills to help those in need right now.

Materials to Use

Most charitable organizations have a list of requirements for donations. For handmade items, they may stipulate that all items must be machine washable or contain a certain fiber content, for example. Additionally, there may be specific fibers they wish to avoid, or specific colors that the items need to be.

Unless otherwise stated, it's best to opt for "easy care" yarns (i.e. super wash) to ensure that your donation can be enjoyed for years to come. Remember to label each piece with care instructions and fiber content before donating.

If you are donating items to children's charities, ensure that any small items that could be choking hazards (such as buttons) are secured, or us a child-friendly options (for example, embroidered features instead of safety eyes on a stuffed toy). 

What to Make

You may have a pile of gently-used or completely unworn hats, scarves and other projects that are in need of a good home. That's great - just in mind that some charities will only accept certain items or have other regulations that they must uphold. Before you send in your donation, check their website or contact them via email to find out what they need most. Donating items that are not needed can put a strain on organizations, where resources are frequently scarce.

Where to Donate Handmade Items

Chances are, there are plenty of folks in your own community who are in need! Not only will your donations directly impact your community, but you will save money on shipping (which means you can buy more supplies for making more items to donate). 

Start by contacting local shelters, hospices, hospitals, churches, and other community-based organizations to ask what they need and arrange your donation. 

Knittingforcharity.org is an excellent resource to, and you can also visit Crochet.org's resource list here to get started. For a more DIY approach, try the I'm Not Lost Campaign, as featured here on the Mason-Dixon Knitting Blog. 

Consider a Monetary or In-Kind Donation

Many organizations have limited space, and while the thought behind donating a handmade item is wonderful, it could have an adverse effect but straining other resources. Consider making a monetary donation instead; you could even sell your handmade goods and use the proceeds to fund your donation. If you've been cleaning out your craft room and have a lot of yarn and other unused supplies you'd like to donate, here are some places to contact about your in-kind donation.

Breaking News: Crafters Helping Victims of the Australian Bush Fires

Here is another cause where you can lend your crafting skills: animals affected by the devastating Australian bush fires are in need of handmade protective pouches and blankets to aid in their recovery (learn more here). We've also spotted numerous fundraisers within the crafting community to raise funds for animals and humans affected by the fires. For those who would prefer to donate funds directly to the source, Zoos Victoria has set up a Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund (and you can find more options for helping those affected by the fires here). 

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We'd love to hear about your charity crafting and knitting in the comments. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post! 

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Free Knitting Pattern: Triangle Rib Baby Hat by Heidi Gustad

This month, we're pleased to feature Heidi Gustad of Hands Occupied, who shares a FREE baby hat knitting pattern for our Fall/Winter Charity KCAL! Knit one, two or a whole bunch of little hats babies in need; you can contact your local hospital to inquire about current needs and requirements, or send your donations to Wool Aid, where they will be given to those who need them most.

Heidi is a knitting, crochet and crafts Designer and former Librarian. She first learned to knit at age 8 from a grandmother who saw in her a need for something to keep her busy. Her obsession with primary colors and clean lines can be seen throughout her work. You can keep up with her designs and more by following her blog and searching your favorite social network for handsoccupied. Don’t forget to share your finished knits online with #handsoccupied and #kpcharityKCAL.

Keep reading for KAL details, including your chance to win some great prizes from Knitter's Pride! 

Triangle Rib Baby Hat by Heidi Gustad

YARN

Shepherd’s Lamb Rambouillet Yarn (100% Organic Wool; Sport Weight) in Razzleberry

NEEDLES

US 5 (3.75 mm) double pointed or appropriate circular needles

NOTIONS

• scissors
• yarn needle
• stitch marker (optional)

FINISHED SIZE

Hat measures 13” (33 cm) from in circumference and 5.5“ (14 cm) in height.

GAUGE

approx. 18 sts and 28 rows = 4” [10 cm]

Abbreviations

( ) repeat instructions as indicated between the parenthesis
CO cast on
sts stitches
rnd round
k knit
k2tog knit 2 sts together
p purl
p2tog purl 2 sts together
rep repeat
rep from * to end repeat instructions following the asterisk as directed

Pattern

CO 60 sts (or any multiple of 4 sts) using a German twisted cast on for stretch and sturdiness.

rnd 1. *k2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.

rnds 2-6. Rep rnd 1.

rnd 7. p all sts.

rnd 8. k all sts.

rnd 9. *k3, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.

rnd 10. Rep rnd 1.

rnd 11. *k1, p3; rep from * to end of rnd.

rnd 12. p all sts.

rnds 13-15. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 16. *p13, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (56 sts)

rnd 17. *k12, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (52 sts)

rnds 18–20. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 21. *p11, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (48 sts)

rnd 22. *k10, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (44 sts)

rnds 23-25. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 26. *p9, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (40 sts)

rnd 27. *k8, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (36 sts)

rnds 28-30. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 31. *p7, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (32 sts)

rnd 32. *k6, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (28 sts)

rnds 33-35. Rep rnds 9-11.

rnd 36. *(p1, p2tog) twice, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (20 sts)

rnd 37. *k2, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (15 sts)

rnd 38. *k1, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (10 sts)

rnd 39. *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (5 sts)

Finishing

Break yarn and draw tail through final loops to secure. Tighten to bind off.

For a PDF version of this pattern, visit handsoccupied.com.

Fall/Winter Charity KCAL with Knitter's Pride

Knit or crochet your favorite baby hat pattern (or use the one on this post!) to donate to your local hospital or those in need via Wool Aid; click here for more ideas on finding places where your handmade hats are needed! 

Share your finished hat photos here in our Ravelry group, or post them on Facebook or Instagram using the #KPCharityKCAL hashtag to be entered in our prize drawing: 2 lucky winners will get a Rainbow Row Counter Ring from our new collection!

ANY baby hat finished between November 22, 2019 - January 5, 2020 will be eligible in our prize drawing. We will notify the winners via direct message after January 5. We can't wait to see all of your knitted and crocheted hats! 

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Spring Charity KAL/CAL Recap

Our first-ever Spring Charity KAL/CAL has been a huge success, and we owe it all to our wonderful knitters and crocheters who spent the entire month of May making blocks to donate to Warm Up America!

We're pleased to see that many folks continue to KEEP making blocks, too  - we hope you will continue sharing them with us on Ravelry and using the #KPCharityKALCAL hashtag on social media (we may even award some prizes over the summer for folks who keep making and sharing their blocks!!). Here are some free patterns you might want to try:

WUA Textured Rectangle by Yvonne Tate

WUA Granny Rectangle by Yvonne Tate

Herringbone Stitch Knit & Crochet Rectangles by Vickie Howell

The Results

Many thanks to everyone who took shared photos of their completed blocks with us - you are all truly inspiring! From May 1-31, here's what our fantastic group of knitters and crocheters accomplished: 

• 603 knitted blocks completed, which is enough to make 30 baby blankets or 12 adult-sized blankets!
• 116 crocheted blocks completed, which is enough to make 5 baby blankets or 2 adult-sized blankets!
• A grand total of 719 blocks which can be made into 35 baby blankets or 14 adult-sized blankets!

Grand Prize Winners

In addition to providing free needles and hooks to participants, we also offered up some prizes to the participants who make the most blocks during the month of May, and we're pleased to share our winners with you today!

For knitting the most blocks with a grand total of 160, Kawaii00natsume has won a Deluxe Ginger Interchangeable Needle Set!

For crocheting the most blocks for a grand total of 45, Mottley1 has won a Zing Crochet Set!

Winners will be contacted via Ravelry PM to arrange for the delivery of their prize.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in our Spring Charity KAL/CAL!

Pin this post to spread the word...and keep on knitting and crocheting those blocks this summer!