A Complete Set of 3 Free Knitting Patterns Perfect for Charity

Here’s a way to knit a set of 3 winter accessories perfect for charity

Readers of KnittingforCharity.org and the Knitting Nuggets Newsletter are truly the best! I received another reminder of this a few days ago, when reader Sharon Malazard sent me a photo of a set of matching winter accessories — hat, scarf, and mittens — that she puts together for charity.

I thought, what a great idea! Sets like these could be especially helpful for donating to domestic violence and homeless shelters. But I’m sure that nearly any knitting charity that accepts multiple items to offer to needy people would love a set like this, too.

Sharon was kind enough to offer her patterns so that anyone else who would like to knit a set like this can do so. The patterns below are for 3 to 5-year-old children. With some adjustments, of course, you can knit them for any age.

Patterns for Compact Winter Set by Sharon Malazard

For these patterns you’ll need:

202 grams Aran (worsted) weight yarn (This is the amount Sharon used for the photos above; you might need a bit more or less.)
5mm needles (US size 8)

Beanie
Cast on 72 stitches
Knit garter stitch for 28 ridges or 56 rows.

Shape top:

Row 1. K7, K2tog; repeat to end of row.

Row 2. Knit.

Row 3. K6, K2tog; repeat to end of row.

Row 4. Knit.

Row 5. K5, K2tog; repeat to end of row.

Row 6. Knit.

Row 7. K4, K2tog; repeat to end of row.

Row 8. Knit.

Row 9. K3, K2tog; repeat to end of row.

Row 10. Knit.

Row 11. K2, K2tog; repeat to end of row.

Row 12. Knit.

Row 13. K1, K2tog; repeat to end of row.

Row 14. Knit.

Row 15. K2tog to end of row.

Row 16 Knit.

Row 17. Repeat row 15.

Cut yarn. Thread yarn onto darning needle, slip leftover stitches onto it, and fasten securely. Sew side seam.

Scarf

Cast on 20 stitches (approx 4″ wide)
Knit garter stitch (knit every row) for 55 inches. Bind off.
Turn up both ends of scarf and make two 6″ pockets by sewing down the edges.
Fold scarf in half to find the middle and attach the middle of scarf to the back seam of hat. Measure equally along the back of hat and sew in place, making sure that when the hat is worn, the scarf pockets are facing outwards.

Thumbless Mittens

Cast on 28 stitches.

Knit K1, P1 rib for 10 rows.

Knit 1 row garter stitch.

Increase Row: K1, inc 1 stitch, K1, inc 1 stitch, knit to last 4 stitches, inc 1 stitch, K1, inc 1 stitch, K1. (32 stitches total).
(Sharon increases by picking up a stitch between stitches. If you use this method, you’ll K1, then increase between last stitch and next stitch twice, then K1. Then knit to last 2 stitches and do the same thing.)

Knit garter stitch every row for 29 rows.

Shape Top:

Row 1. (K2tog, K2) 8 times

Row 2. Knit.

Row 3. (K2tog, K1) 8 times

Row 4. Knit.

Row 5. K2tog to end of row.

Cut yarn. Slip end of yarn onto darning needle, slip stitches onto needle and fasten securely.

Sew side seams.

Make second mitten same as the first.

Make 2 I-cords, approximately 11 inches each, to attach mittens to sides of scarf pockets.

Thanks so much to Sharon for these patterns! What a fun way to put together a set of winter accessories, and in such a way that it’s hard to lose individual parts of it, as well. This is a great way to knit for charity!