How to Send Warmth Worldwide by Knitting Squares for Charity

Knitting squares for charity is one of the easiest ways to make a difference worldwide. Here you’ll find the patterns and charities you need to get started.

Recently, I got a heartwarming message from Sandra, a member of the Knitting for Charity community. She once knit 100 squares for a friend whose church group would sew them together. She said, “Lots of small leftover skeins in my stash—and an awesome way to use them for the good of someone!”

Knitting squares for charity is a time-honored tradition in the world of knitting. Knitted squares you can join together into afghans and blankets make the perfect charity projects for several reasons:

• They take very little time
• They’re great stash-busters
• They make fun ways to try new stitches
• When joined together, they make beautiful kaleidoscopes of color and texture.

They’re also excellent projects for beginners because they help new knitters master basic skills. They’re great for experienced knitters as well because you can knit and donate a large number fast.

Ready to go beyond garter stitch?

The Best Patterns for Knitted Squares for Afghans + Blankets

Over the years, I’ve curated this list of the best collections of free square knitting patterns. Below, you’ll find free patterns for beginners, experienced knitters, and everyone in between.

1. Four Super-Easy, Fun Knitting Stitches for Lovely Afghans

Let’s start simple with my own collection of afghan squares! I’ve been enjoying knitting these fabulously textured squares myself. They’re fun and easy to memorize, too.

2. Ghana Project/Key of Hope Patterns

This page has an incredible number of blanket square patterns – well over 50. If you want to ensure that you never again become bored knitting blanket/afghan squares, bookmark this page and knit as many squares as you can!

By the way, this page also includes links to some super-beneficial videos to help you put your squares together to make a blanket.

3. Knitting Pattern Central’s Motifs & Squares

Here is another outstanding page full of square patterns from all over the Internet. Over 70 patterns are linked here. Many indicate the size of the square, too, which is very helpful for when you’re knitting for a charity that requires a certain square size!

4. Warm Up America Patterns

You can find a list of simple patterns from the Warm Up America website here.

5. KAS Free Knitting Patterns for Squares

I love Knit-a-Square’s pattern collection! They range from extremely simple to more complex (and jaw-droppingly gorgeous).

6 Charities Where You Can Donate Knitting Blanket Squares

For more information about exactly what each charity accepts as well as instructions for donating, click the name of the charity to learn more. For example, many of these charities also accept crochet squares.

1. Warm Up America

Perhaps the most well-known blanket square charity, at least in the United States! Warm Up America requests donations of 7″ x 9″ squares, along with completed afghans, baby and lap blankets, or any other items that can help keep people warm. These are sent to social service organizations all over the country.

• Size accepted: 7” x 9”
• Service area: United States

2. Knit-a-Square

This organization invites knitters and crocheters to create 8″ x 8″ squares to help keep AIDS orphans in South Africa warm. They also accept full blankets, sweaters, hats, vests, and socks suitable for toddlers to teenagers.

• Size accepted: 8” x 8”
• Service area: South Africa

3. Blankets for Canada

This longtime Canadian charity collects 8″ x 8″ squares to sew together for blankets for needy Canadians.

• Size accepted: 8” x 8”
• Service area: Canada

4. Afghan Squares for Pine Ridge Reservation

This organization knits and crochets for one of the most heavily poverty-stricken areas of the United States, the Pine Ridge Reservation. Run from a Ravelry group, this is an especially fantastic organization to knit/crochet for if you hate weaving in ends!

• Size accepted: 6” x 6” and 12” x 12”
• Service area: The Pine Ridge Reservation, United States

5. Love Squared

This Michigan-based knitting and crochet charity offers afghans to homeless children all over the United States.

• Size accepted: 8” x 8”
• Service area: United States

6. HAPpy Stitchers Afghan Project

This busy Facebook group creates afghan squares and assembles them into beautiful blankets. These then go to hospitals serving wounded soldiers.

• Size accepted: 6” x 9”
• Service area: Ohio, United States

7. Millie’s Knit With Tiny Tickers

This group coordinates knitters making bonding squares for babies who are in the hospital intensive care unit. Bonding squares came about because when a baby is in intensive care, their parents typically aren’t permitted to hold them for much time. With bonding squares, you keep one square with the baby and the other on the parent’s body. Every 12 hours, you swap the squares, which helps the parent and baby to bond by smell.

• Size accepted: 15 cm x 15 cm
• Service area: United Kingdom

I’m new to the idea of knitting for charity. How do I get started?

I’m so glad you asked. I created a free email course just for you! It’s called Getting Started with Charity Knitting, and you can get started here plus subscribe to the free Knitting Nuggets Newsletter.

Which yarn is best when knitting squares for charity?

It depends upon the charity. Most charities require a washable fiber like acrylic, but some allow wool if it’s superwash. However, you’ll need to mark such squares because some folks are allergic. Ultimately, you’ll want to check the charity’s guidelines (usually they’re listed on its website) to make sure your yarn meets their standards before you start your knitting squares project.

How many squares should I knit before I send a batch to the charity?

You can knit as many as you can comfortably afford to ship at one go! All charities currently collecting squares will be delighted with your contribution, no matter how big or how small.

Will the charity reimburse me for my expenses?

No. When you donate squares, you are donating not just your time but also the cost of your supplies and of mailing your finished knitted squares to the charity. Also, remember that many knitting charities tend to be underfunded. If you’re able to donate a dollar or two along with your knitted donation, the charity will be thrilled!

Can I knit something else for charity, instead of just knitted squares?

Yes, of course! Take a look at this post on 7 Ways You Can Start Knitting for Charity Right Away for more great ideas!

Knit a Square to Show You Care

As you can see, you have many choices for charities to send afghan/blanket squares to, as well as plenty of patterns to choose from. Why not make knitted squares your next charity knitting project and whip up a batch?

“I am focusing all my knitting on blanket squares which I know WILL reach refugees…Everything we make is going to help someone, and that’s what is crucial.”

Anne, a member of the Knitting for Charity community