What Makes Hand Towels a Fabulous Choice for Charity Knitting Fundraising?
Here’s why you ought to consider knitting hand towels for charity fundraising–and several delightful patterns to choose from
So you want to sell handknits to raise money for charity, and you’re wondering what you ought to knit.
That’s the purpose of this and other posts relating to knitting for charity fundraising–to help you decide what to knit and where to sell it.
And today, we’re going to discuss what makes hand towels or towel toppers a marvelous choice.
Why Knit Hand Towels or Towel Toppers for Charity Fundraising?
- If you’re knitting for a craft sale, these are great choices because they’re not sold as often as dish and washcloths. That means that at such a sale, they’ll stand out more.
- Hand towels are not only a practical item that people may purchase simply out of need; they can also be a decorative element, especially in a kitchen. This means that when you knit pretty and/or unique and/or whimsical designs, you’ll make your hand towels even more enticing.
- Knit them in a stack of two or more (three or four are even better!), and you’ll multiply their practicality. Potential purchasers can envision using one in every room, or using one and having the rest tucked into a linen closet or a drawer, ready for action when others are being washed.
- Towel toppers can be an even better choice, because they take less time to knit and can make an eminently practical item even more so. Attach towel toppers to towels, and they become instantly easier to hang and use!
Have you decided to create hand towels and/or towel toppers for your charity fundraising efforts? If so, take a look at the patterns below and find your perfect match!
Hand Towels to Tickle Your Fancy
Photo: Yarnspirations
Lily Plaid Corners Kitchen Towel
- What you’ll need to make it: 463 yards worsted weight cotton yarn (380 yard main color, 83 yards contrast color) per towel; US Size 7 needles (including 2 DPNs, to use for applied I-cord edge); US Size H crochet hook (for surface slip stitch stripes)
- Why you’ll want to: The stripes that create the plaid corners are created using a fun technique called surface slip stitches–much easier than it looks, and it creates an incredibly stylish pattern. The applied I-cord edge also creates a loop at one corner for easy hanging.
- What you’ll need to make it: 244 yards worsted weight cotton yarn (divided in two colors); US Size 7 needles; 1-inch button
- Why you’ll want to: This pretty towel pattern knits up more quickly than you might think. The mitered stitch pattern makes it fun to knit and provides a classic design.
Photo: Purl Soho
- What you’ll need to make it: 464 yards DK weight cotton yarn (divided among 4 colors); US Size 5 needles (including 2 DPNs for I-cord)
- Why you’ll want to: This pattern produces towels with a pleasantly nubby texture and is a lovely way to show off gorgeous colors of yarn.
Photo: Lion Brand
- What you’ll need to make it: 372 yards worsted weight cotton yarn (in two different colors); US Size 7 needles (including 2 DPNs for I-cord hanging loop); stitch markers
- Why you’ll want to: This is a truly dazzling towel design, with its lovely flower-and-diamond pattern. It’s a fabulous way to practice knitting from a chart, too.
Check out this blog post for more charity fundraising ideas!
Terrific Towel Toppers
Photo: Yarnspirations
Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream Towel Toppers
- What you’ll need to make it: 120 yards worsted weight cotton yarn (in 3 colors, though you’ll need very little of the two contrasting colors); US Size 7 needles; button
- Why you’ll want to: This pattern features 2 variations. One is quite simple, featuring a main color with two contrasting-colored stripes. The second is a little trickier, featuring a tea cup embroidered onto the solid-colored background! Both are delightful ways to add both decoration and practicality to hand towels.
- What you’ll need to make it: 190 yards worsted weight cotton yarn; US Size 8 needles; two buttons
- Why you’ll want to: This pattern is both simple and stylish. It’s also very simple to alter it to fit whatever size of towel you’re knitting for.
- What you’ll need to make it: 190 yards worsted weight cotton yarn; US Size 8 needles; cable needle or spare DPN; two buttons
- Why you’ll want to: This pattern was created by the same designer as the previous pattern, so you’ll spot several similarities. These include the two buttons used for fastening and the embroidered chain stitch in the middle of the towel to start. But if you love cables like I do, you’ll love knitting the cables in this towel topper!
Note: both the Ribbed and Decreasing Cable Towel Topper patterns use a technique that adds a chain of stitches from which you’ll knit the towels into place. The link to a tutorial for this no longer works; however, below is a very helpful video that demonstrates this technique.
With these patterns, you’ll enjoy knitting a stack or several of towels (or topped towels) to sell for charity fundraising!
I would like patterns (easy knitting) to make gifts for family for Christmas. My hands are painful so I
can’t knit anything large anymore. Dishcloths or hand towels please.
You can find dishcloth and washcloth patterns here: https://www.knittingforcharity.com/free_knitting_patterns/dishcloths-and-washcloths You can also find more “gift” knitting patterns, including both dishcloths and towels, here: https://www.knittingforcharity.com/invited_to_a_bridal_shower_one_of_these_knitted_gifts_patter.html
I have been knitting infant and toddler hats. Looking for a charity to send them to. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Kathy
Take a look at the charities in this category: http://www.knittingforcharity.com/knitting_charities_by_donation_item/babypreemie_items I have a particular fondness for Hats for Haitian Babies (a charity effort I’ve spearheaded with a pediatrician friend who often works in Haiti), but any of the charities here would be worthy for your efforts!