KNIT OR CROCHET THESE GREAT PATTERNS TO HELP THE HOMELESS

Homelessness is a sad reality in many parts of the world. It cannot be ignored any longer. The homeless should get as much respect as anyone else. They are, after all, a part of society.

Thankfully, there are a lot of passionate individuals and charities working hard to make life easier for the homeless.

Functionality is a significant part of making a knit or crochet pattern for anyone. It is one of the first things to consider when making crochet patterns. This is no different when making knit patterns for the homeless. 

Along with functionality, other considerations when making crochet items for the homeless include:

• Affordability
• Durability
• Color
• Combination

Functionality: When making patterns for the homeless, the biggest concern is the use. A homeless person has an entirely different expectation of a garment than a person who lives indoors. 

The homeless person wears it for protection. It shields them from the elements (the cold, blizzards, etc.). Other people may simply wear it to feel extra cozy at home. Therefore, functionality is a huge consideration to keep in mind.

Affordability: Knit and crochet items for the homeless must be affordable. This is because either a homeless person will buy it themselves or a charity will purchase large quantities for distribution. The price of the item simply cannot be ignored. 

The yarn used is also essential because, among the many valuable things invested in the knitting process, the yarn is the only thing that is exhaustible in the short term and therefore is bought recurrently.

It is vital to purchase yarns that are generally less expensive. Wool, cotton, and acrylic yarn are the three most popular yarn types. Of these three, acrylic is the least costly.

It is usual for those knitting for charity and the homeless to use acrylic or a blend of acrylic in the yarn material. Acrylic is a synthetic material; it is a soft material and a cheaper alternative to wool and cotton. 

In addition, it comes in various colors that are stable and washable.

Durability: As mentioned earlier, a homeless person is outdoors and exposed to the elements. The knits and the crochets designed for them must be made of materials that will withstand the harshness they will be subjected to while also being comfortable to wear. 

Color: A homeless person really just wants to be protected. Although most of us have the liberty of picking random colors, it is important to note that a homeless person will wear the knit over and over for a long while, leaving it unwashed. This simplifies the task for everyone.

Therefore, it is crucial to choose a color that will be able to retain its appearance even after staying unwashed for several weeks. Dull and plain colors should do the trick. 

Combination: Among crochets, the homeless find blankets, scarves, sweaters and hats the most useful. It is helpful to combine their elements together whenever possible. For example, instead of having a sweater and a hat as separate pieces, you could knit a single hooded piece. 

Other factors to take note of when knitting for the homeless are:

1. The charity that you want to knit for. If you knit for the homeless, you will most likely do it through a charity. These charities have guidelines that you need to be aware of. 
2. Beginners can knit for the homeless. Not much expertise is needed. In fact, if you are in the process of learning or just started off your career in knitting, this is a way to gain practical experience.
3. If you want to knit but are tight on budget, you can always contact a charity of your choice and explain your intentions. They might be willing to help source the materials needed.

Below is a list of some of the patterns you can check out:

Blankets/Scarves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knitted Worth Shawl – this stylish yet simple pattern will serve a homeless woman any day, any time

 

 

Hats:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweaters and Pullovers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understandably, homeless people are usually grateful for anything they get; this does not mean they don’t deserve the effort. Knitters should put as much thought, passion, and work into knitting for the homeless as possible.