Sewing for Charity: What to Know in 2024

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You can go straight to the source and ask the places you plan to give to what they need. However, there are items that nearly every place needs every year, so we thought we'd provide a starting off point so you know what to add to your sewing list.

It's so heartwarming to be able to use crafting skills for good, and donating your homemade pieces is one of the best ways to do that. For those in need, knowing that someone cares enough to make something by hand for them makes them feel loved and cared about.

Keep in mind that certain organizations might not need what you want to make. It's a good idea to check with them before making or sending anything. Most organizations have a phone number or email address for questions.

1. COVID-19/Hospital Items
   1. CDC-approved masks/clear masks
   2. Scrubs (hats, shirts, pants)
   3. Ear protectors
   4. Mask pouches/holders
   5. Mask chains
   6. Hand sanitizer pouches/holders
   7. Laundry bags
       
2. Blankets
   1. Lapghans
   2. Baby blankets
   3. Full-size blankets
   4. Fidget quilts
   5. Quilt blocks (for blankets)
       
3. Hats
   1. Baby hats
   2. Preemie hats
   3. Chemo caps
       
4. Baby and Children's Items (additional)
   1. Bibs
   2. Toys/Stuffed animals
   3. Pillows
   4. Crib/children's bedding
   5. Layette sets (complete set of clothing, bedding, and toiletry articles)
       
5. Shawls/Scarves
   1. Prayer shawls
   2. Chemo shawls
   3. Winter scarves (baby/child/adult)
       
6. Clothing (additional)
   1. Preemie/newborn/baby clothing
   2. Children's clothing (such as pajamas, shirts, sweaters, pants)
   3. Hospital gowns
   4. Burial outfits
   5. Winter clothing
   6. Baby booties
   7. Socks
   8. Slippers
       
7. Pet Items
   1. Beds
   2. Blankets
   3. Collars
   4. Toys
   5. Sweaters
   6. Scraps for cleaning/padding
       
8. Kitchen Items
   1. Oven mitts
   2. Aprons
   3. Towels
       
9. Sewing/Crafting Supplies
   1. Sewing needles and sewing machines
   2. Fabric
   3. Thread
   4. Packages of yarn/crochet thread/embroidery floss
   5. Scrap yarn/crochet thread/embroidery floss
   6. Accessories/notions (scissors, mats, rulers, buttons, travel sewing kits, etc)
       

If you're looking for somewhere to donate your projects to sometimes the best way to go is local. Though it might not be apparent right away there are always people in your community who need some help and it can be extra rewarding if you know what you're doing is helping those near you. The list provided gives some examples of of organizations that are always looking for donations.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many of these places will be needing even more assistance than usual and so your donations could really help them out!

1. Hospitals
2. Nursing homes
3. Homeless shelters
4. Cancer centers
5. Animal shelters
6. Hospice care centers
7. Churches
8. Veteran centers
9. Disaster relief locations (wildfires, floods, tornados, etc)
10. Additional governmental and non-governmental organizations

Beyond your community, there are always larger national charities that are looking for all sorts of donations. Many have started up or changed direction due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and need things like masks and other PPE.

The list below includes some that are currently accepting donations so you can get started. However, this is obviously not every charity so feel free to get inspired by the ones we have and do your own research.

These charities are looking for everything from masks to blankets to clothes so this article will also include links to different patterns for those (if the charities themselves do not include their own specific patterns).

The Sewing Army is an organization that came about in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of PPE that resulted. As PPE is now more readily avaiable their focus has shifted to helping out lower income communities who are more affected by the pandemic so they still need your donations!

University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 21 hospitals. UH has provided a list of opportunities for creating masks for caregivers, donating meals and supplies, and instructions on how to make a gift to support COVID-19-related care.

Loose Ends is an organization from Maine and Washington that focuses on "matchmaking" for unfinished projects. They welcome sewists, knitters, crocheters, and handwork crafters of all sorts from anywhere in the world to finish projects left by beloved departed.

To learn more, download their flyer here.

Baby Lock is a sewing machine company that is also all about the love of sewing. If you want to make a difference using your sewing talents, then try sewing for charity with their suggestions. Check out some of the organizations Baby Lock has supported and the projects they’re looking for to help give back.

Ryan's Case for Smiles is a charity that collects donated homemade pillowcases to give to children who are undergoing treatment in the hospitals to make their stay less scary. However, due to the pandemic they have shifted gears and are now collecting homemade masks to distribute. 

#GetUsPPE is another organization that formed in response to the global pandemic that was founded by physicians and medical researchers to provide healthcare workers around the country with PPE. You can donate masks or materials to help out other people making PPE!

Project Linus is an organization that provides blankets for children in need to give them a sense of comfort. If you love sewing blankets. You can find a local chapter and donate your time and blankets to help a child in need.

They also celebrated their 25th year in 2020!

Humanity Sews provides you the opportunity to donate a quilt, buy a quilt, train a sewist, or donate a sewing machine to help people lift themselves out of poverty. This program is dedicated to assisting those in need by teaching them a life skill in sewing so they can help themselves.

Operation First Response is an organization that provides for military personel and their families. As a sewist you can contribute by sewing a cot quilt that will be sent to people in military combat hospitals. These packages are to provide some comfort from home until they can finally come home.

Charlotte's Purpose is an organization that has a Wrapped In Love Project which seeks to offer comfort to families that lose an infant. They are always looking for sewists who would volunteer to transform wedding dresses into burial gowns for those families that are grieving.

Dress a Girl Around the World is a charity that aims to empower girls in dozens of countries by making sure they have at least one nice dress they can work. Clothing can be so important and this is a great way to help someone in need with just a simple act.

Sharing the Weight is an organization that aims to help out families that have children with special needs. Weighted blankets are amazing for helping people with mental illness and other needs get a good night's sleep which is so important to their health. They are looking for sewists to donate fabrics so they can make more.

Days for Girls International is an amazing organization that allows sewists to volunteer their services to help create kits for over a million women's periods. Periods can be incredibly stigmatizing so this service offers homemade products that these women do not have to be ashamed of so they can continute to live their lives.

The Sewing Machine Project lets you change a life simply by donating your old machine that you're not going to use anymore. When donated these machines are sent to people in other countries to help them start their own groups and improve their quality of life through sewing. 

Many organization websites include links to projects that they have already approved, but the following are popular go-tos for charity.

We've separated them into the categories we detailed in the Popular Sewn and Fabric Items for Donating section at the top of the page.

If you're specifically looking for "sewing for charity near me" type projects, we'd suggest looking up your local charities and seeing what they need, then searching here for those patterns or on our site, where you will find more.


COVID-19/Hospital Items

1. How To Sew A Face Mask
2. 3D Face Mask Pattern
3. Comfiest Child Size Face Mask
4. How to Make a Clear Face Mask
5. DIY Face Mask Keyring Case
6. DIY Face Mask Holder (shown below!)
7. Scrub Cap Pattern
8. Surgical Scrub/ Bandana/ Chemo Hat
9. Unisex Scrubs Pants Free Pattern
10. DIY Laundry Bag

Blankets

1. Gingham DIY Baby Quilt
2. How to Make a Soft Baby Blanket (shown below!)
3. How to Make a Fidget Quilt
4. 10 Minute Receiving Blanket
5. Preemie Cuddle Blanket for Charity
6. Bound Edge Lap Blanket Pattern
7. Simple DIY Weighted Blanket Tutorial
8. Critter Nursery Blanket Knockoff
   
   BONUS! Hands-on-Heart Post Op Pillow

Hats

1. Stylish Chemo Headwear (shown below!)
2. Little Bandana Hat
3. Pom Pom Fleece Hat Sewing Pattern
4. Baby Knot Hat Pattern and Tutorial
5. Cuffed Baby Hat Pattern

Baby and Children's Items

1. Adorable Sewn Baby Bib
2. Baby Towel and Washcloth Set
3. Warren the Charity Bear (shown below!)
4. DIY Plush Corgi
5. 8 x 8 Crinkle Taggie Baby Toy
6. Magic Pillowcase Tutorial
7. Tooth Fairy Pillow Pattern
8. U-Shaped Baby Pillow Tutorial
9. DIY Crib Sheets
10. Make Your Own Fitted Bedding

Shawls/Scarves

1. 15-Minute DIY Nursing Cover (shown below!)
2. Baby-Approved Winter Cover Up
3. Scarf to Blanket Convertible Clothing Pattern
4. Fuzzy Fleece Infinity Scarf
5. Scrappy Infinity Scarf
6. Keep it Cool Scarf

Clothing

1. New Born Baby Girl Outfit
2. Easy Hospital Gown for Toddlers (shown below!)
3. Newborn DIY Onesie Gowns
4. One Hour Kids' Pajama Pattern
5. One Yard DIY Leggings
6. How to Make Slippers From Jeans

Pet Items

1. Winter Dog Coat (shown below!)
2. Junk Food DIY Cat Toys
3. 2 Hour DIY Dog Bed
4. 15 Minute Pet Bed Tutorial
5. DIY Scrappy Pet Leash
6. Unforgettable Kitty Leg Warmers
7. Cuddly Dog Sweater Sewing Pattern
8. Puppy Love Dog Bandana

Kitchen Items

1. Love and Oven Mitts (Charity Drive)
2. Easy Patchwork Aprons
3. Adjustable Kitchen Apron
4. Hanging Kitchen Towel Pattern (shown below!)
5. Reusable Hanging Kitchen Towels

1. As mentioned above, if you're unsure that your charity of choice is still accepting what you're looking to donate, it wouldn't hurt to contact them via email or a quick phone call.
    
2. Some charities do not accept donations from homes with pets or smokers as this could trigger allergies or other illnesses. Contact first before donating if this applies to you!
    
3. Along the lines of triggering allergies, remember that some people are allergic to wool or other yarn materials. Softness is also important, particularly with baby items.
    
4. Contactless or protected delivery is key with the COVID-19 epidemic, so make sure proper precautions are followed when sending or dropping off your items. 
    
5. Think global, act local! It might save you time, money, and energy to find a local chapter of a national organization or a smaller but local place in need of your sewn charity items.
   
   Contact community organizers or ask around in your neighborhood groups to donate to someone close by. That way you can drop it off and see their reactions in real-time.