How to Crochet or Knit Baby Blankets To Donate

Bless a family with a handmade baby blanket.

Those who love to crochet or knit often find that their production outpaces the need for blankets, scarves and similar items. If you love making baby blankets but have run out of newborns to give them to, you'll need to find an outlet for your crafts. Most hospitals have a program for giving blankies to newborns upon their departure from the hospital into the great big world. Some of the parents are not exactly rich and can use any help they can get in bundling up their new little one. Let your habit bring some happiness to others.

Things You'll Need

• Time on your hands
• Easy baby blanket patterns
• Buy yarn or use leftovers
• Crochet hooks, or knitting needles.
• An area telephone book, opened to "Hospitals"

Instructions

1. Find a baby blanket pattern that works up quickly and easily, or just one you think is pretty or want to try. The quicker you work, the more blankets you can finish and donate.

2. Dig through your stash to find appropriate yarn or watch the clearance bins and sales racks to stock up. The traditional colors of baby blue and pink are not absolutely necessary. Many people like bright primary colors for their child, and neutral yellow, green and white are always fine.

3. Call local hospitals that have a maternity department to find out about donating baby blankets for newborns. Get the contact information for the project coordinator and ask about the details of delivering blankets and any requirements for donations.

4. Get busy crocheting or knitting. After all, you have some babies to keep comfy. And that warm feeling for what you've done is not limited to the babies under the blankets. You'll be feeling it as well.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find an outlet at a local hospital, look into other organizations, such as Project Linus, for your handmade blankets. Shelters and other charitable groups may also accept donations of baby blankets.