Quick and Easy Crochet Scarf for Charity Sugar, Spice and Yarn

Finding ways to give back to my community has always been important to me. It is something that my mom instilled in me, and it just seems to be part of my makeup. Whether it is donating items from around the house instead of throwing them out, or crocheting items for the local shelter, I like to look for small ways to help throughout the year.

Because of this part of me, I’ve been feeling the need to share a quick and easy pattern with you for a crochet scarf for charity that you can create to donate in your area. You can absolutely make this scarf for yourself or to give as a gift too, it is not limited to only charity projects!

gray crocheted scarf lying on a plum knitted background

Is there anything I should consider before I start crocheting for charity?

Before I jump into the pattern, I want to share a few considerations when creating items for charity.

It should be nice and not shabby, but it does not have to be perfect! Do not let the quest for absolute perfection stop you from creating something to donate.
The yarn you use needs to be machine washable. You don’t know who the recipient will be or what resources they have available, so an easy care item is a must.
Use quality (preferably new) yarn for your items. Receiving a handmade item can be a small token that someone cares, but that sentiment can be diminished if the item is obviously thrown together with worn out or damaged materials.
Acrylic, wool or wool blends are your best bet since they are hypoallergenic. Use the feel test to make sure the yarn feels like something you would like next to your skin. If it feels scratchy as a skein, it will still be scratchy once it is crocheted.
Neutral and darker colors are usually preferable. Neutrals do not draw any unwanted attention to the recipient and darker colors are less likely to show dirt.
If you are creating for a specific organization, always check with them before you start to see if they have any specific requirements. Some organizations have length limits for scarves or only accept certain materials or colors.

What do I need to create a Crochet Scarf for Charity?

To make this scarf, you need just a few items:

One skein (at least 6 oz) worsted weight (#4) yarn – machine washable, acrylic/wool/or a blend
Crochet hook – size H/5 mm
Scissors
Darning needle

How to make the Scarf

Begin by chaining 21 to create the foundation chain.

Row 1: Starting in the second chain from the hook, half double crochet (hdc) in each chain across. You will have 20 hdc stitches.

light gray crocheted row of half double crochet stitches on a wooden background

Row 2: Turn. Chain 1, making sure your turning chain is not too tight. This chain does not count as a stitch. Work a hdc stitch into each stitch across. Make sure you do not miss the first and last stitch.

If it is helpful, you can place a stitch marker in the first and last stitches of the row to help you keep track. Or, you can count after each row to make sure you have 20 stitches.

Continue repeating Row 2 until your scarf is the desired length. Standard scarf length is anywhere from 50 inches to 85 inches. My sample is about 65 inches long. You can also work until your yarn is gone!

close up of light gray crochet scarf for charity worked in half double crochet stitches

Once you’ve reached the desired length, cut your yarn and weave in the ends. When weaving in, work back and forth at least 2, but preferably 3 times to make sure it does not unravel.

Can I use a different weight yarn?

You can absolutely use a different weight yarn for this project! In fact, the gauge is not important for this pattern at all – just make sure your tension is consistent. Just keep in mind that different weights of yarn will yield different results. Make sure you match your hook size to the yarn you choose. If you choose a thinner yarn, you might want to increase the foundation chain (and number of stitches) to make sure your scarf is wide enough. A thicker yarn may require fewer stitches in the foundation row to reach the desired width.

Should I wash the scarf before donating?

Whether to wash or not often depends on personal preference. If you are donating to a specific organization, definitely check with them first to see if they have requirements. I often do wash items before donating to make sure any residue from lotions I may have used are removed, as well as any other potential allergens that may have hitched a ride if I took my work on an adventure. Yes, some people are allergic to detergents, but my thinking has always been that a detergent is expected where some of these other possible irritants are unknown.

Where should I donate my crocheted scarf?

There are lots of possibilities! Here are a few suggestions:

Local warming or homeless shelter
Local women’s or domestic violence shelter
Place them around town for anyone who needs some warmth (see “I’m not lost” tags below)
“Knit Your Bit” through the National WWII Museum – distributes handmade items to veteran’s centers, hospitals and service organizations around the United States
Handmade Especially for You – distributes scarves to women’s shelters
Warm Up America – distributes many different items through tons of organizations!