UPDATE JANUARY 28TH, 2012: We are pleased to have gathered 200 scarves and toys for foster children! This project is now officially closed. NOTE: Because the need for small soft stuffed toys goes on year-round, we will continue to accept softies only (not scarves or hats) for delivery to foster children until further notice as a sideline to future projects. AND do look for our next crafting-for-a-cause project to kick off about March, 2012.
Our Autumn 2011 project, Cuddlies for Foster Kids, is a great way to bring comfort to children in difficult times. But we also can’t help getting excited about all the free craft patterns available online! Our short list features knitting, crocheting, and sewing patterns that meet, or can be sized to meet, the project requirements. Some are extra easy, with video tutorials–and we mean super-duper simple (one pattern requires only half an hour and the ability to use scissors). Others are easy, and still others are more challenging. All are free, though some sites require log-in. Of course, feel free to use a different pattern or design your own so long as it meets the project specifications.
Super-easy with video instructions
- Sewn teddy bear
- http://www.spreadawareness.info/simpleprojects.html Scroll down to find the video on how to make a teddy bear, then print the pattern at size or shrink slightly. Feel free to embroider or clothe the bear!
- To add a patchwork quilt approach to the above pattern, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7gGgOrRhxc
- No-sew fleece scarf: http://www.spreadawareness.info/simpleprojects.html Scroll down to find the video on how to make a scarf. Note: You will need to cut off the selvage of the fabric (the edges that curl or pull slightly) before making this scarf. To vary the width of a scarf, measure the end and make evenly spaced cuts for the fringe (making sure that each width of fringe is at least 1″ in width).
Easy
- Sewn bunnies
- http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/03/tutorial-and-pattern-recycled-mooshy.html
- http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2011/01/its-fluffy-its-stuffy-its-a-bunny.html For an even easier pattern, decorate the bunny with a necktie or ribbon rather than a dress.
- Knit animals
- http://petitepurls.com/Fall09/fall2009_anything.html Worsted weight yarn (4).
- http://petitepurls.com/Summer11/summer2011_p_fruit.html Fingering or sock weight yarn (2).
- Crocheted bear: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80687AD.html Amigurumi. Calls for worsted weight (4), but one way to trim it down to the desirable size for this project is to try it in DK weight (3).
- Sewn flannel scarf: http://amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/cozy_scarf.pdf Make as is for teens (or shorten to 60″). For younger children, change size to 45 x 12″.
- Cotton-backed scarf: ttp://amybutlerdesign.com/pdfs/cozy_scarf.pdf Make 60 X 7″ for teens and 45″ X 6″ for younger children.
Knit scarf
- Knit scarf: http://knittingqueen2.blogspot.com/2005/08/manly-scarf.html Doubling the yarn is not necessary if you use worsted (4), bulky, or super bulky yarn.
- Crocheted scarves
- http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/cwe-wizardScarf.html?r=1 Harry Potter-style. Worsted weight (4).
- http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/cps-oneSkeinScarf.html DK (3) or worsted (4) weight.
More challenging
- Sewn dinosaur: http://littleblackteapot.blogspot.com/2011/05/stuffed-dinosaur-with-sewing-pattern.html At the size required for this project (pattern pieces printed without enlargement), the foot pads are hard to sew on, so just sew the legs together at the bottom instead and leave a space on the side belly for stuffing.
- Knit football: http://knittybutton.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/plush-football/ Worsted weight yarn (4).
- Crocheted dinosaur: http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/pattern-finder/crochet-patterns/toys-to-crochet/crochet-a-dinosaur-amigurumi-free-pattern-54124 Amigurumi.
- Boys’ flannel pocket scarf: http://www.momtastic.com/home-and-living/home/109518-diy-boys-cozy-flannel-scarf
- http://jubileehomespun.com/Project_Ideas/Homespun_Quilted_Ragged_Scarf.htm Should work with pretty much any cotton quilting fabric and very lightweight or lightweight batting.
- Rag quilt sewn scarf: http://jubileehomespun.com/Project_Ideas/Homespun_Quilted_Ragged_Scarf.htm Should work with pretty much any cotton quilting fabric and very lightweight or lightweight batting.
- Knit scarf: http://knitomatic.blogspot.com/2004/12/free-basic-cabled-scarf-pattern.html Use worsted weight (4).
Web sites with lists of free craft patterns
Check out our links page for some sites that list free online craft patterns. (Be sure to read the project specifics before choosing a pattern for this project.)
What’s next?
Get crafting! And do check back with our project blog for updates.
