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 Knit The Rainbow 

Read about our partner charity and see the items we are crafting 

Read the Project Must-Knows 

Pick a pattern from our approved or suggested pattern collection

Shipping address, print a care slip & tally your donation

   this is how it works  

About
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Knit The Rainbow is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in New York City. At least 40% of the homeless youth in New York City identify as LGBTQ+. Knit the Rainbow works to empower and protect these youth by providing them with handmade knit & crochet winter clothing accessories. Knit the Rainbow (KtR) is the first organization of its kind in the United States, providing thousands of hand-made winter garments a year for homeless LGBTQ+ Youth. Our programs are dedicated to giving these youth a warm and fashionable protective layer of clothing that is imperative to their comfort and survival during harsh winter months.

 what are we crafting? 

Item Requested
Craft Type
Quantity Requested
Quantity Still Needed
Earwarmers/Headbands
Knit/Crochet
150
15
Cowls/Neck Warmers
Knit/Crochet
100
79
Fingerless Gloves/Wristers
Knit/Crochet
150
81

 project must-knows 

OKAY TO SHIP OCTOBER 1st 

​The following information comes directly from Austin Rivers, Founder of Knit the Rainbow during my 1:1 Zoom with him as well as when he spoke during one of our Sew-A-Thons. LGBTQIA+ youth living on the streets are trying to blend in. They have been thrown out of their homes for their sexuality or gender identity. They don't want a rainbow on their body to further target them on the streets. Colors that both hide dirt and help them blend in keep them safe.

 

COLORS: For safety and no access to washing facility, please use

Black

Forest Green

Dark Purples

Dark Blues

Darker Grays

Browns

Camouflage Yarns

Verigated Yarns in these color families

​​​​

Fiber Type: Washable wools and acrylic are ideal for this project.

 

What are WE making? We keep a focus on the items they receive the least of from other volunteers. 

1. Fingerless Gloves/Wristers

2. Earwarmers/Headbands

3. Cowls/Neck Warmers

While our focus is on cowls, fingerless gloves and headbands/earwarmers, KtR is accepting the following items during their winter collection and we hope you will consider sending in any items you have made:

Hats

Scarves

Socks

Sweaters

Gloves

Scoodies

Earwarmers+++

Fingerless Gloves+++

Neck Warmers/Cowls+++

+++Our focus this year as these items are the ones they receive the least of from other volunteers. 

​​

TINY HEARTS: Feel free to include some tiny hearts with your items. DO NOT attach them to your item and do not leave long strings as they attach with a tag gun. You can tally them with us, but we are not adding them as an item we are collecting because we are not encouraging people to send them unless they are already sending donations of winter items. 

Must Knows
Patterns

 cowls - scarves - scoodies 

Cowls
Crochet

Double Fringe Cowl

This is a super easy cowl that you can make quickly

Crochet

Lion Brand Homespun Fabia Cowl

This beginner project is worked back and forth in rows, then sewn together to make a ring.

Crochet

Undulating Cowl

Knit The Rainbow Designer donated pattern! This more challenging pattern is good practice at increasing and decreasing stitches!

Knit

Neck Thingum

This unisex, cozy tube helps fight off the bitter elements.

All Fiber Arts

Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarns

Our recommended and tested yarns for our partner projects!

Crochet

1-Hour Pull-Over Scarf

Super easy beginner pattern!

Knit

Straightforward Cowl

Super easy pattern for beginners. Can knit it with your favorite stitch pattern (knit/purl, cables) on the center stitches instead of garter stitch.

Crochet

Kodiak Hooded Pocket Scarf

This is an easy level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are half double crochet and seaming. It's also super fast to work up!

Crochet

Amplitude Scarf

Knit the Rainbow designer donated pattern! Vertical stripes on a fun and easy scarf with a thick fringe.

Knit

Mariner's Cowl

This fast and easy cowl with 2x2 ribbing will fit any neck!

 fingerless gloves/mittens - earwarmers/headbands 

Gloves Earwarmers
All Fiber Arts

Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarns

Our recommended and tested yarn list for our partner projects.

Crochet

Super Simple FIngerless Mitts

Crocheted in the round, an easy fingerless mitt pattern.

Crochet

Suzette Stich Ear Warmer

This beginner friendly pattern uses only single crochet and double crochet stitches. Includes multiple sizing options and video tutorial.

Crochet

Ear Warmers 3 Ways

This basic ear warmer pattern has 3 unique finishing techniques!

Crochet

Super Simple Fingerless Gloves

Quick, easy fun to make with endless color combinations.

Knit

Topless Mittens

Knit The Rainbow Designer pattern. These fingerless mittens make a quick and low-cost
project.

Crochet

Gender Neutral Ear Warmer

This easy to make tube is great for men or a nice gender neutral choice!

Crochet

Crafting Change Wristers

Easy wristers by Melanie Shovelski done in a rectangle and seamed up the side.

Crochet

Lion Brand Ribbed Headband

Easy ribbed gender neutral headband.

Knit

Crafting Change Knitted Ear Warmer

An easy, beginner project of a basic ear warmer written by Robyn Peters.

 hats and hearts 

hats hearts
All Fiber Arts

Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarn List

Our recommended and tested yarn list for our partner projects

Crochet

Tiny Hearts 3 Ways

Melanie Shovelski shares 3 patterns for tiny hearts and diagrams.

Crochet

Caron Beginner Beanie

This basic beginner beanie is fast and easy for any crocheter!

Knit

The CC Beanie

This replica of the the popular CC beanie is super easy and popular!

Crochet

Basic Crochet Hat

This simple crochet pattern is sure to please any person that receives it!

Crochet

Tiny Hearts Video Tutorial

This video shows how to make tiny hearts easily!

Knit

Skyping All-Purpose Beanie

This gender neutral all purpose beanie is great for knitters of all skill levels!

Crochet

Classic Ribbed Beanie

This easy pattern for beginners is a classic ribbed beanie for everyone!

Crochet

Give It A Whirl Beanie

The swirling ridges of this hat will take you just a few hours to complete!

Crochet

Chunky Crochet Beanie

This easy, chunky hat will keep teens toasty this winter!

Knit

How To Knit A Hat

This is beginning video tutorial teaches anyone how to knit a ribbed hat!

Crochet

Caron Slouchy Beanie

A slouch beanie is fun and oh so comfortable! Teens love its casual style to stay warm on cold winter days.

 shipping guidelines 

Knit The Rainbow accepts packages anytime you are ready to ship them. We recommend working on multiple items and collecting enough garments at home and putting together a box or poly bag full prior to shipping so you have a full box, winters are long in NYC, there is time! 

 

Knit the Rainbow has many local drop off points at local yarn shops across the country, check them out here.

Okay to begin shipping OCTOBER 1st! 

Ship to:

 NEW 2024 ADDRESS, PLEASE CHANGE IN PIRATE SHIP!

Knit the Rainbow, Inc.

4650 Broadway #2003

New York, NY 10040

​For our statement on Give Back Box go here. 

Shipping
Tally
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