Knit The Rainbow
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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 | Knit/Crochet | 200 | 0 |
Fingerless Gloves | Knit/Crochet | 100 | 0 |
Warm Winter Hats | Knit/Crochet | 100 | 21 |
project must-knows
Knit the Rainbow will end their winter garment collection
February 28, 2023.
We are excited to help again this year and have a goal to send 200 items. Our focus this year is on wristers (fingerless gloves) and earwarmers as these are the two items that they say are the hardest for them to get and the ones they need the most.
While you are welcome to use any color yarn for your projects, we are not literally "knitting the rainbow". 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.
Also, while unsheltered, they have little access to wash their clothing, so dirt shows. We recommend for these two reasons, using darker color yarns that will allow these youth to blend in to their surroundings and also retain dignity by not having dirt show.
Dark greys, dark blue, navy, forest greens, dark purple, black. Variegated yarns in this color family are strongly recommended. While we won't "forbid" yarns of other colors, we hope you can see why we suggest these colors. And this was discussed during our vetting process with Austin Rivers, founder of KtR.
Washable wools and acrylic are okay for this project. While our focus is on fingerless gloves and earwarmers, they are accepting the following items during their winter collection and we hope you will consider sending in any items you have made:
Hats
Scarves
Socks
Neck Warmers/Cowls
Sweaters
Gloves
Scoodies
Earwarmers+++
Fingerless Gloves+++
+++Our focus this year
They are NOT collecting tiny hearts this year as they received an overwhelming response last year!
cowls - scarves - scoodies
Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarns
Our recommended and tested yarns for our partner projects!
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.
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!
Amplitude Scarf
Knit the Rainbow designer donated pattern! Vertical stripes on a fun and easy scarf with a thick fringe.
Lion Brand Homespun Fabia Cowl
This beginner project is worked back and forth in rows, then sewn together to make a ring.
Undulating Cowl
Knit The Rainbow Designer donated pattern! This more challenging pattern is good practice at increasing and decreasing stitches!
fingerless gloves/mittens - earwarmers/headbands
Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarns
Our recommended and tested yarn list for our partner projects.
Super Simple FIngerless Mitts
Crocheted in the round, an easy fingerless mitt pattern.
Suzette Stich Ear Warmer
This beginner friendly pattern uses only single crochet and double crochet stitches. Includes multiple sizing options and video tutorial.
Super Simple Fingerless Gloves
Quick, easy fun to make with endless color combinations.
Topless Mittens
Knit The Rainbow Designer pattern. These fingerless mittens make a quick and low-cost
project.
Gender Neutral Ear Warmer
This easy to make tube is great for men or a nice gender neutral choice!
Crafting Change Wristers
Easy wristers by Melanie Shovelski done in a rectangle and seamed up the side.
Crafting Change Knitted Ear Warmer
An easy, beginner project of a basic ear warmer written by Robyn Peters.
hats and hearts
Crafting Change Recommended & Tested Yarn List
Our recommended and tested yarn list for our partner projects
Basic Crochet Hat
This simple crochet pattern is sure to please any person that receives it!
Skyping All-Purpose Beanie
This gender neutral all purpose beanie is great for knitters of all skill levels!
Classic Ribbed Beanie
This easy pattern for beginners is a classic ribbed beanie for everyone!
Give It A Whirl Beanie
The swirling ridges of this hat will take you just a few hours to complete!
How To Knit A Hat
This is beginning video tutorial teaches anyone how to knit a ribbed hat!
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. This is a brand new address recently verified on 10/16/21 with their Executive Director. 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!
Ship to:
Knit the Rainbow, Inc.
456 W 167th St
Unit 1D
New York, Ny 10032
If your box will cost you more than $20 to ship, Knit the Rainbow is partnered with Give Back Box to get you a $20 UPS label from Give Back Box and ship up to 50 pounds and 108" in girth. After you receive your label, please immediately email Monika info@givebackbox.com and ask for a "fresh" label with an unused tracking number. You will get a new label in 1-2 days. This is the label you should use.