Knit this easy scarf and donate it to these Philly homelessness groups

We’re all spending a little more time at home. And many of us are exploring new hobbies, or delving deeper into ones we already had pre-pandemic.

Why not use those hobbies to help our community?

This project comes from Wild Hand, a Mount Airy fiber shop that offers supplies and virtual workshops for fabric crafts, like knitting, crochet, and macramé.

If you’re a beginner, the simple pattern is an ideal starting point. And if you’ve been knitting for years, you’ll be able to tackle it within a few hours or less.

When finished, consider donating your scarf to someone in need this winter. We’ve compiled a few local organizations that accept hand-knit donations. Note: Many shelters also accept hand-knit socks and hats — something to try once you’ve mastered this first project.

“Knitting is the happy place for folks, especially lately. It provides a sense of calm and focus, especially when things feel chaotic or overwhelming,” says Wild Hand owner Liz Sytsma. “And it’s super accessible. The tools are really basic — people even use pencils as knitting needles.”

Amid a pandemic that can feel isolating, Sytsma says a project like this can also create human connection.

“The community around fiber crafting is massive, and it’s very much a shared experience,” says Sytsma. “There are so many video resources out there, and people who want to pass down tips and tricks.”

Sytsma is one of those. If you run into a problem while making your scarf, stop by Wild Hand or give the shop a call. Sytsma says she’s happy to do some (socially distanced and masks-on) troubleshooting.

For a less expensive yarn, opt for an acrylic blend, like Lion Brand Yarn. “It’s synthetic, but it feels soft, and it’s more affordable than wool,” says Sytsma.

Wild Hand doesn’t sell acrylic blends, but they’re often available in its Little Free Fiber Library (see below). And you can buy what you need for this project (300 g) for as low as $10 to $15 from stores like Michaels and JOANN Fabric.

If you’re just starting out, choose a thicker yarn, like “super bulky” to finish faster. “It’s fatter, so there’s more instant gratification, which is helpful as a new learner. You can see your success growing in front of you,” says Sytsma.

On a tight budget? Check out Wild Hand’s Little Free Fiber Library. The small, wooden cabinet, located just outside the shop, is filled with crafting supplies, including yarn, tools, and fiber craft books. And it’s all free. Sytsma says she made the library to make crafting more accessible to the community and to encourage those of all skill levels and income levels to give knitting a try.

Supplies are open to all. If you need advice about how to use any of it, just pop into the shop and ask.

Got extra yarn or other fiber crafting supplies? You can donate it by dropping it off at the library or store.

Need help? Sytsma recommends this video from knitwear brand Loopy Mango:

Whether you drop a stitch or add an extra one, fixing mistakes is part of the knitting process. Don’t panic. There are tons of online videos, like this one, to teach you how to correct them. And many supply shops are happy to help you, too.

“Everything is fixable,” says Sytsma. “If it’s your very first time, let yourself try to hit a flow, and not worry as much about how perfect the stitches are. If you don’t like it at the end, you can easily unravel it and start over.”

The following shelters and organizations welcome scarf donations through the winter. This list is by no means comprehensive. If you choose a different place to donate, call ahead to make sure they accept hand-knit scarves. Donation requirements vary from place to place.

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