Red Heart Yarns is joining forces with the Red Cross for their #StitchAHug initiative, and you can be a part of it!
The Red Cross responds to catastrophic disasters everyday, from hurricanes and floods to tornadoes and fires. In order to help out with these relief efforts, Red Heart is going to donate $250,000 to support Red Cross efforts in the US, Canada and Mexico which will go towards providing shelter, fresh water and food and other such important disaster relief services.
In addition to this, Red Heart and the Red Cross are asking those who can to #StitchAHug for someone in need. To join the cause and lend your support, knit or crochet an afghan (or work together with friends and make parts of one to join together) following the free pattern provided by Red Heart, below.
Important to keep in mind before you start:
- Contact your local Red Cross to ensure they’ll accept your donation.
- Blankets should be clean and sanitized and sealed in air-tight plastic bags.
- Blankets should measure 60×72″, per the pattern.
- Visit redheart.com/redcross to learn more
Red Heart Cares Crochet Blanket
Pattern by Michele Maks for Red Heart
Skill Level: Easy
Size: 60 x 72″
Gauge: 20 sts = 7” (18 cm); 22 rows= 7” (18 cm); in single crochet
Materials
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (100% acrylic; 364 yards [333 meters]/198 grams): #311 White (A, 8 skeins), #319 Cherry Red (B, 2 skeins)
Hook: US size J/10 (6.0 mm) hook
Notions: Yarn needle
Pattern Notes
Blanket is made of 15 12 x 12” (30 x 31 cm) squares and 10 12 x 16¼” (30 x 41 cm) rectangles, arranged as shown in diagram, and sewn together.
Pattern
Squares (Make 10 with A, Make 5 with B)
Ch 35.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (34 sc)
Rows 2-38: Ch 1, sc in each sc.
Fasten off.
Rectangles (Make 10 with A)
Ch 35.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (34 sc)
Rows 2-51: Ch 1, sc in each sc.
Fasten off.
Finishing
Using whip stitch and following diagram, sew squares and rectangles together.
Weave in ends.
For additional information on crocheting for charity, check out this great idea from I Like Crochet magazine:
I think this is a great idea. Where do I send the blanket when it is finished? Does this campaign end on a certain date?
I am willing to help with Afghan,I live in Melbourne fl
Lovely idea .Where do I find the knitting pattern please.
Wehave a knitting group at our church who will like to knit for this cause so long as there is an outlet locally.Freswater Isle of Wight UK
I can do this blanket only because I can only do with video. That is the only way I am able to.
Thank you so much.
Now I can crochet for a cause
I think crocheting a Red Cross blanket is a good idea, no matter what country you live in it all help. I don’t think the Red Cross would say no to them, for there is so many people that would be thankful for a blanket.