Do you fancy knitting some socks for charity?

Do you love knitting socks, but are running out of worthy recipients? Have you thought about knitting some socks for charity? I know that lots of my Marathon Sock Knitters* love to knit socks, but only have so many people to give them to, so I have found two charities that are currently collecting socks to donate. You might want to make a pair to consider donating a pair during the Marathon Sock KAL.*

Marie Curie Sock Quest

Image copyright Flower Power Fund

The Marie Curie Sock Quest is back for its fourth outing, after being rudely interrupted by COVID last year. Marie Curie cares for people living with terminal illnesses, and their families. Every year, some patients have to spend Christmas in Marie Curie hospices, and Sock Quest aims to distribute hand-knitted socks to all those patients this Christmas.

All you need to do to join in is to knit a pair of socks: any pattern, any size, and get they to Maire Curie Sock Quest in time for Christmas. One thing to bear in mind is that cancer patients often have slightly swollen feet, so you might want to make the socks a little bit wider than you normally would.

Image copyright Rosie's Moments

There is an official yarn for the Sock Quest: Daffodil Reflection by Rosie’s Moments. The yarn is inspired by daffodils and is a fabulous bright yellow. Even better, £2 from each skein will be donated to Marie Curie, who rely on donations to continue to provide care. If you would rather use your own yarn, or hand-dyed yarn is beyond your means, choose a different yarn that is inspired by daffodils: think lovely spring yellows and oranges and greens.

Socks for WMAS

Image copyright Socks For WMAS

Socks for WMAS is looking for hand-knitted socks to give to the ambulance staff at West Midlands Ambulance Service. There are about 500 staff, which means they need a lot of socks! You can knit the socks in any yarn you like, so this is an excellent excuse to go stash diving! Socks can be any pattern, and in any adult size.

I would rather donate somewhere more local, who should I knit for?

Homeless shelters are always looking for warm clothing to donate to people living on the streets, and there is likely to be one near you. Homeless shelters generally request that socks are knitted in wool/nylon blend, washable yarns, in darker colours. Thicker socks are very welcome because they are important in keeping people’s feet warm.

Image copyright Knit for Peace

Knit For Peace almost always have a request out for hand-knitted socks. Knit for Peace donate socks wherever they are needed, currently mostly in the UK. During the pandemic, the charity have been overwhelmed with donations, so have requested that people hold on to their knitting for a little while so they can get things in order. Keep an eye on their website to see when they are open for donations again.

What size should I knit?

It’s totally up to what size you knit. Most charities request adult sizes, but do note that most of the socks they receive are in smaller adult sizes. If you want your socks to be really well-received, think about knitting a larger size – UK 9 or bigger. 

*Want to know more about the Marathon Sock KAL? You can find all the details here.