I get asked this question a lot, What kind of yarn do I use? Also, sometimes I don't get asked this question and we discover that the hat that was donated is not really usable for us.
So, What kind of yarn should you use? I would say that you should stick to a few guidelines.
So, What kind of yarn should you use? I would say that you should stick to a few guidelines.
Washable
First and foremost all hats must be machine washable and dryable. Many of the places where we send hats require that hats are machine washed and dried prior to donation. This ensures that the hats are free of allergens. If you tell us that your hats have been washed, we may wash them again.
Before the hats are donated the hats are washed in dye and fragrance free detergent.
Machine Dried
Placed in a Zip Lock Bag.
Not sure how to tell if your hat is washable, check the tag on the yarn:
Before the hats are donated the hats are washed in dye and fragrance free detergent.
Machine Dried
Placed in a Zip Lock Bag.
Not sure how to tell if your hat is washable, check the tag on the yarn:
I understand that many people love crafting with beautiful wools, and I certainly do not want to discourage that. There are many charities that accept wool hats, and you should certainly consider knitting for them.
Think Texture
All of our hats are being sent to children, most of them are going through chemotherapy. This means that they have very sensitive heads. Please consider the texture of your yarn.
If it doesn't feel soft, maybe use it for another project. If you aren't sure, try knitting a small swatch and throw it in the wash, sometimes yarns show their true texture after washing.
ALong with being soft, some yarns get really "pilly", you know what I mean, those ugly balls that show up? If you've knit with something that pills, sometimes not great for a hat.
Why? Well, when you go into the hospital fo chemo treatment, all of your clothes have to be washed again once you get home. They even recommend washing it 2 or 3 times. If a child gets a slight cold, yup, into the wash again. A lot of laundry gets done, if your hat it the favorite, it's going to get washed a LOT.
If it doesn't feel soft, maybe use it for another project. If you aren't sure, try knitting a small swatch and throw it in the wash, sometimes yarns show their true texture after washing.
ALong with being soft, some yarns get really "pilly", you know what I mean, those ugly balls that show up? If you've knit with something that pills, sometimes not great for a hat.
Why? Well, when you go into the hospital fo chemo treatment, all of your clothes have to be washed again once you get home. They even recommend washing it 2 or 3 times. If a child gets a slight cold, yup, into the wash again. A lot of laundry gets done, if your hat it the favorite, it's going to get washed a LOT.
Colors
We donate hats to children of all ages (preemie to teenagers). Try and include lots of colors and designs. We love colorful hats and designs. If you aren't sure, drop us a line on Facebook, we'd be happy to help you out!
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