Sewing for Charity: How to Get Started
Published May 11, 2023
Love to sew and help people at the same time? You’re in luck. In this post, we’ve rounded up some of the most basic things you need to know about sewing for charity.
According to a recent study, about 40% of Americans struggle to afford basic needs like housing and food. When these basic needs are already unmet, other needs like clothing, blankets, and bedding become a luxury.
So if you’re a sewing enthusiast who wants to help people, donating your creations to charity would be a good start. You won’t only put your talents and skills to good use but you’ll also help families in need.
If you don’t know where to start, here’s a quick guide on how to sew for charity.
What to Sew for Charity
Before talking about where to donate your sewn crafts, you first need to know what to sew.
1. Identify your beneficiaries
The first thing you need to do is determine who you want to give your creations to.
As you know, different people have different clothing needs. Some families may need infant clothes while others need blankets and quilts.
Once you’ve identified your beneficiaries, it will be easier to determine what items you need to sew.
2. Find out what they need
Now that you know who will benefit from your creations, find out their needs. Note, that I said NEEDS and not what you want to give them.
As I said, everyone has different clothing needs. If you give them just whatever clothing item you’ve sewn without taking their needs into account, those clothes may just end up in the trash.
If you’re planning to donate your creations to a charitable organization, ask them what clothing items they need. Or if you’re giving them to a family or a specific group, you can talk to them to see what exactly they need.
3. Determine any restrictions
Some clothing designs and patterns may look great to us. But they could be offensive to people from other cultures and religions.
So if you’re sewing for charity, make sure to choose designs, patterns, and symbols that aren’t offensive to people of any background.
Many organizations have certain requirements too such as hypoallergenic fabrics or no glitter. If you’re donating your creations to charity, make sure to check their websites for any donation restrictions.
Where to Donate Your Creations
There are lots of places and charitable organizations that accept donations of hand-sewn items. But most of them only accept certain items.
To make it easier for you, we’re listing down these charitable organizations based on the hand-sewn items they’re accepting.
Blankets and Quilts
Accepts: homemade blankets
If you want to provide handmade, washable blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children, this is the place to do it. Blankets of all sizes and styles are welcome. You can donate quilts, comforters, crocheted afghans, or fleece blankets. Just make sure that your donations are newly made, free of pins, washable, and do not smell of smoke.
Accepts: patriotic homemade quilts
As the name suggests, Quilts of Valor is intended for veterans and service members who have been touched by war. It’s a way of thanking them for their sacrifices for the sake of the country.
They have very specific requirements as to the size, color, and materials of the quilts. You can find all of these on their website. But the most important thing to note is that the quilts should be made of high-quality, 100% cotton fabric appropriate for adults.
Accepts: handmade quilts
Firehouse Quilts of Colorado donates quilts to children or patients in crisis. Most of their beneficiaries are victims of domestic or sexual violence and house fires, have suffered from accidents, or are currently suffering from homelessness.
They accept almost all types of quilts though they have specific size requirements. They also accept donations of fabrics and sewing supplies.
Pillowcases
Accepts: pillowcases for children
Hospitalization and life-threatening illnesses can cause great stress and trauma for both the children and their families. Providing them with whimsical pillows can greatly ease their burden in this trying time. It may not cure them of their illnesses but it can provide an emotional boost, which can also help hasten their recovery.
Children’s Clothes and Accessories
Accepts: any handmade accessory
This program by Samaritan’s Purse sends shoebox gifts to children in need all around the world. Though they aren’t a sewing charity per se, you can include a handmade item in your shoebox.
You can mail them your donations or drop them off at one of their local partner churches.
Adult Clothes and Accessories
Accepts: handmade purses
In some places like Zambia, menstruation is still stigmatized. This faith-based organization hopes to address that and keep young women in school even during their periods by providing them with purses full of hygiene supplies.
You can join their cause by sewing purses for these young women. Just download the purse patterns on their website and mail them the completed purses. You can also include a note of encouragement for the girls who will receive those purses.
Final Words
There are lots of ways to use your sewing skills and talent to help others. Just keep in mind that charitable organizations have specific requirements for donations. So if you’re planning to donate your creations, make sure to do your research first. Happy sewing!
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and devoted Christian. She has a passion for writing about topics related to morality and helping the poor and homeless. She is the lead author for the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen blog.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.
