UPDATE – 6-9-19: A lot has changed since I first wrote this post in 2008. The Knit for Kids organization no longer provides the knit and crochet sweater patterns I discuss in this post. They are now available only via the “Wayback Machine.”
To get access to all of the patterns, click HERE.
The Knit for Kids Project
Now that the felting craze has abated, I decided to crochet and knit some more World Vision (formerly Guidepost) Knit for Kids sweaters.
I learned about Knit for Kids project at a Crochet Guild Of America (CGOA) Chain Link Conference in 2006, I think it was, when I was still living on the east coast. I really liked the idea and the knitted sweater looked easy enough for even me to make. I’ve made several and sent them off.
The Knit for Kids Sweater Patterns
There are three patterns at the website: a basic knitting pattern; the crochet pattern; and the 10th anniversary pattern which I have been using for the knitted sweaters.
This time around, I thought I’d get fancy (for me) with colors. I remember someone at the conference saying that the children like bright colors. Makes sense, yes? So here are my attempts at adding a little color the the sweaters.
Now, I have to be honest and say that I don’t like the crochet pattern. I think it’s overly complicated and worsted weight yarn like Red Heart makes the sweater way too thick.
Yes, it’s REALLY warm, but it’s not flexible enough for my taste. One option is to use a lighter worsted weight or even DK weight yarn. I’ve been looking around for a bright colored superwash wool that’s not too, too expensive. If you know of any yarns that meet that description, I’d be interested in checking them out.
Another option is to use a larger hook, but that messes up the gauge, and you have to make adjustments as a result. But I’m thinking about designing a crochet sweater that is easy to make and looks like the knitted sweater some time soon. Don’t know when I’ll get around to it with so much else on my plate these days.
Making the Knitted Sweater on Circular Needles
One change I made with the knitted pattern this time around was to use circular needles instead of the straight ones the pattern calls for.
Since the front and the back of the sweater are carbon copies of each other, I figured I could use circular needles to make the bottom portion, then divide the front and back in half and work on each separately to complete the top and sleeves. That’s what I did with the green sweater, and it worked well, so I’m doing it with this yellow and turquoise one, too.
I use stitch markers, Christmas gifts from knitting buddy, Opal, on the bottom half to separate the front from the back so it’s easy to begin the top portion where I have to work on one at a time.
This is a worthwhile project that I think any beginning to intermediate crocheter or knitter, and advanced ones, too, might want to try.
15 comments On Crocheting and Knitting Sweaters for Charity
I’m so glad you’re making use of the stitch markers! The sweaters look great. 🙂
You are on a charity sweater roll! Hope to see you tomorrow.
THANK YOU! I’m so glad to hear some other crocheter say they didn’t like the Guideposts crochet sweater pattern. I’m the only crocheter in our church knitting group, and I think they thought I was a little whiney when I didn’t finish that crocheted sweater. Now I feel some affirmation that it wasn’t just me. I’ll be waiting for your crochet sweater pattern–it is sorely needed!
Hey Tutorgal! Thanks for stopping by. I sent you in PEM in response to your comment. Hopefully, I’ll be able to come up with something in the not too distant future.
Keep on “representin'” with the crochet!
Charity knitting looks good on you. Smile.
Stitch on!
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I’m a beginner knitter and crocheter, but a long time church worker who loves teaching. I even got to teach a several young ladies basic crocheting on a Mexico mission trip last summer! Now, I’d like to encourage some friends, (teens, adults and seniors) to join me in making some of these sweaters. When you finish the improved crochet pattern, please pass it on to me. I don’t like the thick, stiff version.
Hi Diane, I’m glad you like my version of the charity crochet sweater. The pattern for it is in the free crochet patterns section of the blog. But you can also get it here – http://goo.gl/8DlrU. Let me know if you have questions.
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I am not seeing a link that takes me to patterns for the sweater. I am a crocheter so would need that pattern. Do you have a link that will provide me with the pattern? thanks much
Hi Patricia, this is an old post from 2008 so a lot has changed since then. The only way to get these patterns is via the “Wayback Machine.” Here’s a link to all the sweater patterns, crochet and knitted:
https://web.archive.org/web/20070703233647/http://www.knitforkids.org/
The crochet pattern is a Word document, so you might want to save it as a PDF at some point,
Hope this helps. Thanks for your comment. It will help me update this post.
Thanks so much for posting the link to the archived crotchet pattern. I generally knit these sweaters but want to try crocheting one using an Afghan Tunisia style hook and pattern. Just needed the dimensions. Thanks again ?
You’re welcome, Linda!
I can’t find this sweater pattern anywhere. Would you please shar3 it with me.
Sorry for the inconvenience, Tacy. The link at the very top of the blog post, under UPDATE is where you’ll find these patterns. Here it is for your convenience –
https://web.archive.org/web/20070703233647/http://www.knitforkids.org/
Patrice
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