VOLUNTEER KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS

Different from other organizations, Hat Box foundation only distributes hats that are 100% hand-made. We believe something made by human hands contain a special ingredient. It is this ingredient that makes each hat unique and helps to heal the human spirit. Without the generosity of our volunteers, we wouldn’t exist. I

We encourage design creativity and we gladly accept all new, well-crafted hand-knitted or crocheted hats. While we have no pre-determined patterns, please visit our links page for free pattern downloads. Hats can be knitted or crocheted; we just ask that the crochet is more of a tighter stitch so that the hat provides enough coverage for the head.  In addition, we ask that the hats be long enough to cover the ears and nape of the neck.

Our recipients include men, women, boys, and girls so hats in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles are appreciated. 

As far as yarns go, since our hats are sent to multiple climate zones, we accept all sorts of hat weights.  But with Spring just around the corner, lighter weight hats are most appropriate for the warmer months. In addition, we like cotton and acrylic soft yarns since many of our patients have little or no hair (Bernat, Lion Brand, and Simply Soft Caron offer some great lines).

We are a non-profit with limited funds and so we ask all of our volunteers to supply their own yarn.  Occasionally we receive yarn donations which are sent back out to the volunteers. If you have any yarn to share, please feel free to send it our way. 

Please include a note with your name and address in each package (don’t worry, this is only for our internal use and your name will not be shared with anyone else.)  If you or your group is knitting on behalf of a particular cancer treatment center or group, please indicate this in each shipment and we’ll do our best to match your hats with that facility.   And if you happen to find a great pattern that you would like to share with others, feel free to send us a copy of that as well.  While we don’t prescribe to any particular hat patterns, we do like to share some of the more unique hat styles with other volunteers.

It is the generosity of our volunteers and sponsors that has enabled us to touch so many lives.  Thank you for your joining the Hat Box family.