Give Back by Knitting Kindness

Today is World Kindness Day, and what better way to spread kindness than to put your knitting skills to charitable use? Many organizations and charities take knit items as donations, such as hats, mittens, socks, and blankets. Donate your knit projects to your local charities, religious organizations, and charitable organizations. Use your talent and needles for good by knitting to give back. Both people and animals can benefit from your donations, and there's nothing better than serving the world with a side of craftiness.

BabyCenter

This adorable baby beanie with bunny ears is suitable for intermediate knitters.  As is, the pattern is sized for three to six month olds, but could easily be made for smaller or larger headswith a little tweaking.  Make this with a 100-gram ball of bulky, twelve-ply yarn and 25 grams of a DK weight contrast.

Lion Brand

These darling cat and mouse mittens are easy to make, and are sure to bring a smile to a chilly child this fall.  The pattern comes in three sizes.  These mittens can be tackled by a beginner or someone's who's a little rusty, and the tutorial includes a link to this extensive collection of instructional knitting videos.

Ravelry user ladyinblue66

Learn the basics of knitting socks, and make them in any design and size you fancy.  Socks are an essential, and can usually be donated.  In a dark, neutral color, these socks can be sent to service men and women on deployment via various organizations.

Snuggles Project

The Snuggles Project accepts donations of knitted "snuggles" - cozy mats for animals to lay on - and distributes them to animal shelters.  This faux fur snuggle is suitable for beginners, and there are many other patterns of varying complexity on this website for those looking for a challenge.  These patterns can also be easily sized up or down to create blankets or scarves.

iMake

Blanket squares are a fun way to use up scrap yarn, and make wonderful group projects.  For confident beginners who can knit together, cable, and pick up stitches, these squares would make a wonderful gift as anything as small as a mug rug or wash cloth, to a full-sized blanket.

Caring Caps

If you're new to knitting, this easy loom-made beanie may be just the project to get you started.  Caring Caps collects donated caps, blankets, and toys, which are sent to children in developing countries.  They offer everything you need to get started - including the loom and yarn - and can teach you to knit remotely.