Knit for Others 2024
Our 15th Annual Knit for Others is underway. This year, we are again hoping to fill the clothesline at the Welcome Desk with handmade winter items such as traditional scarves, hats, cozy mittens, even sweaters and afghans. Knitters and crocheters may use any type of wool or acrylic yarn or visit the library’s Welcome Desk, and pick up a kit with enough yarn to make a hat or a pair of mittens, along with a selection of easy patterns. Supplies are limited. Donated items can be placed in the basket near the Welcome Desk through the end of the year. In early January, these will be distributed to local organizations.
Based on feedback from our community partners about items they need most, this year we will be accepting hats, traditional wrap-around-the-neck scarves, mittens/handwarmers, afghans and sweaters.
- Hats should be in sizes for child through adult. We don’t get many requests for tiny preemie hats or small-baby hats, so please consider making hats in larger sizes. There is always a need for hats for men, so hats in dark colors are appreciated.
- Mittens of all sizes are welcome but especially sizes for preschoolers, ages 2-6.
- Scarves should be 6-8 inches wide and at least 6 feet long. Fringe is optional. Traditional styles that wrap and tie around the neck are preferred.
You can use either wool or acrylic yarns and a pattern of your choosing. Patterns can be found in our Take, Make and Donate Kits or using one of the many resources listed below.
Please email our Information Desk at refstaff@princetonlibrary.org with any questions.
History of Knit for Others
The story of PPL’s Knit for Others began in the fall of 2010 as the library was preparing for its 100th birthday. Executive Director Leslie Burger challenged her staff to think of creative and engaging projects that had something to do with the number 100. Thus the idea to collect 100 hand-knitted hats to donate was born. Time was tight, the plea to knitters went out, the clothesline at the Welcome Desk went up and the hats came pouring in immediately. We more than met our challenge with a total of 201 hats which were donated to TASK, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
Knit for Others became an annual event, made possible by the many creative and generous customers who donate approximately 200 items each year to temporarily adorn our clothesline. These are then shared with local organizations for distribution in early January.
Worldwide Knit in Public Day
Date: Early June 2025
Location: TBD
Each June, on Worldwide Knit in Public day, the library hosts a mid-day gathering of yarn enthusiasts for a few hours of crafting together. In June of 2024, we partnered with Princeton Makes at the Princeton Shopping Center and Center for Modern Aging Princeton. Check back in May 2025 to see what has been planned for June. To learn more about Worldwide Knit in Public Day in general, check out their website.
Resources
Print Book Collection
The library’s collection of knitting, crochet and other needlework books can be found in the Home neighborhood on the second floor. Included are learn-to knit-books, ones for knitting hats, scarves, socks, sweaters for all ages, accessories for the home, toys and knits for pets. There are also instruction books for specific techniques such as cables or fair isle. All are listed in the online catalog and can be searched by author, title, subject and keyword.
Here are a few highlights, especially good for Knit for Others projects:
eBook Collection
The library‘s e-book collection, found in Princeton Overdrive/Libby or Hoopla, has a vast collection of recent and classic books to read on your computer or mobile device.
You need a Princeton Public Library card to access our digital collections. If you can‘t get a card, check with your local public library to see what e-library services they offer.
Digital Magazine Collection
Titles are available through the Princeton Overdrive’s digital magazine collection. The easiest way to find the knitting/crochet/craft magazines is to search for the subject “crafts.” Titles include “Interweave Knits,” “Simply Crochet, ” “Simply Knitting” and “The Knitter.” Read on your computer or download the Libby app for reading on your mobile device. Titles in the Overdrive/Libby collection can also be found in the library’s online catalog.
Online Courses
Creativebug, a crafting database, offers more than 1,000 online art and craft classes. You can watch the instructor-led classes on your own time, at your own pace and get downloadable patterns for a variety of knitting or crochet projects. This database is only available to Princeton Public Library cardholders.