Scarves For Special Olympics
Started by Special Olympics Idaho in 2009, Scarves for Special Olympics gave 2,100 handmade scarves to athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters to wear during the games as a sign of unity and support. Each year the program has grown and extended to more states. In 2011, 35 states across the US participated and proudly sported over 26,000 scarves lovingly knitted and crocheted by family, friends and total strangers who wanted to show their love and support. For the 2012 Special Olympics season, this number has jumped to 40 programs and thousands more scarves are needed.
Who can help? School knitting and crocheting groups, knitting guilds, individuals, church groups, scout troops... anyone. Free patterns are available for everyone from the most novice of knitters and crocheters to those who have been knitting and crocheting for years.
Have you ever done charity knitting or crocheting?
Scarves for Special Olympics has already announced the yarn colors for 2012 so you can start knitting and crocheting early! Many people had a hard time locating the specific colors in 2011, but that will not be a problem for 2012 as crafters will have the option of two shades of red and two shades of blue. However guidelines do state both red and blue must be used within the scarf.
Red Heart Super Saver 387 Soft Navy
Red Heart Super Saver 319 Cherry Red
Red Heart Soft 4604 Navy
Red Heart Soft 9925 Really Red
Scarf Project for 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Game
Free Knit and Crochet Patterns
Each of these patterns were designed for the Special Olympics Scarf Project. Each year the official colors change, but the basic dimensions (approximately 6" wide and 54-60" long) stay the same so patterns can be used year to year.
- Curl-li-que Special Olympics Scarf by Cindy Carlson
Free crochet pattern of stripped Special Olympics scarf with curlicue fringe. Must be logged into Ravelry to download pattern. - Special Olympics Logo Scarf by Peggy Jean Kaylor
Free double knit pattern of Special Olympics logo. Must be logged into Ravelry to download. - Belgian Waffles Scarf by Peggy Jean Kaylor
Free stripe waffle knit pattern. Must be logged into Ravelry to download. - Peppermint Swirl Special Olympics Scarf by Suzetta Williams
Free twisted crochet scarf pattern. Must be logged into Ravelry to download. - Special Olympics Easy Knit Scarf by Samantha Leaver
Free beginner knit pattern from Red Heart. - Special Olympics Granny Square Scarf
Free intermediate level crochet pattern. - Special Olympics Rib Crochet Striped Scarf
Free beginner level, striped crochet pattern. - Special Olympics Rib Knit Scarf with Stripes
Free striped knit pattern. - Be Proud Scarf
Free chunky striped crochet pattern. - Heroic Striped Scarf
Free verticle striped knit scarf pattern with fancy stitches for short red stripes.
Knifty Knitters
Not a knitter or crocheter, but you still want to help? Or do you have a child who loves to craft but doesn't have the fine motor skills needed to use knitting needles or crochet hooks? Knifty Knitters are easy to use and make beautiful scarves. I have personally taught children as young as 5 years to use the round Knifty Knitters in less than 30 minutes. Not only will children enjoy learning a new craft, but they will feel special about helping out other children with their fun projects.
Have you ever volunteered for Special Olympics? Made scarves for the Scarf Project? Had a family member who's participated?
Please share you special stories and memories.