Blankets must be:
- NEW, and made from all new materials
- Homemade
- Washable
- Free of pins and embellishments
- Free of pet hair
- Free of smoke or chemical smells (According to studies presented at the National Project Linus Conference, these elements can NEVER be washed out of the blankets and are potentially very dangerous to a child whose health is already compromised)
- Child-friendly (we encourage you to choose colors and patterns that would be cheerful and kid-friendly)
We are no longer accepting double-layer, tied fleece blankets — as the facilities are no longer accepting them.
Please check our page on specific guidelines for making no-sew fleece, single-layer blankets.
Suggested blanket sizes include: (minimum approximately 36” x 36”)
Infant – 36″ x 36″ to 38″ x 38″
Toddler – 38″ x 38″ to 45″ x 50″
Elementary – 45″ x 50″ to 50″ x 60″
Pre Teen to Teen – 50″ x 60″ to 60″x 72″
Project Linus welcomes blankets of all styles, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable. In addition, they must come from a smoke-free environment. You don’t have to be an expert to create a blanket that is beautiful to a child! Visit our Chapters page to locate contact information for your local Project Linus chapter so that you can ask about specific current needs.
When we say “handmade” or “homemade” we mean something that is not commercially manufactured or purchased. Of course, home sewing machines, knitting machines, etc. are fine. It has always been the mission of Project Linus to donate only handmade blankets. We receive thousands of letters and thank you notes every year from children. Over and over they express how touched they are that a stranger would take the time to make something for them. They really know the difference. Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart. If you do not have the time or ability to hand craft a blanket, perhaps you would consider a monetary donation.
WHAT TYPE OF BLANKETS DOES PROJECT LINUS NOT ACCEPT?
Project Linus chapter coordinators are instructed to reject blankets that are not of excellent quality. In addition they must be free from contaminants. Special care should be taken to insure all blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. Hospitals will not accept these blankets, and they will most likely be discarded. Recent studies show laundering such blankets does not remove contamination, and in some cases can even make it worse. Again, if unusually strong smells due to chemicals used in detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets, mold and mildew or smoking products are apparent, most hospitals will discard the blanket rather than jeopardize the health of a patient. Always check blankets carefully for pins, and remove any embellishments such as buttons that could be swallowed. Thank you for helping to make sure that Project Linus blankets are safe and healthy, and will bring only comfort and security to a child in need!
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If you have questions or comments,
go to the Questions/Comments tab.
We’d love to hear from you.
Project Linus 