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Supporting Operation Gratitude
What is your cause? Most people have at least one. Having a cause allows us to be part of something greater—something that is doing good in the world. It is fulfilling to reach out beyond ourselves. My dad served in the U.S. Army for nearly 30 years so one of the causes that I enjoy supporting is Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude sends care packages to active duty troops, first responders, veterans, wounded heroes, and military families.
A handmade hat or scarf is included in each care package sent. Operation Gratitude does have a couple of simple crochet scarf patterns, but I wanted to create my own. I’m kind of loving the bean stitch right now, so I created this Simple Bean Rows Crochet Scarf Pattern. Each scarf takes less than one 4.5 oz skein of Loops and Threads Impeccable yarn and a few hours to work up.
It doesn’t take much time or yarn to show a soldier or first responder that you care!
Simple Bean Rows Crochet Scarf Supplies
~ 1 Loops and Threads Impeccable Yarn 4.5 oz skein I use about 3.5 ounces per scarf. When choosing a color, please note the following guidelines from the Operation Gratitude website.
“We ask that you use a size 4 medium worsted weight (DK/Aran) yarn in muted colors that will match our troop’s uniforms. Blues, greens, grays, reds, browns, tan, and black are all good choices and also appropriate for both male and female troops. You can also use multi-colored yarn in these colors. Please do not send solid white hats or scarves. We have reviewed our policy with our Military advisors and have been cleared to accept a red, white, and blue combination.”
~ Size J Crochet Hook (see NOTE below)
~ Yarn Needle
~ Scissors
NOTE: The gauge isn’t terribly important for this pattern. However, the scarves for Operation Gratitude must be between 4 and 6 inches wide and 48 to 50 inches long. My scarves are 5 inches wide and 48 inches long.
The Bean Stitch
You will need to know how to do the bean stitch to crochet the Simple Bean Rows Crochet Scarf. The first few stitches may feel a little awkward, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
Bean Stitch: Insert hook in the next stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over (YO), insert hook in the same stitch and pull up a loop, YO, insert hook in the same stitch and pull up a loop (6 loops on hook), YO, pull through all six loops. Chain (CH) 1.
Tip: Keep all the loops on your hook loose to make it easier to pull your hook through all 6 of them. Don’t forget to CH 1 at the end of each Bean Stitch. This completes the stitch and holds everything together.
If you are a visual learner, click over to my Crochet Videos Page for a great bean stitch tutorial by The Crochet Crowd.
Instructions
Let’s go!
Loosely chain 16.
Row 1: Beginning in the second chain from hook, single crochet (SC) 1 in each stitch across. (15 SC)
Rows 2-4: Chain 1; turn. SC 1 in each stitch. (15 SC)
** Begin Pattern **
Row 5: Chain 1; turn. SC 1 in first stitch. *Bean Stitch (BS) in the next SC, skip next stitch.* Work from * to * across. SC 1 in last stitch. (7 BS and 2 SC)
Rows 6-7: CH 1; turn. SC 1 in first stitch. In the second loop on top of each BS in the previous row, work BS 1. SC 1 in last stitch. (7 BS and 2 SC)
Row 8: CH 1; turn. SC 1 in first stitch. Skip next stitch (first loop on first BS). Work SC 1 in each remaining stitch across. (15 SC)
Rows 9-14: Chain 1; turn. SC in each stitch. (15 SC)
** End of Pattern **
Repeat Pattern until the scarf measures about 46 inches. I crocheted the Pattern 15 times.
Crochet one more Pattern, leaving off last 3 rows of single crochet. Finish off.
Donating your Bean rows Crochet Scarf
I love the added texture that the bean stitch adds to the scarf. It just enhances it without being overly difficult. The only drawback is that it does make the scarf bulkier than a plain single or double crochet scarf would be.
Rolling for Shipping
For packages sent by Operation Gratitude overseas, scarves must be rolled and must measure no more than 3.25 inches for the rolled diameter. According to a post from the Operation Gratitude in Action Facebook page:
“To ensure that your scarves and hats will fit in our care packages, we use a small box that measures 3 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ and test each item. Your scarves and hats must be able to fit in that box, or it won’t be able to be sent to our troops. If they are slightly larger than the box, they will be sent in care packages to Veterans, Wound Heroes, and their caregivers. For truly oversize items, they will be hand-carried to the Los Angeles VA or given to a partner nonprofit to be handed out to homeless veterans.”
For my Simple Bean Rows Crochet Scarves, I roll mine up tightly and secure with two rubber bands. Then I pop them in a box and ship them to Operation Gratitude.
If you can’t get it rolled to 3 1/4 inches . . . try leaving off one pattern repeat. So crochet the beginning 4 rows, 14 pattern repeats, and the final partial pattern. The initial length will be less than 48 inches, but it will stretch as you roll it for shipping.
Add a Note
Optional! It is a nice addition to include a short note from you in each scarf. It can be as simple as “Handmade with Love” or “God bless you!” or “Thanks for your service!” Roll your notes inside each scarf. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can even include your name and email address for a possible thank you note from the recipient. However, our troops are busy so don’t expect a thank you with each item you donate. I do think it’s nice for them to know that there is a real person on the other end who made the scarves for them.
I like to dress my notes up a bit with pretty paper.
- Using a large punch, cut shapes from light colored or decorative paper.
- Punch a hole in one end of the shape.
- Write your note on the front for solid colors and on the back for patterned paper.
- Secure your note to your scarf with a little twine, cord, or extra yarn.
Shipping Instructions
For shipping instructions and other guidelines, click on over to Operation Gratitude’s Knitting and Crocheting page and scroll to the bottom. You will need to fill out a donation form and spring for packaging and shipping yourself. It’s all part of the gift!
I hope you enjoy making these scarves! And even more, I hope you enjoy making something to brighten someone’s day. I’d love to see photos of your finished scarves or other donations for Operation Gratitude or for whichever is your favorite cause.
Enjoy!
~ Lucinda
