This week the war in Ukraine enters its third month. I can’t imagine what it must be like to experience war like this. My great great grandparents immigrated to Canada from this part of the world in the 1910s when there were rumours of war, and I am grateful for the peace and freedom I’ve known my whole life in this country. With so many people in Ukraine experiencing upheaval and uncertainty (at minimum), it is hard to know how to help. There are many charities and places to donate, and maybe you’ve already heard about this or done this, but I saw a great idea on Instagram in the early days of the war to support Ukrainian makers: we can buy digital files from them on Etsy! The Etsy shop owner doesn’t have to do anything (like make a product and ship it to you) because the process is automatic and there’s no physical item to worry about. You get something beautiful or helpful to use and the designer has some income. I’ve already bought a couple of crochet patterns and an embroidery pattern and I’ve been on the lookout for more. So, I’ve rounded up some great patterns and digital files from Ukrainian designers for you to support some makers who could use it right now.
*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*
There are a number of prolific designers from Ukraine and many of them design the cutest amigurumi toy patterns, like this Big Sloth Crochet Pattern from Your Loved Toy. I always try to include a link to the shop of the patterns I feature because I want my readers to be sure that these aren’t all my designs and if they like them, they can check out more of their patterns, but it is especially important for the purposes of this post. Check out more of Natalia’s patterns at Your Loved Toy if you like this Big Sloth Crochet Pattern.
You can search for more patterns or digital files yourself, by going to Etsy, searching “digital files” or “crochet pattern” or “knitting patterns” and then click “All filters” and enter “Ukraine” in the Shop Location filter. Or just click one of those linked words, depending on what you’re looking for. Make sure to read the description to ensure you are buying a digital product and not a physical product, or you might be disappointed with delays and may cause unnecessary stress to an indie maker who is already struggling right now.
Blue Rabbit Toys has sooooo many lovely amigurumi crochet patterns. I’ve featured many of Irina’s patterns before and didn’t realize she was based in Ukraine. So many fun and unique little crochet patterns. Pick up this Spirit of Apple Tree Amigurumi Pattern to help support her and provide some stable income during this tumultous time.
Make a cute Plush Bumble Bee Amigurumi with this quick and easy pattern from Toyslvanna. This pattern is beginner level and it uses chenille yarn which is thick and bulky so it works up quickly to make this sweet little bee in no time!
This adorable little Easy Crochet Octopus Pattern from Easy Crochet Designs contains 7 pages and 20 photos and is a perfect pattern for beginners! It would make a great lovey for a baby, as all of the accessories are sewn on and there are no buttons or safety eyes.
This sweet Crochet Tank Top Pattern from Beach Wear Room is a great little number to crochet up for summer. It’s almost spring and eventually it will be warm enough to be able to wear one of these cute tops outside! If you get started now, you’ll be all ready to go as soon as the temperatures allow!
Another adorable amigurumi pattern for you to choose! This Monster Sam Amigurumi Crochet Pattern from JuliHMtoys is a super cute little monster toy you can make for a kid that you love. What an adorable way to support an indie designer in Ukraine!
It may not be spooky season right now, you can always get started early by picking up this Poisoned Apple Crochet Pattern from Fayni Toys.
This sweet little Amigurumi Penguin Crochet Pattern from Little Magic House is the perfect tiny gift to make for a friend or a special kid. He’d be a great little desk companion, or put him on a keychain and bring him with you wherever you go!
Make this sweet Crochet Mermaid Pattern for a lovely DIY gift for a mermaid loving child. This tutorial from Lovenika Design is available in English, Spanish, Germain, and Italian!
Making this classic Vintage Wool Dress Knitting Pattern from KnitVintagePatterns is the perfect way to spend Lent, knitting and praying for the people of Ukraine and all others caught in and displaced by war.
Just when I think I can wrap up this post, I find another adorable pattern from another (different!) Ukrainian designer, like this Spring Big Gnome Crochet Pattern by PropsToys
And since there were so few knitting patterns in this week’s round up, I’ve got this Knitted Flat Christmas Elf Doll Knitting Pattern from SimplyToys13. Again, it’s not the Christmas season right now and it comes every year, so if you want to be prepared, why not start early? I know I’m always either knitting or crocheting last minute or coming up with something different because I didn’t give myself enough time to make something special for someone.
Go grab a few patterns or digital art from some Ukrainian designers today and help them get some cash flow during a time when they might not have other reliable ways to meet their needs. Pin it for later and share with your friends!
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