Each month Think Crafts will feature an organization needing handmade items from crafters – like you! This month our focus is the Snuggles Project, a program of the Hugs Society – a nonprofit 501(3)(c) charitable organization.

What is a Snuggle?

The Snuggles Project definition is “a security blanket for shelter animals.” These blankets, or other comforting projects, provide a calming effect for frightened animals which in turn makes it more likely they will be adopted. As you can see below, some animals prefer their Snuggles to the bed the animal shelter provides!

The Snuggles Project website offers crochet, knitting, sew, and no-sew patterns. Snuggles may be small blankets to be used as a blanket, mat, or bed. They can be made of yarn, fleece, or fabric.

Suggested sizes are:

• 14″ x 14″ for cats and small animals
• 24″ x 24″ for cats and small to medium dogs
• 36″ x 36″ for medium to large dogs

Not all the donated projects need to be blankets – some are “tubbies” made of yarn…

or toys.

Participants in the 22-year-old Snuggles Project program make Snuggles with the intention of donating them to an animal shelter to provide comfort and security to a homeless pet. The Snuggles Project website provides a state-by-state (and international) list of animal shelters accepting Snuggles donations. There is a printable donation form to accompany the Snuggle to increase awareness of the program. The Patterns FAQs answer many questions about appropriate projects and donation sites.

Why make a Snuggle?

There is joy in making and giving something which will provide physical and psychological comfort at a time when an animal feels the most vulnerable and hopeless. Snuggles can be a family, group, and intergenerational effort – the no-sew blankets can be made by children and seniors. The Snuggles Project does offer a membership (not required) which allows participation in the Snuggles Project Facebook Group and the Members Area.

Ready for a simple, fun project? Want a quick project to try out a new stitch or technique? Imperfections won’t matter to the animals. Someone is waiting for a Snuggle!