Christmas at Sea

Since 1898, during the Spanish American War, volunteers of the Seamen’s Church Institute have knitted, collected, packed, and distributed gifts to mariners who are miles away from home during the holidays. The gift consists of a handknit garment, a personal letter, and information on SCI’s services for mariners. In addition to this, SCI also includes several useful items like hand lotion, lip balm, and toothbrushes—things difficult to come by when working long stretches on the water.

Knitting groups around the country connect with SCI in weekly knitting meetings at churches and at knitting-sponsored events. Through online sites like Ravelry and the CAS blog (blogs.seamenschurch.org), the Institute works with hundreds to make the program effective.

The historic name of this volunteer program, Christmas at Sea, only partially describes the work of the people who make holidays a little warmer for mariners. While gift distribution happens during winter months, collection and creation of items happens year round, and while many gifts go to international mariners working "at sea," thousands of gifts also go to mariners working on inland waterways here in the United States.

Yarn Order Form

Participation Guidelines

Knitters may choose any of the patterns published by SCI. Please use yarn that can be laundered by machine for all garments you send—4-ply or worsted weight yarn for all but the socks, which are knitted with 2-ply or sock-weight yarn.

When choosing your colors, remember most mariners are men. Rose, pink, lavender, and other pastels are not appropriate colors. Please do not mix yarns within the garment. For variety, you may use ombre, variegated, tweed, or flecked yarns.

If obtaining yarn is difficult for you, or if you are on a fixed income, the Seamen’s Church Institute can send it to you at no cost. Or, if you would rather purchase your yarn from us, we suggest a donation of $2.50 per skein.

Finished garments should be sent throughout the year to Christmas at Sea, 241 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. Please be sure to include your name and address within the package so we can acknowledge its receipt. Also, SCI encourages knitters to include a personal note or photograph.

Gift packing begins not long after Labor Day and continues right up until Christmas. While we receive donations January through December, it is most helpful to us to receive your donations in the fall.

Patterns

The following patterns are PDF downloads. You will need Abode Acrobat Reader to view and print these patterns.

Crocheted Scarf
This pattern is the same look as SCI's classic basketweave scarf but now written for crocheters.

Knit Helmet and Knit Helmet Pattern in the round (seamless)
This is the most popular gift we give, specifically requested by seafarers who work on the decks and gangways. The knit helmet covers the neck, head, ears, and face, keeping the seafarer who wears it toasty warm.

Mariner's Scarf Pattern
Our classic basketweave pattern—a good pattern to turn to when you've gotten weary of the seafarer's scarf pattern.

Nola's Slipper Pattern
Nola Miller, a Christmas at Sea knitter and crocheter from Colorado, sent in the winning slipper pattern for our contest announced in the Fall 2007 Knit Before Christmas newsletter. Although she has knit this pattern hundreds of times, this is the first time it has been offered as an “official” pattern by an organization. The pattern is the result of her decades of experience. Over 70 years ago, Nola’s grandmother taught her to crochet by using a hairpin and the string left over from packages from the butcher shop.

Seafarer's Scarf Pattern
The classic Christmas at Sea pattern (narrow around the neck so it's not too bulky) knits up quickly and looks great.

Sock Pattern
A classic sock pattern now rewritten for sock weight yarn.

Watch Cap Pattern
The hat to match the seafarer's scarf. These two items together make SCI's classic Christmas gift to seafarers.

Vest Pattern
A simple vest pattern that magically works into different sizes depending on the knitter who knits it.

Oliver's Cap
A super quick knit hat, which is knit in the round using leftovers for stripes. It is named for SCI's Director of Communications.

Scrappy Knit Lengthwise Scarf and Scrappy Crochet Scarf
Lengthwise stripes make these scarves look sharp and help you use up all of those leftover balls of yarn.

Crocheted Cap
Written by SCI knitter Beth Hall, this pattern looks like a typical knitted watchcap, but it's crocheted! Prepare to be impressed by Beth's cleverness.