Donation Beanie Patterns

Today’s post is all about donation beanies. I first heard about crocheting beanies to donate a few years ago. It had been something that I always kept in the back of my mind. However, since I have crochet A.D.D, I kept starting new projects and it was something that I continued to put off.

About a year and a half ago, my grandmother, Marie, was diagnosed and sadly had a short, but brave battle with cancer. One day, when she was receiving her chemo treatment, a volunteer came into her clinic and gave all the patients a handmade, heart-shaped pillow. It might seem like a small gesture, but it was a reminder to my grandmother and our family that we weren’t alone in this fight.

I was inspired to do something in her memory and I remembered that hospitals and clinics often took hat donations for patients. I wanted to provide others with the same sense of comfort that our family received that day my grandma was given her heart-shaped pillow. I also couldn’t think of a better way to continue the legacy of a woman who had a passion for doing right by others. So, that’s when I began a special project I like to call “Beanies for Marie.”

Crochet hats might not be the first thing everyone thinks of when they consider things they can do for their community, but there are so many people and organizations that can benefit from makers donating beanies. Not only are there hospitals and clinics that could use them for patients and newborns, but there are countless people in homeless shelters and children whose families may not be able to afford cold-weather clothing. Most recently, I’ve spoken with a good friend of mine about sending some hats to Ethiopia through her churches mission program.

However, before you get to crafting, there are a few things you should know. Some organizations have restrictions on the type of yarn you can use. For example, wool might be too harsh for sensitive heads. Hospitals may not want you to attach any accessories to the hats -- like those being donated to newborns that could possibly pull off buttons. So, it’s always best to check for guidelines with the hospital or organization you want to donate to. That being said, you’ll find 3 different sized patterns (adult, youth, and newborn) below of basic double crochet beanies that I personally like to use. You’ll noticed that I’ve listed Caron Simply Soft in the materials section. It’s not a requirement, but it’s my favorite choice of yarn because I know it’s going to be soft and less likely to cause irritation. I’m able to produce 3-5 beanies with one skein depending on the combination of sizes I make. One last thing I’d like to add is to keep in mind how tightly you crochet the brims of your hat. It was brought to my attention a while back by a friend, whose own mother had a courageous battle with cancer, that often the hats were too large because she no longer had hair to take up the extra space. So, keep those single crochet brims tight if you know your hats are specifically going to cancer patients!

Thanks for stopping by this blog today and I hope these patterns help you on your donation adventures! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram (@i_can_knot_even) so I can see all your awesome work and connect with you guys! As always, happy hooking!

XoXo,

-Katie

Donation Beanie Patterns:

Materials:

·         Caron Simply Soft yarn (or a comparable weight yarn)

·         6 mm crochet hook

·         Yarn needle for weaving in ends

·         Scissors

Abbreviations:

·         CH – Chain

·         SLST – Slip stitch

·         DC – Double crochet

·         SC – Single crochet

Adult:  

**This specific pattern gives just a little slouch because, well, that’s just how I roll. **

CH 4. SLST to the first CH to create a loop. (Or use a magic ring if that’s your preferred method).

Round 1: CH 2. 12 DC into the ring. SLST into the top of the first DC.

Round 2: CH 2. 2 DC in every stitch around. SLST into the top of the first DC (24).

Round 3: CH 2. **2 DC in the first stitch. 1 DC in the next stitch. Repeat from **. SLST into the top of the first DC. (36).

Round 4: CH 2. ** 2 DC in the first stitch. 1 DC in the next two stitches. Repeat from **. SLST into the top of the first DC. (48).

Round 5: CH 2. ** 2 DC in the first stitch. 1 DC in the next three stitches. Repeat from **. SLST into the top of the first DC (60)

Round 6-16: CH 2. 1 DC in every stitch around. SLST into the top of the first DC (60).

Round 17-20: CH 1. 1 SC in the back loop of every stitch around. SLST to the top of the first SC. (60).

Youth (approx. ages 2-5):  

CH 4. SLST into the first CH to create a loop. (Or use a magic ring if that’s your preferred method).

Round 1: CH 2. 10 DC into the ring. SLST into the top of the first DC.

Round 2: CH 2. 2 DC in every stitch around. SLST into the top of the first DC.(20).

Round 3: CH 2. **2 DC in the first stitch. 1 DC in the next stitch. Repeat from **.  SLST into the top of the first DC (30)

Round 4: CH 2. ** 2 DC in the first stitch. 1 DC in the next two stitches. Repeat from **. SLST into the top of the first DC. (40).

Round 5: CH 2. ** 2 DC in the first stitch. 1 DC in the next three stitches. Repeat from **. SLST into the top of the first DC. (50).

Round 6: CH 2: **2 DC in the first stitch. 1 DC in the next nine stitches. Repeat from **. SLST into the top of the first DC (55).

 Round 7-12: CH 2. 1 DC in every stitch around. SLST into the top of the first DC. (55)

Round 13-16: CH 1. SC in the back loop of every stitch around. SLST to the top of the first SC (55).

New born:

CH 4. SLST into the first CH to make a ring ( or use the magic ring if that’s your preferred method.)

Round 1: CH 2. Place 8 DC into the ring. SLST to the top of the first DC.

Round 2: CH 2. 2 DC in every stitch around. SLST to the top of the first DC. (16)

Round 3: CH 2. **2 DC in the first stich. 1 DC in the next stitch.  Repeat from **. SLST to the top of the first DC (24).

Round 4: CH 2. ** 2 DC in the first stich. 1 DC in the two next stitches. Repeat from **.  SLST into the top of the first DC (32).

Round 5-7: CH 2. 1 DC in every stitch around. SLST into the first DC. (32)

Round 8-9: CH 1. 1 SC in the back loop of every stitch around. SLST into the first SC (32).