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Little Hats, Big Hearts, Declan’s Story & A Free Pattern

November 19, 2015 10 Comments

Knit red hats to help raise awareness about preemie heart health with the free Declan Hat pattern!

It’s that time of year again! The American Heart Association is currently seeking donations of knit, loom knit, or crochet hats for preemies and newborns. They’re for a program called Little Hats, Big Hearts, which strives to put little red hats on the heads of as many babies born in the month of February as possible. While they’re at it, they give parents of these newborns informational packets to help them understand congenital heart defects, a leading cause of death among infants. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 40,000 children born in the United States, or at least 8 of every 1,000 infants, have some form of congenital heart defect. Visit the Little Hats, Big Hearts campaign page to find out how to donate hats in your area.

I discovered the project last year, and for those of you who haven’t been following along in real time, here’s a quick recap:

  • I shared my family’s personal connection with congenital heart defects.
  • I designed a free Baby Hearts Hat pattern for folks who wanted to knit & donate hats to the cause.
  • I designed a preemie version of the Baby Hearts Hat for even tinier newborns.
  • The Chicago Tribune ran an article on Little Hats, Big Hearts, and I was interviewed about my family’s story and participation in the project.

It’s ironic that the year I discovered the campaign and all this went down was the same year a close friend gave birth to her first child at just 25 weeks. A big target of Little Hats, Big Hearts is premature babies, a population that can have a range of health problems, including heart issues. While all those little red hats so many donated were finding homes all over the country, my friend’s son, Declan, was about to spend the second month of his teeny tiny life in an incubator.

A free pattern for the Declan Hat, available in preemie & infant sizes.

Declan’s Story

Declan was born January 4 of this year, but he wasn’t supposed to arrive until mid-April. I was able to meet Declan in the NICU a couple weeks after his arrival. It was my first time in a NICU, and I’d never seen a person so small – at the time, Declan was no bigger than my forearm! Here’s his story from his mom’s perspective:

Declan was born at 25 weeks at 2 lbs and 13 in long. His coming so early was entirely unexpected and he was born just six hours after the first sign something was amiss. Life in the NICU is a bit of a roller coaster. The staff warns you that there’s usually a honeymoon period right after birth, but it’s often two steps forward and one step back. Many times during his stay, we’d see him taken off breathing support just to go back on it. It was 14 hours before I actually saw Declan in person for the first time and almost a week before I got to hold him.
Little Hats, Big Hearts - Declan's Preemie Story
He was born with a soft heart murmur, called a PDA, but that is normal for babies of his gestational age. It eventually went away on its own as he grew. One time we were worried he had an infection because he seemed to have a fever, but it turned out his bed was malfunctioning an they were trying to cook him.
Declan came home about two weeks before his due date at 6 lbs 2 oz. The last few weeks before he came home were some of the toughest because we knew he was so close. He’d be off the breathing support then back on and repeat. His primary care nurse ended up leaving a note written on a whole piece of printer paper in sharpie above his bed to make sure people didn’t screw up her work.
Declan is 10.5 months old now, but 7 months adjusted. They use an adjusted age until 2 for when to expect milestones.
Little Hats, Big Hearts - Declan's Preemie Story
To me, the greatest benefit of the hats you’re making is that it gives a piece of normalcy to the families. It was so sweet to see Declan in his first hat crocheted by my sister. There’s kind of a grieving process over not having a full term pregnancy, or normal birth experience. And then people don’t really know what to say to you, or you may not know how to feel yourself. A cute hat is a way to find joy in an incredibly difficult situation.

A free pattern for the Declan Hat, available in preemie & infant sizes.

1. Look at those blue eyes! 2. Cue tears. I have to admit that even as a good friend of Declan’s mom, it was hard to know what to do or say when he arrived so early. If you’re struggling with what to say or do, I recommend making a few red hats! Make one (or more if the preemies are twins+), and make a few more to donate to Little Hats, Big Hearts. Knitting and crochet are a great way to channel anxiety, and you’ll be supporting a good cause while you’re at it.

A free pattern for the Declan Hat, available in preemie & infant sizes.

I knit the Declan Hat with some stash yarn that I’d been wanting to find a good use for – I used a finer yarn and held three strands of it together for a chunkier knit.*

The Declan Hat

In honor of the bluest-eyed baby in my life, the red hats campaian, and Prematurity Awareness Month, I’ve got a new preemie and baby-sized hat pattern for you! This super cute pointed hat knits up quick and is ridiculously adorable. You can crank out the preemie size in under two hours (even if you’re a slow knitter like me), and then you can visit the Little Hats, Big Hearts campaign page to find out the closest place to donate your little, red hats.

Supplies

red yarn that works with size 9 knitting needles*
US 9 knitting needles (circular or DPNs)
scissors
tapestry needle

Abbreviations

rnd – round
CO – cast on
sts – stitches
k – knit
p – purl
ssk – slip one st as if to k, slip one as if to p, k both sts together
(X sts) – indicates the number of sts in the rnd after working the decreases (ssk’s in this case)

Gauge – 14 sts & 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

The pattern – infant size (18 inch circumference)

CO 54 sts and join into a rnd.

rnd 1. (k2, p1) around.
Work rnd 1 seven times total.

rnd 2. k around.
Work rnd 2 fifteen times total.

3. (k4, ssk) around. (45 sts)
4-5. k around.
6. (k3, ssk) around. (36 sts)
7-8. k around.
9. (k2, ssk) around. (27 sts)
10-11. k around.
12. (k1, ssk) around. (18 sts)
13-14. k around.
15. (ssk) around. (9 sts)
16-17. k around.
18. (k1, ssk) around. (6 sts)
19-20. k around.
21. (ssk) around. (3 sts)
22-23. k around.

Break yarn, drawing tail through remaining loops. Weave in ends and block to finish.

A free pattern for the Declan Hat, available in preemie & infant sizes.

The preemie size hat fits a 12 to 13 inch preemie head, and the infant size fits up to 18 inches. The preemie size hat would have fit Declan at birth, and infant size fits him now at 10.5 months. 

The pattern – preemie size (12-13 inch circumference)

CO 36 sts, and join into a rnd.

rnd 1. (k2, p1) around.
Work rnd 1 five times total.

rnd 2. k around.
Work rnd 2 seven times total.

3. (k4, ssk) around. (30 sts)
4-5. k around.
6. (k3, ssk) around. (24 sts)
7-8. k around.
9. (k2, ssk) around. (18 sts)
10-11. k around.
12. (k1, ssk) around. (12 sts)
13-14. k around.
15. (ssk) around. (6 sts)
16-17. k around.
18. (ssk) around. (3 sts)
19-20. k around.

Break yarn, drawing tail through remaining loops. Weave in ends and block to finish.

Knit red hats to help raise awareness about preemie heart health with the free Declan Hat pattern!

This story was shared at the request of Declan’s mom, saying “For people who find your post because of the preemie angle, they need to see positive stories.” As of this writing, Declan is totally happy, healthy and about to take off all over the place!

PS: Our adorable Declan photoshoot was cut off by a squirrel stealing the bag of chips I’d brought to crinkle at the baby to make him smile. You know you’re with one of your best friends when you go from a semi-serious photoshoot directly to “Holy sh*t, that squirrel is stealing your chips!” 

This squirrel stole my chips. :(

Filed Under: Free Patterns, Knitting, Knitting & Crochet Tagged With: american heart association, charity crochet, charity knitting, declan hat, little hats big hearts, prematurity awareness month, red hats for newborns

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad (she/her) is a craft book author & designer specializing in yarn crafts. Her work combines vintage and modern design elements, prioritizing color and graphic motifs. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

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Comments

  1. kristie

    November 19, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Wonderful cause and heartwarming story…squirrel and all.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 19, 2015 at 3:04 pm

      haha! I’m glad someone read all the way to the end! :)

      Reply
  2. Brenda

    November 19, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    Thank you, Heidi, for this wonderful article and precious photos. Of course, I think Declan is the cutest baby in the world, and that’s not just because I’m his grandma:)

    Reply
  3. Jane rogers

    November 21, 2015 at 10:43 am

    HI Heidi

    We are on this project totally! My daughters 12 and 14 love to loom knit and I knit and crochet so we can all participate!

    Jan

    Ps is worsted wool doable in your wonderful pattern?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 16, 2015 at 11:45 pm

      I’m so sorry, Jane! I just caught your comment! Yes, worsted is fine. Anything that calls for an 8 or 9 size US needle will work.

      Reply
  4. Erma

    January 22, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    Is there a crochet pattern?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 23, 2018 at 3:51 pm

      Yes! Here you go: https://handsoccupied.com/heart-applique-hat/

      Reply
  5. Barbara Lindeman

    January 30, 2018 at 3:38 pm

    Is the gauge the same for infant and preemi?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 31, 2018 at 12:22 pm

      Yes!

      Reply
  6. Herbalsheila

    October 9, 2019 at 9:03 am

    I made a bunch of red hats a few years ago and donated them. I was told by the local office in Kansas City that they do not want wool or wool blend yarns of any kind. They prefer cottons or acrylics for the yarn fiber.

    Naturally I was bummed because I spin wool quite a bit. I had hoped to spin up some really lovely special superwash wool in a gorgeous red colorway, but that would not have been allowed by the hospitals.

    I am glad to see that Declan is growing and out of the hospital! Hooray! Isn’t it amazing what God and love can do for a child? His blue eyes are beautiful!

    Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), and I’ve been helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010. I got my start here, as a blogger, and since then I’ve shared more than a few tutorials here and on YouTube as I’ve grown as a pattern designer. 🧶 

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Heidi Gustad 🧶 knitting & yarn crafts

handsoccupied

Knitting & yarn crafts designer 🧶
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Stay up-to-date 💌 & shop new patterns ⤵️

POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern fits with no ease vs. 4” of positive ease. There’s a bit more length to the cotton (brighter color) sample, but both are cropped and feature shoulder seams designed to sit an inch back onto the shoulder instead of on top, giving it a little swing. Length is easily adjustable for folks looking for less of a crop. 
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Pattern: Bevelled Tank by @handsoccupied for @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn summer 2024. Available for free from Hobbii at the 🔗 in my profile.
Yarn pictured: @kelbournewoolens Skipper and Camper. 
Dress form is adjusted to a 36” chest and ~5’3”ish in height. 
Human has a 40” chest and is 5’5”.
Both skirts are vintage.
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #handsoccupied #intarsia #handmade #knitting #colorwork
Let’s talk about fit and ease! . During the Beve Let’s talk about fit and ease!
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During the Bevelled Tank design process for @pompommag, I knit 2 samples using 2 different @KelbourneWoolens yarns. One was in Skipper (100% cotton, second photo) and the other was in Camper (100% 2 ply wool). The Skipper sample was knit for a 36” bust, which measures in at 40” with 4” of positive ease. And I knit the Camper Sample for my 40” bust with a 44” finished measurement. (BTW, I’m 5’5” for folks that find that measurement helpful in visualizing fit.)
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Based on the size chart for the Bevelled Tank, that means I knit one size 3 sample and one size 4. As designed, I conveniently fit a size 4 as intended with 4” of positive ease. When I wear the 3, there is no ease at all because the garment and my body are both 40” in size. Comparing the 2 garments, you can see how the fiber content (cotton vs. wool) and fit (no ease vs. 4” of positive ease) makes a difference in the look and feel of the finished garment. 
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These samples are a great way to compare what ease looks like on different bodies. While I can fit both a size 3 and 4, the garment with no ease feels more like pajamas or a bralette when I wear it. On the other hand, when I wear the one with 4” of positive ease, I feel comfortable enough to wear it to work, even as a crop top. Plus, it leaves me with enough room to layer it with a nice button down if I’m not feeling the cropped look one day. 
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I’m curious - how would you style this tank? Would you modify it with a few stockinette rows for added length? I’m so curious now that this pattern is finally out in the world. :) 
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #bevelledtank #handsoccupied #knitting #intarisa #handmade #kelbournewoolens #croppedsweater #summerknits
After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m ba After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m back with a brand new pattern in 9 sizes, and it’s FREE as part of @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn’s summer design collection! (Link is in my bio.)
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In my December newsletter, I announced that I was soliciting test knitters for a pattern that had originally been selected for the summer ’24 issue of Pom Pom Quarterly magazine. However, the magazine ceased publication after its spring ’24 issue, leaving in-progress designs unpublished. (It happens.) As a result, I’d begun the long process of editing, testing, and photographing the pattern for independent release through the Hands Occupied pattern shop and Ravelry.
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Before I was done with that process, Pom Pom Quarterly’s former editors reached out with an exciting proposal for the pattern. Post-magazine, they’ve begun to partner with yarn companies to produce high quality pattern collections. They wanted to include designs from the would-be current issue of Pom Pom Quarterly in a new collection for Hobbii yarn, including my Bevelled Tank. I worked with the same technical editors I would have for the magazine on this one, and as you can see from the photos, Pom Pom’s team did an amazing job of styling the garment to the beautiful standards they’re known for.
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You can learn more about the pattern on my blog and get the free pattern from Hobbii yarn - links to both in my profile. I’ll post sizing info in the comments for quick reference too. 🧶
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #knitting #intarsia #sponsored #colorworkknitting 
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Photos: @dianascarrunz 
Model: @angel.jade_
Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vi Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vintage knitting pattern from 1938 called the Fernlace Pullover. A pattern so nice, I knit it twice.
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Yellow version 💛: knit with Despondent Dyes’ Vintage Vixen Sport after attending a @squidneyknits vintage knitting retreat in 2019 & learning *so much*. Paired with a self-drafted circle skirt pattern. 
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Blue version 💙: knit with @eweeweyarns Ewe So Sporty in Sky Blue. Paired with the 1940s Boardwalk Duet sewing pattern from @decades_of_style 
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Head to my stories for 🔗🔗 to the handmade wardrobe blog posts I wrote about each take on the Fernlace Pullover, working with a vintage pattern, where to find vintage patterns (including the one I used), & some thoughts on sizing. 
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Image descriptions available in alt text. 
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#handsoccupied #handmadewardrobe #fernlacepullover #vintageknitting #vintageknittingpatterns #knitting_inspiration
Frogging is a word in the knitting world that mean Frogging is a word in the knitting world that means to rip out your knitting. It’s called frogging because frogs say “ribbit,” and when you’re tearing out your knitting, you will “rip it” out, and that sounds like ribbit. No really. 🐸 Did you know this fun fact? 
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P.S. I did like this design concept, but to make the pattern more knitter friendly as well as more wearable, I am making some tweaks to the construction. Excited to share when it’s ready! 🥰🧶
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Yarn: @blueskyfibers Woolstok North in Morning Frost & Highland Fleece 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #frogging #blueskyfibers #knittersofinstagram #blueskymakers #knittingvocabulary #bsfmakers #knitdesign
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