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Hands Occupied

Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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Red Hats for Newborns + A Free Pattern

August 18, 2014 98 Comments

Red Hats for Newborns Pattern - free pattern for the American Heart Association's annual Little Hats Big Hearts program

When I was nineteen, I lost a cousin to a heart attack. She was ten months younger than me, and as neither of us had sisters, I always considered her to be my would-be sister. The cause was likely an undiagnosed heart defect. My cousin’s passing is something I’ve always meant to write about, but since she’s not a member of my immediate family, I don’t feel comfortable going into tremendous detail since her death will always be much more their story than mine.

Mid-1990s Selfie at handsoccupied.com

Our attempt at a selfie using a disposable camera at Grandma’s house, ca. 1996.

I decided to touch on this topic today for a couple reasons. August 26 marks, I can’t believe it, 8 years since it happened. From my perspective, I always thought this tragedy could just as easily have struck any one of the grandkids in my family as it struck her. But really, as I’ve grown and matured with the influence of that tragedy on my life, I now realize that this could have happened to anyone. This leads me to the other reason I’m sharing this story today – to let you guys know how you can help raise awareness about congenital heart defects (heart defects babies are born with).

Red Hats for Newborns Pattern - free pattern for the American Heart Association's annual Little Hats Big Hearts program The Campaign

Please note this information is from the 2015 campaign. As of October 2015, there are over 20 states participating in Little Hats, Big Hearts. Please visit the AHA’s Little Hats, Big Hearts page to see if a state near you is participating in this fantastic program!

A couple months ago, I came across a new group on Meetup called Chicago‘s Red Hats for Newborns Project, organized by the American Heart Association. As you might know, February is American Heart Month. The AHA is hoping to gather at least 1,000 donated red hats for newborns to give to (hopefully) every newborn in Chicago during the month of February 2015. The hats will be donated to new parents as a way to raise awareness about the AHA’s mission and of the fact that heart defects are the most common congenital defect among newborns. Check out the AHA’s website for more information on this project.

The AHA is looking for donations of a few things:

  • finished knit or crochet hats for newborns
  • red yarn
  • gift cards for buying red yarn

If you’re knitting/crocheting a hat, or donating yarn, they prefer medium to heavy weight yarn.  It must also be a washable material, and they’d like donors to avoid any exotic fabrics and wools. The deadline for donations is January 15, 2015.  

How to donate

You can simply drop your donations in the mail to the address below, but I’d love to see your donations before you do! You can use the hashtag #handsoccupied on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/etc. or email me pictures of your donations at handsoccupied-at-gmail-dot-com. I’m planning on doing a roundup of everyone’s brilliant donated items and want to make sure to include you all!

Donation address:
American Heart Association
Anne Schullo
208 S. LaSalle #1500
Chicago, IL 60604

If you live in other parts of the United States and want to donate locally, email me and I’ll get in touch with my contact at the AHA to connect you to where you can donate hats locally. 

The Pattern: Baby Hearts Hat

Since this is an issue that is near and dear to me, I wanted to share a pattern for you guys to knit up specific to this cause. The pattern features four big hearts spaced evenly around the hat as a nod to Heart Month. Also, heart shapes are cute, especially on the head of a baby!

Red Hats for Newborns Pattern - free pattern for the American Heart Association's annual Little Hats Big Hearts program

I made this Baby Hearts Hat pattern in two sizes, using this this size chart. The newborn size is 14 inches in circumference and obviously for newborns and is the size the Heart Association is looking for for donations. I thought I’d include a baby size, which is 17 inches in circumference, in case you want to make an extra one for a baby in your life.

The other differences between the newborn size and baby size is that the baby size features a folded edge and a pom pom. Newborns have enough new things to learn without a pom pom (no matter how adorable the pom may be) pushing into their soft spots. I’m not a baby expert, but that seemed like a practical change to include. Plus, I skipped the cuff on the newborn size so you wouldn’t have to worry about it rolling down onto the newborn’s face.

Red Hats for Newborns Pattern - free pattern for the American Heart Association's annual Little Hats Big Hearts program

Babies wiggle all over the place – they don’t have time for no stinking pom poms! 

Baby Hearts Hat Pattern 

Supplies

DK weight light worsted yarn (confused? see this guide)
appropriate needles (~size 6 double pointed needles or circular)
yarn needle
pom pom making supplies (optional)

Abbreviations

CO – cast on
sts – sitches
k – knit
p – purl
rnd – round
k2tog – knit 2 sts together
{ } around – repeat from { to } for the entire round

Newborn Size Pattern

CO 56 sts  (or any multiple of 14 sts) and join into around.
rnds 1-8. k1, p1
9-12. k around (4 rows)

Knit heart motif
13. {k6, p2, k6} around
14. {k5, p4, k5} around
15. {k4, p6, k4} around
16. {k3, p8, k3} around
17. {k2, p10, k2} around
18-20. {k1, p12, k1} around (3 rows)
21. {k2, p10, k2} around
22. {k3, p3, k2, p3, k3} around
23. {k4, p2, k2, p2, k4} around
24-27. k around (4 rows)

Reduce and finish
28.
 {k5, k2tog} around (48 sts remain)
29 & all odd rows through end. k around
30. {k4, k2tog} around (40 sts)
32. {k3, k2tog} around (32 sts)
34. {k2, k2tog} around (24 sts)
36. {k1, k2tog} around (16 sts)
38. {k2tog} around (8 sts)

Break yarn and weave in ends.

Baby Size Pattern

CO 64 sts (or any multiple of 16 sts) and join into a round.
rnds 1-15. k1, p1
16-19. k around (4 rows)

Knit heart motif
20. {k7, p2, k7} around
21. {k6, p4, k6} around
22. {k5, p6, k5} around
23. {k4, p8, k4} around
24. {k3, p10, k3} around
25. {k2, p12, k2} around
26. {k1, p14, k1} around
27. {k2, p5, k2, p5, k2} around
28. {k3, p4, k2, p4, k3} around
29. {k4, p2, k4, p2, k4} around
30-33. k around (4 rows)

Reduce and finish
34. {k6, k2tog} around (56 sts remain)
35 & all odd rows through end. k around
36. {k5, k2tog} around (48 sts)
38. {k4, k2tog} around (40 sts)
40. {k3, k2tog} around (32 sts)
42. {k2, k2tog} around (24 sts)
44. {k1, k2tog} around (16 sts)
46. {k2tog} around (8 sts)

Break yarn and weave in ends. If you like, you can make a pom pom using this tutorial, leaving a long tail to sew it to the tip of the hat, and weave in ends.

Red Hats for Newborns Pattern - free pattern for the American Heart Association's annual Little Hats Big Hearts program

Red hats for everyone!

My friend Alyssa lent me her lovely girls, Nora & Harper, for the photos you see here. They’re way more adorable than the yellow onion I used last time I shared a baby hat knitting pattern. I’d never done a photo shoot with kids, and the girls were amazing, especially since they’re 2 and just a few months old. Thank you, Alyssa!

Nora & Harper - handsoccupied.com

 

Filed Under: Free Patterns, How-to, Knitting, Knitting & Crochet, Life Tagged With: american heart association, american heart month, baby hat, baby hearts hat, charity knitting, heart health, knit, Knitting, little hats big hearts, newborn hat, pom pom

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author, designer & creator specializing in yarn crafts like knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

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Comments

  1. Mary Pegliw

    September 6, 2014 at 5:55 am

    Can the newborn hat be knitted flat ? DP’s hate me

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 7, 2014 at 5:50 pm

      Hi Mary! That’s totally understandable. :) Since this pattern perfectly repeats twice, I *think* it should work flat. If you get it to work, let me know, I’d love to add that to the notes on this pattern! -Heidi

      Reply
    • Ohhhdear

      December 19, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      Mary;
      DPN’s hate me too. I knit everything I can flat…with the Magic Loop method, using circular needles. I gave away all my straight needles because you can use a circular needle just like a straight needle.
      I love Magic Loop because I can knit all the way down to tiny baby mitten thumbs, and do it flat…but it turns out seamlessly and in the round.
      There’s lots of youTube clips on ML.
      If you do go for Magic Loop, invest in Addi interchangeable needles. There are other types of interchangeables which cost far less, and I’ve owed them (and sold them). Any needle system that you screw onto the cord WILL untwist and fall off, usually when you least want it to. What a mess. Plus it’s far too easy to flare out the tip end while tightening with the little tool. The metal is too cheap.
      Addi Clicks are a bayonet-type fitting and don’t undo until you want it to.

      Reply
    • Rita

      January 22, 2016 at 10:17 am

      Me, too. Then I found the Magic Loop means of knitting very few stitches in the round. Great how-to videos on u-tube.

      Reply
  2. Bernadette

    September 7, 2014 at 12:35 pm

    Love this little hat. I encountered what I believe to be an error on line 28 of the newborn hat. I believe it should read as follows:

    28. (k5, k2tog) around

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 7, 2014 at 5:52 pm

      You are correct, Bernadette! Thanks for the note – I’ve updated the pattern with the change. High five! -Heidi

      Reply
  3. Ginny

    September 10, 2014 at 11:55 am

    I am an AVID crocheteer and would love to make baby hats. Do you have a pattern for crocheting these hats?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 11, 2014 at 4:29 pm

      I don’t have a pattern of my own yet for crocheting a hat, but the website for the charity has a few: check them out here. So glad to hear you’re interested in donating! :)

      Reply
      • Ava-Jo Holmes

        January 11, 2018 at 1:35 pm

        just to let you know…and maybe you already are aware…the web site for crocheted hats is no longer available. thank you and have a great day.

        Reply
        • Heidi

          January 12, 2018 at 9:46 am

          Hi Ava-Jo! If you’ve got a second, can you let me know which link specifically wasn’t working? I’d love to update it since this post gets so much attention for the cause! :)

          Reply
  4. Ginny

    September 12, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    THANK YOU! I hadn’t seen that website!

    Reply
  5. Jane

    November 21, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Hi, I just found your site while browsing for patterns. I would love to knit some red heart hats for the AHA. I live in Spokane WA. Can you give me a contact for this area?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 21, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      The only contact that I’m aware of is in Chicago. :( Knitters from as far as Portugal have been mailing hats to this area. Maybe next year they’ll be able to expand the program with how big Chicago’s has gotten!

      Reply
  6. Brocha

    December 1, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    I would like to know how to make this hat size 9-12 months?
    thank you very much!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 2, 2014 at 2:20 pm

      According to this hat size chart, which is my go to size chart, the 17″ head size should work for you! Just compare the baby you’re knitting for’s head size with the chart in case they’ve got a head size that’s different than the average. As a woman with a tiny head (21″), I’m always knitting teen or women’s XS hats to fit me! -Heidi :)

      Reply
  7. Marti Fox

    December 19, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    Do you have a local contact for me to donate to? I live in Corona CA?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 19, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      Hi Marti! I would email Anne.schullo-at-heart.org – she’s my contact for Chicago and she’s know who to connect you with. Thanks for your interest in supporting the cause!

      Reply
  8. BeccaH/nutmegknitter

    December 30, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Thank you for sharing this pattern. I am very sorry for your loss – my niece was diagnosed at 1 month old as a CCHD baby. It’s been a long road for her these last 15 months, and she has a long road ahead. I am working on hats for this campaign and hope to create a stockpile over the next year as well :)

    Reply
  9. Julie

    January 12, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    I got confused at line 21 on the smaller hat, what does kk2 mean? I’m a new knitter ;)

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 12, 2015 at 8:36 pm

      That means a typo, haha! It should just be k2. :)

      Reply
  10. Kristie

    January 22, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    I love this pattern. I am going to try and make some in the newborn size. Does this pattern come in an adult size? If so could you please email it to me. I’d greatly appreciate it.
    Thanks!
    Kristie

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 22, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Hi Kristie, I haven’t yet made this pattern for adults. Just newborn and preemie so far! -Heidi

      Reply
  11. Doris Shaw

    January 28, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Thank you so much for the adorable pattern and the loving heart that led you to share it. So happy to have found you!

    Reply
  12. Pam

    April 7, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    i love this hat and have made two of the newborn size however I am having trouble with the larger size. Sixty four 64 stitches does not work out correct.when you start the 20th row you are left with 3 stitches at the end of the row. Is there a correction to this pattern?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 9, 2015 at 8:52 am

      The pattern is correct – I just double checked the math and others have knit this hat without running into extra sts at the end of row 20. Since there are 64 sts each round, the repeating pattern in rows 20 through 29 should each be 16 sts since 16 goes into 64 4 times, resulting in 4 repeating heart motifs equally spaced around the hat.

      With the newborn size, I used 56 sts and a heart motif that repeats 4 times around the hat, but is accomplished with only 14 sts. So 56/14 = 4 repeating motifs around the newborn size.

      All best,
      Heidi

      Reply
    • Carolyn Martin

      February 2, 2018 at 1:56 pm

      I also ran into that problem with 64 stitches. What am I doing wrong. I have 3 stitches remaining.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        February 3, 2018 at 1:06 pm

        A lot of folks aren’t knitting the repeats properly. When the pattern says (k6,p2,k6), you will k6, p2, k6, k6, p2, k6, etc. You’re knitting 12 sts in a row when you repeat. 👍🏻

        Reply
  13. Edith Nutt

    June 20, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Please do you have any patterns of animal hats done by crochet or knitting.
    Thank you Edith

    Reply
    • Heidi

      June 21, 2015 at 8:51 am

      I don’t currently have any, unfortunately! You can find some cute ones at mamainastitch.com though.

      Reply
  14. Nancy Hubbard

    October 22, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    How much yarn is needed for each hat?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 22, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      Oh gosh, not much, but I can’t remember specific yardage. If I had to guess, I’d say nor more than 25 yds max.

      Reply
  15. Michele

    October 28, 2015 at 10:26 pm

    I had the same trouble as Pam on row 20 until I realized I was doing the pattern wrong….it’s not k7,p2 until you finish the row… It’s k7,p2,k7 and then k7, p2,k7 again, etc….

    Reply
    • Glenda

      November 17, 2015 at 6:43 pm

      Gee, I was having the same problem. Thanks for the heads up!

      Reply
  16. Kristin

    October 29, 2015 at 12:49 pm

    Heidi. I love this idea and pattern. I’m newish to hats and dp needles. I have size 4s and size 8s. I can I do this pattern with one of these sizes or should I go buy size 6s???? Ps. I’m on Chicago too! Former YA librarian. Now I work at ALA. I was so excited to find your blog and learn about your careers.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 30, 2015 at 9:50 am

      Hi Kristin! Always nice to hear from other librarians. :) The needle size all depends on the yarn you’re using and how tight you knit. Are you using the same yarn as me?

      Reply
  17. Christine Sullivan

    October 29, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    WARNING! If you go to Crafter Me website as mentioned above in Nutmegknitter’s suggestion (the green one) a pop-up box comes on. Don’t click it or follow the advice to call a number to correct a virus. It’s not real and they are trying to get your information.

    Reply
  18. Crystal Davis

    November 4, 2015 at 8:51 pm

    Hello I knit on looms and would be interested in making some newborn hats to donate. I live in London, KY. Could someone email me and let me know if loom knit hats would be acceptable please.

    Thank you,
    Crystal Davis

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 4, 2015 at 10:04 pm

      I believe all red hats are accepted! Visit http://www.heart.org/littlehatsbighearts for contact info & state level donation info. Glad you’re donating!

      Reply
  19. Amy

    November 7, 2015 at 9:44 am

    Hello, I want to make this hat for charity. I only have a size 8 and 9 circular needles. Will a size 8 work for this pattern?

    Thanks,
    Amy

    Reply
    • Amy

      November 7, 2015 at 9:47 am

      For the record I have purchased lion brand wool ease for this project. It actually says size 8 on it. Maybe j asked the wrong question first. Will this yarn be OK for this project? Ha.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        November 8, 2015 at 1:36 pm

        It will be bigger since the gauge with that yarn is bigger. I recommend trying the preemie size hat (https://handsoccupied.com/2014/12/red-hats-for-preemies/) if you’re using the larger yarn.

        Reply
        • Sarah

          January 1, 2018 at 8:49 am

          I do not understand how to estimate the finished size of the hat if you use the different weight yarns and larger knitting needles. For example, what if I use knitting worsted weight yarn with size 8 needles? Or what about using knitting worsted weight yarn with size 9 needles? Thank you for explaining things for me to understand.

          Reply
          • Heidi

            January 15, 2018 at 3:37 pm

            It’s called calculating your gauge, which basically means knitting a rectangle in the needles and yarn you’ll be making a project in to see how many stitches and rows per inch you’re getting. Here’s a useful tutorial: https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/05/how-to-measure-your-gauge-in-knitting/. If you need help calculating gauge for the first time, shoot me an email at Heidi-at-handsoccupied-dot-com and I’ll walk you through it! :)

  20. Lisa B

    November 10, 2015 at 12:34 am

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful pattern . I’ve stumbled onto quite by mistake but now you’ve got me hooked. I’ll be knitting a few of these and posting them to you all the way from Tasmania ( Australia )

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 10, 2015 at 8:37 am

      Wow! Thank you so much – that is incredible!

      Reply
  21. Lena

    November 10, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    I just stumbled upon this website and found this pattern. I will try it out and donate if it comes out right.

    Reply
  22. Kelly

    November 14, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    Hi I saw the post on Facebook for preemie hats needed for the heart association. My daughter and I have taken up loom knitting and we would love to donate red hats for this great cause .we r not sure where to take them because syracuse ny is not on the list .

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 15, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      Hats are being collected, for the most part, at the state level. Visit the Little Hats, Big Hearts campaign website and click the New York link for the address of the person collecting and distributing hats to NY hospitals. Thanks so much for knitting! :D

      Reply
  23. Kristin

    November 29, 2015 at 3:14 am

    Hi, just wondering what sort of gauge is needed for this? I’m planning to use Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino which suggests a size 3 needle and wondering how this hat would turn out with a size 6 needle. Gorgeous pattern!! Thanks :)

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 30, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      The yarn I used for the pictured hat was Patons Classic Wool DK Superwash, and its gauge is 22 sts & 28 rows on a US 6 needle. You could maybe hold two strands of the Debbie Bliss yarn you mention together for a similar gauge – I’d recommend knitting a 4 inch swatch holding the 2 strands together on US6 needles to see if your gauge is close to mine. That way you might not need to modify the pattern. Best of luck!

      Reply
      • Carolyn

        December 2, 2016 at 11:17 am

        Heidi: If the gauge on your Paton yarn is 22 st/4 in., that would be 5.5 st per in. The larger hat has 64 st around, so this works out to 11.6 in. in circumference — much smaller than the 17 in. shown. The smaller hat with 56 st around works out to 10.2 in. in circumference — not 14 in.. What am I missing here?

        Reply
  24. Judy Cox

    February 29, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Very interested in making hats for newborns; how do I get the crochet pattern???
    Judy
    In NC

    Reply
    • Heidi

      March 3, 2016 at 6:20 pm

      If you visit heart.org/littlehatsbighearts and click on any one of the states, each page features a variety of hat patterns for knit, crochet or loom knitting.

      Reply
  25. Nancy Rink-Johnson

    March 9, 2016 at 9:00 pm

    Dear Heidi, Thank you for the beautiful pattern! ❤️ I have forwarded it to so many in Texas that knit for, Little hats, big hearts. I started this program in Texas and have meet some the best ladies wanting to help! Thank you again, Nancy Rink-Johnson, Sonora, Texas

    Reply
  26. Monnie M. Wilson

    April 29, 2016 at 4:08 am

    I don’t knit…… would you have a crochet pattern? I love the knitted one and sorry I have not learned to knit except just the basic K & P stitch.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 29, 2016 at 6:53 am

      Absolutely! The campaign is run through the American Heart Association, visit heart.org/littlehatsbighearts for full info and where to donate locally. :)

      Reply
    • Carolyn

      November 19, 2016 at 2:44 pm

      That’s all you need, except for knitting 2 together. Easy, peasy.

      Reply
  27. Tracy Randazzo

    June 20, 2016 at 3:27 pm

    Hello Heidi – We are doing Little Hats, Big Hearts at the hospital level, and I’m wondering if you would mind if we posted a link to your adorable hat pattern. Could you please let me know if that would be OK? We’ll certainly give you the credit – let me know how you would like that credit to appear.

    Tracy Randazzo
    North Oaks Medical Center
    Hammond, Louisiana

    Reply
    • Heidi

      June 20, 2016 at 9:17 pm

      Hi Tracy!
      All you have to do is link it to the pattern and include that it came from Hands Occupied and you’re all good. Glad to have more folks on board!
      Best,
      Heidi

      Reply
  28. Barb

    October 13, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    I participated in this project last year and have already started for this year (I just got a bag of red yarn donated to me for this). I am so excited to have come across this pattern!! It’s perfect for the Little Hats Big Hearts Campaign!!! Thank you so much!!!

    Reply
  29. Barb

    October 13, 2016 at 6:59 pm

    I’m working the first baby size hat. I just have a question as the heart pattern doesn’t seem to be working out perfectly…it seems I have a half of heart at the end of the round and a larger gap before the first heart at the beginning of the round. I also do not have enough stitches in between (say to do the k4 p6 k4, seems I have to do k4, p6 k2 p6 k 2 all the way around in order for the hearts after the first to be symmetrical). Hmmm. Thoughts? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Carolyn

      November 17, 2016 at 3:37 pm

      Barb, you must be doing something wrong. I’ve made one of these hats, and had no problem with symmetry. Make sure your repeats are 14 st each.

      My problem is with size. Using #3 yarn and size 6 needles, I get 6 st/in. This does not result in the circumferences listed. Fortunately, I have enough experience to allow for this.

      Reply
  30. Kate foltin

    December 30, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    I would like to know if you are still accepting hats? I am a knitter and would like to help out.

    Reply
  31. KimberlyRae

    January 14, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    OH Wow! Just what I was looking for for Red Hat Day. I’m going to try one of these today. If it works out I plan on making a ton for our local Seattle children’s hospitals. Have you tried your pattern on the Loops and Threads/Addki knitting machine? I’d love to try it on the loops and threads machine, since I want to make a LOT and my hands hurt after a couple hours knitting. Thank you! :)

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 19, 2017 at 10:04 am

      I haven’t tried one of those machines before, but stitch count-wise, the math should work even on a loom. If you try it, let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  32. KimberlyRae

    January 17, 2017 at 12:53 am

    Where can I get the teens size pattern? I want to knit one up for my aunt that’s turning 100 on this Friday.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 19, 2017 at 10:02 am

      How fun! You can cast on any multiple of 8 stitches for the pattern repeats to work out. To calculate a larger size, I recommend doing a gauge swatch to know what number of stitch to cast on to get the size you’re looking for. Happy birthday to your aunt, by the way!

      Reply
      • KimberlyRae

        January 20, 2017 at 1:31 am

        Thank you so much :)

        Reply
  33. Brenda

    October 4, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    The instructions says yarn should be cotton with acrylic, which is not what patina wool ease is. It contains wool and most charity groups for wee ones discourage wool. What yarns do you recommend?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 5, 2017 at 1:36 pm

      I like Red Heart Super Saver because it’s so so cheap and easy to launder. Yes, it’s 100% acrylic, but it’s sturdy as heck and is virtually indestructible, which is appreciated by the volunteers tasked with laundering thousands of hats!

      Reply
  34. Inger Jackson

    November 12, 2017 at 8:04 am

    I am in Nashville, TN and knit hats for a local hospital. I’m definitely going to participate in this. If possible, could you provide hospitals in my area to send the hats to?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 12, 2017 at 7:57 pm

      Hi Inger,
      I don’t work for the American Heart Association, but if you visit heart.org/littehatsbighearts you can find a list of participating hospitals by state!
      Best,
      Heidi

      Reply
  35. Connie

    November 13, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    Hi Heidi, I would love to help. I knit all the time, and my grandson Parker has CHD. But do I have to use one of these patterns?? I have a simple hat I make, that folds up on the head. And I only use red heart yarn.

    Connie

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 15, 2017 at 8:07 am

      Nope! You can use any pattern, but remember to keep the American Heart Association’s guidelines in mind: heart.org/littlehatsbighearts.

      Reply
  36. Julie

    November 14, 2017 at 8:04 am

    This little hat is so cute! I’m knitting it up on bigger needles (size 9-10) in the baby size and getting a hat big enough for bigger kids. It’s a perfect pattern for Operation Christmas Child, so I am using any and all my leftover yarn to try to get as many as I can for next year. Our church fills 600+ boxes, so it’ll be a big challenge.

    Also, if you don’t mind, I think I’ve adjusted the pattern to get an adult size. Haven’t tried it yet to see, but I want to knit one up for our pastor, who has just won his battle with throat cancer. His head needs a head warmer and the heart pattern is perfect.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 15, 2017 at 8:08 am

      No problem at all! <3

      Reply
    • Monique M Gibbons

      July 12, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      What is the adult pattern?

      Reply
      • Heidi

        July 13, 2020 at 7:04 am

        There isn’t one, this is just a baby hat pattern.

        Reply
  37. Tammy short

    November 17, 2017 at 11:10 am

    Is this still going on? Asking for a friend wanting to make hats

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 19, 2017 at 7:09 pm

      Yep! They do a hat drive every year, and the big donation window runs August through January. :)

      Reply
  38. Bonnie Marshall-Edmonds

    November 17, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    can you please tell me how to work the parentheses? is it K6 P2 K6 DOES IT GO K6 P2 K6 P2 K6 P2 AROUND OR K6 P2 K6 AND THEN START WITH K6 P2 K6 I MADE ONE HAT AND IT DID NOT COME OUT WITH HEARTS

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 19, 2017 at 7:15 pm

      No problem! Just repeat from { to } the whole way around the round. Row 13 reads:

      13. {k6, p2, k6} around

      You would k6, p2, k12, p2, k12, p2, k12, p2, k6, assuming you cast on the 56 sts the pattern calls for. Breaking it down, math-wise, that’s four repeats of {k6, p2, k6} because 6+2+6=14, and 56/14=4.

      Reply
  39. Kristin

    November 20, 2017 at 1:09 pm

    I live in Green Bay. Can you connect me with someone local so I can donate a couple of hats. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 22, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      There are Madison & Milwaukee donation contacts on the Little Hats Big Hearts site. You can pull both of them up at heart.org/littlehatsbighearts. Excited to see Wisconsin represent! :)

      Reply
  40. karen

    November 21, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    Is there a printer friendly version of the pattern?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 22, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      I recommend copying and pasting the pattern into a word processor like Pages or Word and printing from there. That will save you from printing images, etc. :)

      Reply
  41. Dilnavaz

    January 1, 2018 at 11:05 pm

    hello Heidi.. .just read your note above and the reason for the red beanie for kids….i crochet so would love to try the heart cap via crochet. can u possibly share a crochet pattern for the same as i would love to try out some for the cause. thx

    Wishing tou happy 2018
    Dilnavaz

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 2, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      Hi Dilnavaz! Yes, I’ve also done a crochet pattern for this charity as well: https://handsoccupied.com/heart-applique-hat/. Glad to have crocheters interested too! :)

      Reply
  42. Mary Pierson

    January 8, 2018 at 3:26 pm

    I’m knitting hats to be donated. Can I take them directly to the hospital. There is a participating hospital about 15 miles from me.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 8, 2018 at 9:22 pm

      To my knowledge, you have to first send your hats to the donation coordinator in your area to have them laundered and bundled with an information packet to help new parents learn more about congenital heart defects. I don’t work for Little Hats Big Hearts/American Heart Association, so I recommend reaching out to your nearest donation coordinator. Good luck! :)

      Reply
  43. Linda Aker

    July 8, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    I hope you leave this pattern on the website for those groups making valentine’s hats. I think there is an error on the “baby size” Line 26 should repeart 3 or 4 times. I am repeating it 4 times since it is a bigger size. On the baby size, it repeats 3 times.

    I LOVE this hat.

    Reply
  44. Patti Dorman

    December 29, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    I can use the knit stitch for the entire hat? I don’t know don’t know how to pearl
    Thanks

    Reply
  45. Shannon I Duffy

    November 12, 2019 at 9:31 am

    Is this project still active? I have red hats to donate.

    Reply
  46. Heidi

    December 29, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    Yes – if you knit all of the purl stitches the hat will still turn out size-wise. :) Glad you’re knitting for this charity!

    Reply
  47. Heidi

    November 15, 2019 at 1:30 am

    As of 2019, the program is now defunct. There’s a message explaining why at littlehatsbighearts.org.

    Reply
  48. Linda Aker

    March 19, 2020 at 6:03 pm

    The red hat program through the American Heart Association has been discontinued. the Preemie Project decided to do a Valentine donation in 2021. We would love to receive any red hats for that. We had not donated Valentine hats in the past because of the Heart Association February Red Hat Donation.
    The Preemie Project Board President
    https://www.thepreemieproject.com/event/red-hats-for-valentine-day/

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. As You Wish - Nutmegknitter says:
    December 31, 2014 at 8:14 am

    […] Repeat Crafter Me has an adorable Top Knot Hat Pattern that I also made. I just came across this Red Hats for Newborns pattern at Hands Occupied and started it last night. I’ll be sure to take a photo of the hats all […]

    Reply
  2. Little Hats Big Hearts Hats - Nutmegknitter says:
    January 9, 2015 at 8:59 am

    […] Baby Hearts Hat from Hands Occupied […]

    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), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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handsoccupied

Craft book author, designer & creator specializing in yarn crafts like knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé
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Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
Nobody panic. This is just the back of an (admitte Nobody panic. This is just the back of an (admittedly insane) intarsia project. One day, this will be a seamed sweater, but today is not that day. 🧶 
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Have a good weekend, everyone! 
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Yarn: @universal_yarn’s Fibra Natura Cobblestone in Antarctica & Dragon’s Breath 
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#handsoccupied #intarsia #intarsiaknitting #wip #knitting
Here’s how to work a Norwegian purl stitch for e Here’s how to work a Norwegian purl stitch for easier continental style knitting. With this purling method, the working yarn says tensioned (held) at the back of your knitting at all times. For many knitters, always holding the yarn at the back helps with tension issues, as well as feeling a little more comfortable. 
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Have you ever encountered this style of purling before? If you’ve tried it, have you found it helps with your purl tension and knitting speed? I’m curious.
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For a written tutorial, visit handsoccupied-dot-com. For video, you guessed it, You2be. Both of these platforms allow for longer, more in-depth versions of this tutorial, including full transcripts, alt text & the ability to pause, slow down or speed up at will. (Like if you really want to learn this, I recommend using a platform that doesn’t keep your hands occupied. Thinking of putting this in all my captions these days tbh - shout out to you if you made it this far. 🙌🏻😂)
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#handsoccupied #learntoknit #continentalknitting #howtoknit #norwegianpurl #norwegianknitting #knit #knitting #knitter #knittersofinstagram #knittinghack  #handknitting #handknit #norwegianpurling
Have you ever tried this style of purl? . All thi Have you ever tried this style of purl? 
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All this recent talk about throwing vs. continental style knitting made it clear many people struggle with purling in continental knitting. Turns out that Norway may have the answer! In Norwegian purling, the working yarn stays tensioned at the back at all times, helping with speed and tension. 🤯
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Head to the bl0g (🔗 in bi0) for a more in-depth look at how to work a Norwegian purl stitch, including a photo tutorial with animated GIF & a video tutorial. Wrapping your mind around how to work a stitch you’re familiar with in a totally new way can be confusing, so I tried to give a few options for clarity. 🤙🏻 Video is also on You2be. 
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#handsoccupied #norwegianpurl #norwegianknitting #norwegianpurling #continentalknitting #howtoknit #learntoknit #knitterofinstagram #knitters
It’s been a hot second since I showed my face or It’s been a hot second since I showed my face or reintroduced myself, so here goes! I’m Heidi Gustad, a craft book author, pattern designer, and tutorial creator who specializes in yarn crafts. Lately, I’ve been focused on releasing quality knitting videos and related blog posts to help teach things like the difference between provisional cast ons and how to fix common knitting mistakes. Next week I’m shooting requested crochet and latch hook videos, so h👀kers, your time is coming! And if you ever have tutorial requests, please let me know. ☺️
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TLDR: I’m Heidi. I design & teach yarn crafts. You can find tutorials on my blog (est. 2010) & You2be. I also have several knitting & crochet patterns + a book about latch hook available. / All of these can be found on my website, the 🔗 is where you’d think. 
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#handsoccupied #fridayintroduction #heidigustad #knitting #knitter #knittersofinstagram #yarncrafts #latchhookbook
Are you a picker or a thrower? Do you knit Contine Are you a picker or a thrower? Do you knit Continental or English Style? Here’s a quick overview of the differences between the two most common knitting styles, including a side by side comparison. (A good one to save for future reference. 👍🏻) 
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There’s more on the differences between picking and throwing in my latest blog post & You 2ube video - the l1nk is where you’d think!
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#handsoccupied #learntoknit #knittingstyles #howtoknit #knittersofinstagram #knitter
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