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Everyday Creative Adventures

Crochet Caps for a Cause Pattern

As a way of paying it forward, this pattern was born. So, in case that you have some free time and want to do something to make others smile (and feel warm), you might want to give this a try too. The pattern below is free for you to use, or you can get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here.

Last week I had a new and exciting experience – I became a volunteer at our local hospital.  I originally created this blog to have a creative outlet but I had no idea the impact my readers would have on my life.  All the positive feedback and comments have helped me see that I have an opportunity and an obligation to give back.  

My new volunteer job is to create and deliver art and activities for the pediatric and geriatric wards and to make hats and blankets for the maternity and neonatal intensive care units.  I delivered my first big package of materials and hats last week and it felt so amazing to be able to contribute to this wonderful cause.

In honor of this new endeavor in my life, I’m including the pattern for what I’m calling my “Caps for a Cause” crochet beanie.  

This is a very quick and simple crochet pattern that even beginner crocheters learning how to crochet can easily master. I crochet pretty slowly and I can make these hats in about 45 minutes (less time for a preemie-sized hat).

These crochet hats can be made in any size from preemie all the way to men’s large so this is a very versatile pattern.

READER CHALLENGE

I’d also like to extend a challenge to any of my readers who are so inclined to join me in this volunteer effort. Hospitals are in great need of caps for newborns, preemies, and cancer patients.  Crochet blankets, shawls, wash clothes and toys are also in high demand. Most hospitals have volunteer programs for receiving knitted and crochet goods so I encourage you to donate if possible – and please share your experiences with me in my comments section.

Crochet Caps for a Cause Pattern – download pattern.

Skill Level: Easy 

Materials: 

• Hook: 

– US Size J/10 (6 mm) crochet hook or size  that gives you a fabric you like 

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in any  

combination of colors 

• Notions: 

– Scissors 

– Yarn needle 

– 6 stitch markers 

Size/Gauge:  

Use this pattern to make any size hat, in any gauge!

ABBREVIATIONSDESCRIPTION
chChain
dcDouble crochet
rndRound
scSingle crochet
st(s)Stitch(es)

Pattern

Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here.

Join rnds where indicated with a sl st in the first st of the rnd. Change colors as desired for stripes. 

CROWN: 

Ch 5, sl st in first ch to form a ring.  

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc throughout), 11 dc in circle, join. (12 dc) 

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in first st, 2 dc in each st around, join. (24 sc) 

For the remainder of crown, markers are used to indicate where the increases go. 

Rnd 3: Ch 3, place marker in top of ch 3 just made, dc in first st, dc in next st, [2 dc in next st, place  marker in first of the 2 dc just made, dc in next st] around, join. (36 dc, 6 markers)

Rnd 4: Ch 3, move first marker to top of ch-3 just made, 2 dc in first st, dc in each st to next marker,  [2 dc in marked st, move marker to first of the 2 dc just made, dc in each st across to next marker]  around, join. (42 dc, 6 markers) 

Repeat rnd 4 until crown reaches desired size. For a snug fit, the circumference of the crown should  be 1-3 inches smaller than the head circumference.  

Remove all stitch markers. Do not fasten off.  

BODY: 

Rnd 1: Ch 3, dc in next st and in each st around, join. 

Repeat rnd 1 until hat reaches desired length.

Final rnd: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. 

Fasten off.  

Weave in all ends.  

COLOR CHANGE SUGGESTIONS: 

These are some of the striping / accent color arrangements shown in the images:

Stripes: Alternate between 2 colors, changing colors in every rnd.  

Stripes with Accent color: Alternate between 2 colors until last 2 rnds of body. Work the last dc rnd in a 3rd color, then work the final rnd in one of the original 2 colors.  

Accent color at brim: Work entire hat in one color until the last 2 rnds. 

Work the last 2 rnds in a different color.  

Single woven thread: Choose a rnd where you want the woven thread. Using a yarn needle and starting at the back seam, weave the thread down from top to bottom  through each st of the rnd. Weave in tails.

So, what do you think? This is an easy peasy crochet pattern easy enough for anyone who’s still learning how to crochet. We hope you found this the perfect pattern for donating to your local hospital. Happy hooking!

 

Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here.

Looking for more great crochet patterns for babies: Easy Striped Crochet Baby Hat Pattern, Easy Done in a Day Baby BlanketBaby Bumps Blanket Crochet PatternPrimrose Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern and the Star Stitch Striped Baby Blanket.

Basic Crochet Hat Pattern - Perfect for donating to hospitals.
Basic Crochet Hat Pattern – Perfect for donating to maternity and neonatal intensive care units.

Update: Here’s the pile of hats that Noelle and I took to the hospital on New Year’s day… what a positive way to start off a new year.

Hat donations
Hat donations

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