Were you aware crafters that you can help a beloved charity with homemade crochet items?
- A few ideas are:
- 1. Chemo hats for cancer patients
- 2. Mittens for the homeless
- 3. Afghans for shelters
- 4. Lap Afghans for people in wheelchairs
- 5. Prayer squares
- 6. Hats for newborns
Last month at the Amboy Crochet N Knit club we voted on our first charity project. I am excited to announce that we are crocheting new born hats for our local hospital.
Between now and January 15 we will be working up a good number of preemie and newborn hats to give to our nearby KSB Hospital. As you can see we are off to a good start.
I am including a basic new born hat pattern for anybody who would like to crochet some hats for your area hospital.
Basic Newborn Baby Hat Pattern:
I used a H hook and baby yarn.
Round 1: Ch 3, work 9 dc in third chain from hook. Join the last stitch to the top of the first stitch to close the ring. (10 dc st)
Round 2: Chain 2 (counts as first dc through out) and 1 dc in same stitch, 2 dc in each stitch around. Sl st to top of ch 3. (20 dc st)
Round 3: Chain 2 , 2 dc in next stitch *1 dc, 2 dc. Repeat from * around. Sl st to top of ch 3 (30 dc st)
Round 4: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). 1 dc, 2 dc. *1 dc in next 2 st, 2 dc. Repeat from * around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to finish round. (40 dc st)
Round 5: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). 1 dc in next 2 st, 2 dc. *1 dc in next 3 st, 2 dc. Repeat from * around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to finish round. (50 dc st)
Measure each row of the diameter of the circle, until you reach 4 1/2 inches. I had to crochet 5 rows to reach this measurement. Some people will reach this measurement at 4 rows or might have to add a sixth. When your circle reaches 4 1/2 inches across the diameter then you can start the body.
Crochet the Body of the Hat
Round 6: Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Dc in each stitch around. Sl st to top of ch 3 to finish round. (Total 50 dc st per round).
Repeat Round 6 until your hat reaches 5 1/2 inches from the crown of the hat to the brim. For me it was 13 rounds. However, I have seen a completed hat in 10 rounds.
At this point a decision needs to be made. You can give the hat as it is, or add some embellishments such as a flower or possibly add a decorative edging. Whatever you decide, I am sure the new mother will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
What are some charities that you have used your skills as a crocheter to help or encourage others. Would love to hear about it, who knows maybe you could inspire our group for the next one.
Until next Monday, Keep those hooks flying.