Are you looking for a simple yet meaningful crochet project that’s perfect for beginners that can make a real difference? Look no further! I’m thrilled to introduce my latest crochet hat pattern the Hatcher Hat. Designed with ease in mind, so even if you’re new to crochet, you’ll feel confident creating something beautiful. This pattern is not only a quick, cozy make, but it’s also ideal for donating to your favorite cause – whether it’s for local shelters, hospitals, or any organization close to your heart. Let’s stitch some love into every hat and spread a little warmth to those who need it most!
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The Inspiration
Nothing is more inspiring to me than creating a great pattern that can be worked and given away to a charity! Whenever I design a hat with the intention that it can be donated, I always focus on a few things. I like to work patterns meant for donating in a yarn that most people have access to. It’s important to me that the weight of yarn I choose comes in a variety of price points and with opportunities for easily washable yarn. While I do think it’s nice when a hat intended for donating works up quickly, I do not think that is more important than an awesome texture or a well fitting, nice looking hat. It’s also important to me to design a hat that is unisex. After working with several charities over the years, I know that there is always a need for good looking men’s hats. As women we are naturally drawn to making more for other women. But, men need to keep their noggins warm too and covering it in a handmade has is so special!
When I started looking for stitch pattern inspiration for this year’s Crochet Cancer Challenge Hat I immediately knew this one was a winner! Fun to work but easy to learn, this stitch has amazing texture – always a winner for me! It also has many possibilities for color combinations AND, yes, it’s unisex! I was instantly excited!
Customize Your Hat
One of the great things about making hats is that you can make them in almost any size. While this pattern doesn’t include written out instructions for every size, it does include tips and tricks to customize your hat to the perfect fit. I’m confident that after working the pattern once or twice, you’ll be ready to make lots of hats in lots of sizes perfect for donating!
The Yarn
First, I’d like to give you some tips on choosing yarn when you’re planning on donating your hats. The very first thing you need to think about is who you are donating your hat to. Depending on if you are gifting the hat to a specific person or to a charity, may change your yarn selection. If you have a specific person in mind to give the hat to, you want to keep their personal preferences of color, style, and fiber content in mind. If you are donating to a charity, be sure to check out their website or even give them a call. They may have specific requirements for the donations they accept. If there aren’t any guidelines given, keep in mind that softness is important for babies and those going through chemotherapy, While a durable and washable yarn may be more appropriate for donations to a homeless shelter.
For my Hatcher Hat, I had the pleasure of working with yarn from the talented yarn day Sati from Rows and Roses Fiber. I enjoyed working with this yarn so much. The stunning, bold colors made for a really fun hat and I was super impressed how well this yarn held up to the wear and tear of frogging. I can tell it will be a durable wear throughout the cold months! While hand dyed yarn is a more pricy option, this yarn would be the perfect fit for a special gift. I used a beautifully cheery orange called Bonfire and a gorgeous light blue with pops of bright colors, called Meadow, for my hat. Punk Worsted is made of 100% superwash Merino wool and has approx. 180 yards in each 100 gram skein. I used the same yarn for my matching Hatcher Cowls too!
Other Supplies
While accessories and tools can be fun to use, one of the great things about hats is that you don’t usually need a lot of tools. The only other things you really need are a US I 5.5 mm hook, a tapestry needle (these are my favorites) and scissors (aren’t these beautiful?). I always recommend you check your hook carefully and look for the millimeters rather than a letter label. While US I hooks are pretty standard, there can be some discrepancies between companies as to how they label their hook sizes.
I fell in love with and always recommend Furls crochet hooks. Their Alpha Series is my absolute favorite hook line. It’s stunning and fits so well in my smaller hands. It is one of their pricier hooks, but well worth the splurge. If you’re looking to dip your toes into Furls hooks, I love their wooden Streamline hooks too. Because of their more affordable price, I have a lot of these hooks and use them regularly. They fit nicely in my hands too, are so comfortable to work with, and glide nicely through yarn! If you miss the Odyssey hooks, I recommend trying the Streamline Metal hooks. They come in a few really beautiful tones.
During the summer I was taking my yarn on the go a lot more than I do now that the boys are back in school. I’m a bit nervous about taking my wooden hooks to the park so I ordered a set of metal hooks at the beginning of the summer to take on the go. I’ve really been enjoying my Tulip hook set. They’re super smooth, with a really comfortable grip. I usually work with wooden hooks, but find that metal hooks glide really nicely through cotton and other plant fiber yarns. I bought a whole set of Tulip hooks and am a bit surprised that I’ve used almost all of them. Initially I worried the more narrow handle might cause hand pain, but they glide so easily through the yarn, they’ve been very comfortable to use!
The Pattern
A special deal for you!
I’m so thrilled to introduce the Hatcher Hat pattern as part of the Crochet Cancer Challenge event hosted by Christine of Sweet Potato 3! As part of this special event, my pattern is available for FREE starting at 7am MT Thursday, October 10th through 8am MT Friday, October 11th! Go snag it now, before it’s too late! Please remember that purchasing the hat for free is a commitment to make at least one hat with the pattern and donate it to a charity
The Hatcher Hat is a tier 3 pattern. Tier 3 patterns are designed to let your skills shine through patterns with a mix of intermediate stitches, techniques and shaping! These patterns include a variety of sized projects that combine intermediate stitches and design elements to the new stitches or skills learned in a Tier 1 and 2 patterns. These patterns will help you show off your skills.
The Hatcher Cozy
Wrap yourself in pure coziness with the Nolan Cozy! Picture yourself snuggled up with a cup of cocoa, surrounded by the warmth of this textured masterpiece. It’ll make each warm drink extra special.
This delightful cozy is super quick to work up and is the perfect way to master post stitches. The Hatcher Cozy is the perfectly petite project making is great for using up scraps of yarn and even better for gifting! Pair it with a fun mug and/or a coffee shop gift card and you can make everyone on your gift list feel special this holiday season.
Get the Hatcher Cozy on Ravelry
The Hatcher Cowl
If you love to be wrapped in cozy, but also have to go out in public, the Hatcher Cowl is perfect for you! This thick fabric will keep you warm even in the chilliest of weather while the amazing texture will make people think you’re super put together! Whether you’re heading out to brunch, the office, or school drop-off, you’ll be looking good and staying warm!
Get the Hatcher Cowl on Ravelry
Read more about my tiered pattern system here!
How it works
First, start here at the Sweet Potato 3 blog and learn more about the Crochet Cancer Challenge, look at all the wonderful patterns that have been available and get your coupon code.
Then, come back here and click the link below to go to the Hatcher Hat on Ravelry.
Next, enter the coupon code at check out and get your hat for free!
Last, make a Hatcher hat and donate it to the charity of your choice!
All the hopping is good for designers, the free pattern is awesome for you and the donated hat is great for someone in need! Win, win, win!
