Hat Not Hate, A Movement Explained

Just about everyone has had a bully at some point in their lives. Whether that bully shoved you into a locker or lived inside of your own head – nearly all of us have had to live with shame or feelings of powerlessness at some point in our lives. Learning to take control of the situation and create kinder kids and thus kind adults is something school administrators have struggled with for years now.

Enter #HATNOTHATE. It’s an organization with the intention of bringing kindness back into schools and shedding light on the harmful effects of bullying that can scar someone’s psyche for a lifetime. Each year HNH asks knitters and crocheters to contribute blue hats that will go to teachers and students around the United States.

The hats signify safety in the educational space for both students and teachers and they show that some people are willing to stand up to bullies – in whatever form they may take.

Popular yarn company Lion Brand has contributed tags and patterns and is the company behind the initiative.

I’d like to do my part to stand up to bullying, but I’m long past school age – so I’m making some hats! I’m also offering some free and very easy patterns so you can make a few hats too.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love, or think my readers will find useful.

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The Easiest Ribbed Hat Pattern – Adult (Crochet)

Materials:

-I Love This Yarn! Marled Denim (141 yards)

-Size H Hook (5.0mm)

–Yarn needle

–Scissors

Gauge:

9 rows of 14 HDC stitches = 4in x 4in

Abbreviations (US terms):

CH – chain

HDC – half double crochet

BLO – back loop only

Skill Level:

Easy

Pattern Notes:

If you don’t know how to crochet into the back loops of the stitches, check out this video for instructions.

Hat measurements:

Width: 9.5 inches across the brim
Length: 8 inches from brim to top

Pattern

CH 33

Row 1: HDC into the second CH from the hook, continue to HDC in each chain of the row. (32)

Rows 2-40: HDC in BLO across.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Weave long tail in and out of the edge of the fabric all the way around.

Pull the end of the yarn to cinch the top shut.

Sew the top closed by sewing through the top stitches in a back and forth pattern.

Cut yarn, weave in ends.

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Easy Garter Stitch Beanie – Child (Knit)

Materials:

-I Love This Yarn! Sea Muse (100 yards)

-Size 8 (5.0mm) knitting needles

–Yarn needle

–Scissors

Gauge:

21 stitches x 14 rows of garter stitch= 4in x 4in

Abbreviations (US terms):

CO – cast on

K – knit

Skill Level:

Easy – Beginner

Pattern Notes:

Hat measurements:

Width: 17 inches circumference
Length: 7 inches from brim to top

Pattern

CO 35

Rows 1-57: K across, turn.

Bind off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Put the two ends together and whip stitch together to form a tube.

Turn the tube around and on one end, weave a piece of yarn in and out of the edge of the fabric all the way around.

Pull the end of the yarn to cinch the top shut.

Sew the top closed by sewing through the top stitches in a back and forth pattern.

Cut yarn, weave in ends.

Share your finished project on Instagram with the hashtag #cozyandcheer and #hatnothat and tag me in the photo at @CozyandCheer! I love to see makers using my patterns!