Charity Knitting

• Hook: I used size J hook for Foundation Row, then size I hook throughout, but use whatever size you are comfortable with. (I find using one size larger for the Foundation Row keeps the project from pulling in on the bottom.)
• Yarn: worsted
• Start by making a chain (ch) with larger hook to equal 6 inches (it was 19 stitches with this size hook for me.)
• Change hook to smaller size, and add 3 more chain stitches, this will be your first double crochet stitch (dc).
• Continue across the row of chain stitches with dc stitches until the end. Be sure you have the amount you want (for me, 19), including the 3 chain stitches that serve as first stitch.
• At the end of every row, ch 3 turn, and continue with dc stitches across the row. 
• Continue until you have 6 inches in length, continuing to check that you have the same amount of stitches on each row, so your square does not get narrower or wider.
• Check that you have a 6 inch square.
• Finish off and work in ends.

• Hook Size: G
• Yarn: DK
• I am a loose crocheter, and I found this size hook with this yarn gave me a 6-inch square. If you crochet tighter or differently, you may have to adjust.
• Begin by crocheting 4 chain (ch) stitches, then slip stitch into a circle.
• In the center of the circle, begin first row by chaining 3 stitches (this serves as your first Double Crochet-dc). Then dc two more stitches, chain 3, *dc3, ch3* three times until you have 4 clusters, slip stitch into ch 3 at top of last cluster.
• If you are using different colors: Cut the yarn here, and add new yarn in any of the ch 3 spaces.
• If you are using the same color: slip stitch in the top of the next 2 dc’s until you reach a ch 3 space, then continue on.
• Row 2: In each ch 3 section, crochet 3 dc, ch 3, ch 3. You will do this in every corner of your granny square.
• Row 3. In the corner, 3dc, ch 3, 3 dc, then ch 1, 3 dc, ch 1 to get to next corner. 
• So, in other words, each corner has two clusters of 3 dc with a chain 3 in between them. Between the corner you chain 1 between 3dc clusters.
• Continue increasing on each row until your square is 6 inches on each side. 
• Cut yarn and work in ends. 

Materials:

• Size 7 or 8 knitting needles
• Scrap yarn, washable & dryable

Instructions:

• Cast on a stitch.
• Row 2: Increase to two stitches
• Row 3: Knit 
• Row 4: Increase each stitch (4 stitches)
• Row 5: Knit
• Row 6: Knit 1, increase 2nd and 3rd stitches, Knit 1 (6 stitches)
• Row 7: Knit
• Row 8: Knit 1, increase 2nd stitch, knit, increase next to last stitch, knit 1 (8 stitches).
• Row 9: Knit
• Continue in garter stitch, increasing 2nd and next to last stitches on every other row, knitting the other row, until you reach a width of 6 inches.
• Then start decreasing every other row on the 2nd stitch and next to last stitch until you are down to one stitch, finish off.

(Based on Ann Budd’s “Hats” pattern in The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns)

• Use size 5 and 6 needles if you knit tightly, 4 and 5 needles if you knit loosely. I use 16 inch circulars. 
• Use any leftover yarn, you won’t need a lot.
• Using worsted or DK yarn, for a large child’s head or adult, cast on 76 or 84 stitches, depending if you want a bit smaller hat, or a bit larger.
• Knit 1-1/2 inches of ribbing (3 inches if you want it to roll up) with smaller needle. (Mark the beginning of the row with a marker)
• Switch to larger needle and knit in stockinette for 7 inches. Here is where you can have some fun. Do a texture like moss stitch, or do a slip-stitch pattern, or knit in some Fair Isle stranded color knitting with some other leftover yarn. Or do stripes. 
• For decrease:
• K 2 K2 together for one row.
• Knit
• K1 K2 together for one row
• Knit
• You will probably need to switch to double point needles here if you’re not using a long circular.
• Start decreasing by K2 together all the way around until you have about 6-8 stitches. Then cut yarn, leaving a 6-8 inch tail. Using a large needle, run the tail through remaining stitches and pull up tight. 
• Decorate top with pompom, I-cord, crocheted loop, etc. or leave plain if desired. 
• Feed in all tails. 
• Voila, you are done! Try it on!
• Wash and block if needed.