The Period of Purple Crying is a term that refers to the time period that a newborn cries more than any other time period and can be quite frustrating to new parents. During this time, many parents believe there is something wrong with their baby, but it is actually a very normal and healthy period. There have also been statistics that sadly show an increase of infant deaths during this period due to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Spreading awareness about this period can help educate new parents and help them understand what their baby is going through. It helps show them they are not alone, reassures them that their baby is healthy, and lets them know it is just a period that has an end.
I created this pattern for newborn hats that will be passed out to infants and their families to help spread awareness about The Period of Purple Crying. I wanted to share it here to help recruit volunteers for this wonderful cause. If you have another idea for a cute newborn hat, feel free to use a different pattern. We are just asking that it contain some shade of purple in the design. Also, any knitters are welcome to make hats, too! All the information about where to send your completed hats are at the bottom of this post, and they should be mailed by the end of September to arrive in Oklahoma for the first of October. The pattern for this top knot hat follows, and works up pretty quick so you can make several in one day. Thanks so much to any volunteers, and please feel free to spread the word to any crochet/knitting friends.
Materials: yarn in any shade of purple, 4mm crochet hook, scissors, ruler
Abbreviations: chain stitch (ch), slip stitch (ss), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc)
Pattern: ch 5. ss into first ch. ch 1. sc in each ch around. ss into first sc. *ch 1. sc in each sc around. ss into first sc of round* repeat until piece measures 5 inches.
Rounds 1 and 2 - ch 2. 2 dc in each sc around. ss into first dc.
Round 3 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next dc* repeat around. ss into first dc of round.
Round 4 - ch 2. *2 dc in next dc. 1 dc in next 2 dc.* repeat around. ss into first dc of round. (40 stitches)
Round 5-11 - ch 2. dc around. ss into first dc of round.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Tie top tail into a knot, and roll a cuff at the bottom of the hat with the last 2 rows to finish.
To find out more about The Period of Purple Crying visit http://www.purplecrying.info
Thanks for sharing this beautiful pattern! What I don't get, however, is how you end with a ss in the first sc in the first part of the pattern. Doesn't that mean that you end up with more stitches than you originally started with? Thanks in advance for your reply!
ReplyDeleteHi there Regina! Are you talking about the top knot piece? So, in each round you should have 1 chain one stitch and 5 single crochet stitches. The slip stitch is to join the rounds, so you will skip the chain one stitch and single crochet into the 5 single crochet stitches giving you a total of 5 stitches in each round until the piece measures 5 inches. I like to skip the chain one because it gives a seamless look. Does this clarify things?
DeleteAbsolutely Ashlyn, thanks a lot! Now I get it. I am used to having patterns in which the amount of stitches you should have is indicated, so I was a bit lost. Thanks for helping me out! It does mean I have to unravel the piece, though ;-) Fortunately, I didn't get that far until now.
ReplyDeleteI'm struggling a little and wonder if you can help. I have completed the 5" top section (starting and ending with 5 stitches) and have moved on to the main body of the hat. Looking at the pattern it seems that round 1 has 10 stitches, round 2 has 15 and round 3 has 20, rounds 4-11 would therefore seem to follow with 20 stitches each. Am I right as it looks small and it looks like there are more stitches and the number continues to increase in the photos? Hopefully You can help as I really like the pattern.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, you are right, 20 stitches is too small! Round 1 should be 10 stitches, then round 2 should be doubled as well to give 20 stitches. Then you should follow up with rounds 2 and 3 above to give a total of 40 stitches before you stop increasing. I have updated the pattern to correct this, and thank you so much for pointing this out. Please let me know if you are still having trouble after the update!
Delete