This pattern was created for the 2018 AHA “Little Hats, Big Hearts” charity project. Little red hats for premie and newborn babies will be distributed at participating hospitals during the month of February, as part of an effort to raise awareness about congenital heart disease and general heart health.

This hat is worked in the spiral rounds of single crochet and linen stitch. There are two options for starting the hat: foundation chain with 1st row of SC, or Foundation Single Crochet followed by a row of SC placed in the back loop of the FSC row. The FSC start produces a slightly rolled brim.

Your single-crochet gauge should be 4 stitches x 5 rows = 1”. Adjust your hook size to meet the gauge, if you are concerned about the size of the finished hat. The linen stitch section will produce a gauge of 5 stitches x 6 rows = 1”, with the same hook used to meet the SC gauge.

Instructions produce a Newborn size with brim circumference = 14”. Hat height is roughly 5”. Information about changing the hat size for premies is given at the end of the pattern.