In this difficult time I think a good sense of humor it is critical to maintain our spirits. To this end, with no intent to minimize the seriousness of current events and people’s experiences, I’ve designed this light-hearted COVID-19 virus hat pattern. I’m offering this pattern for free, but request that you (on the honor system) donate $10 to an organization to help with dealing with COVID-19. Suggestions include local food banks, the National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the United Nations Foundations’s COVID-19 Response Fund. In addition, for each finished hat posted on Ravelry before my mandatory telework ends, I will donate an additional $20.

I knit the sample in worsted yarn, using 75 grams of each color and 120 stitches around with a gauge of 5.5 stitches per inch. The pattern is written to work for any multiple of 12 stitches, however note that if you use a finer yarn your finished stalks will be smaller and more numerous.