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The Malawi Hat is a pattern that is near and dear to my heart, from my days as a volunteer knitter.

I used to knit for a charity called the “Labour of Love Foundation” which was under Me-to-We. They would ask for donations to give to expecting mothers in Malawi, Africa, so they could encourage these women to seek proper care for their delivery of their children at a central location. Upon arrival and after giving birth, they would be given the support they need, and some donated items.

Two of the items I often sent were baby blankets and baby hats. On the right is a photo from August 2010, which a volunteer sent me while she was in Malawi, of a new mother and her newborn, with my first blanket and hat that I made.

I would love to share the hat pattern with you, as it is simple and adjustable to your needs.

Materials

• 1 set of US 7/4.5 mm double pointed knitting needles or 1 short circular knitting needle
• 1 ball of Bernat’s Baby Sport yarn in “Baby Yellow”, 100% acrylic yarn (but you can use an alternative that meets the gauge stated below; also, you won’t need the whole ball of yarn shown on the right!)
• 1 tapestry needle
• 1 pair of scissors
• Optional: 1 stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round

Gauge

• 20 stitches x 29 rows = 4 x 4″ or 10 cm x 10 cm using US 7/4.5 mm knitting needles
• You can also do a gauge swatch test to see if you need to go up or down a needle size to meet the gauge with the yarn you are using.
• Please note that this pattern is written in multiples of 4, and 4 sts = 0.8″ or 2.0 cm.

Sizing
The circumference of this hat is approximately 11.2″ (28.4 cm), and is best suited for newborns. There are notes in the pattern about making adjustments to fit your needs.

Abbreviations

• CO – cast on
• K – knit
• K2tog – knit 2 stitches together (as if you are knitting 1)
• P – purl
• rem – remaining
• rnd(s) – round(s)
• st(s) – stitch(es)

Notes
This pattern was intended for personal use only. You may note copy, distribute, or sell this pattern. Feel free to sell what you make in small batches, but please attribute the pattern to Nix O’Clock.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. I would be more than happy to help. I hope you will enjoy making this hat! If you do, please share it with me over email or social media!

Please use the hashtag, #malawihat and tag me, @nixoclock_knits on Instagram so I can see your lovely creations!