This kippah/yarmulke was designed in response to the tragic shooting of 11 innocent people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa., on October 27, 2018. Although I am no longer a member, I grew up at Tree of Life and knew several of the victims. As a knitter, I wanted to do something in response to the horrific events that used yarn and needles. So when my friend cortneyofeden contacted me about organizing a drive to knit or crochet kippot to donate to Tree of Life, I knew I had to design something.

This kippah pattern uses a small amount of fingering weight yarn, making it perfect for leftovers from socks or mini skeins. It is worked flat in one piece, using short rows to create a series of triangular wedges. To finish the piece, the tail used from the cast on is used to cinch up the center and connect the cast on and bind off edges, creating the dome-like shape that allows it to sit comfortably on the head.

For three years after the publication of this pattern, proceeds from its sale were donated to Tree of Life to aid in its rebuilding fund. The synagogue has since received various grants and gifts to enable its reconstruction, so from January 2022 forward, all proceeds from this pattern will be donated to the Anti-Defamation League, which works to fight anti-Semitism and hate.

As of December 21, 2018, thanks to pattern sales and donations collected by Lisa of Fibernymph Dye Works at the November 2018 Indie Knit & Spin event, $292 have been donated to Tree of Life’s rebuilding fund.

As of April 16, 2022, $36 have been donated to the Anti-Defamation League.

A number of us in the Jewish Fiberaholics group are making kippot to donate to Tree of Life or other synagogues. If you’d like to join us, you can do so here.

This pattern was tech edited by eledixon.