Someone dropped off free yarn at my local senior center. After being picked over, what was left no one really wanted because of the colors and roughness of the yarn. I thought I would try to make something useful from the yarn; that people would buy at the Christmas booth the senior center sponsors, which proceeds benefit the area seniors.

I tried to find a free pattern for children and adults on websites and just could not find the right pattern. I looked over several patterns and none seemed to work for one reason or another, so I designed this one to fit the yarn I had. The ribbed design did what I wanted which was to make the rough yarn feel softer. After making about 10 hats, I got all the “bugs” out of the design and ended up with this final pattern. These hats are tough with a stretchy and spongy feel which, softened the yarn and will last for years. So I named them, “Tuffy Hats”.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate for 1st hat, easy for second hat.

Need:
Worsted Weight 100% Acrylic Yarn Medium (4) (on the thick side, super saver type yarn)
1 skein or more depending if using one color or using more. Scrap yarn is good to use for contrasting colors. This pattern uses two colors of yarn.

Hook: US J/6.00mm
(Do not try to use a smaller hook. You will loose the stretchy and spongy feel you want.)
Tapestry needle size 16
Needle threader for yarn
Scissors

Care: Machine wash and dry (No ironing)