We all know how good handknits make us feel, and we want to give that feeling to as many people as we can this winter! It's time for our annual charity knitting drive for a fantastic Philadelphia organization, Action Wellness.
Action Wellness was founded as Action AIDS in 1986 to help Philadelphians living with HIV/AIDS. It quickly became one of the largest AIDS service organizations in Pennsylvania. In 2016, they rebranded to become Action Wellness. While continuing to support those living with AIDS, they have expanded their services to help all people with chronic illnesses gain access to the healthcare services they need.
We want to knit hats for as many of our fellow Philadelphians being served by Action Wellness as we can, and we hope you'll join us. Here's what we're doing and how you can help:
- We've posted a free pattern below for a chunky weight hat sized from baby through adult. Many of Action Wellness's clientele have families that could also use some handknits, so it will be good to knit a mix of kid and adult hats. It's so easy to whip up a hat or two while in between projects, or while you're working on holiday knitting!
- We're offering a special price on Ultra Wool Chunky. Normally $14.50/skein, for this project it's 25% off at $10.88/skein. Shop online with code AW2025 through December 15th, or let us know you're knitting for Action Wellness when you're in the shop. 1 skein makes 1 hat.
- For every hat we receive from you, we'll donate $1 to Action Wellness. Our deadline is December 15, 2025. We will deliver the hats for the holiday season, so let's get knitting!
You don't have to use this yarn or pattern to participate, but we do recommend something soft and machine-washable. Thank you!
CHUNKY HAT PATTERN
SIZE
preemie (baby, toddler) [child/adult small, adult medium, adult large]
12 (14, 16) [18, 20, 22] inch head circumference
MATERIALS
40 (40, 50) [60, 70, 90] yards of chunky yarn
1 set US 10.5 double-point needles
16-inch US 10.5 circular needle (for three largest sizes only)
GAUGE
3.5 sts = 1 inch in St st in the round
ABBREVIATIONS
k2tog knit two stitches together as if they were one
NOTE
For the three smallest sizes, the hat is knit entirely on double-pointed needles. For the three largest sizes, begin with the circular needle and switch to the double-pointed needles for crown.
PATTERN
Brim
Cast on 40 (48, 56) [64, 72, 80] sts. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist.
Work K1, p1 rib for ¾ (1, 1¼) [1½, 2, 3] inches.
Body
Knit every round until piece measures 3½ (4, 5) [6, 7, 8] inches from cast-on edge.
Crown
Round 1 *K3 (k4, k5) [k6, k7, k8], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
Round 2 and all even rounds - knit all sts.
Round 3 *K2 (k3, k4) [k5, k6, k7], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
Round 5 *K1 (k2, k3) [k4, k5, k6], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
(Premie size, skip to round 16.)
Round 7 *K0 (k1, k2) [k3, k4, k5], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
(Baby size, skip to round 16.)
Round 9 *K0 (k0, k1) [k2, k3, k4], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
(Toddler size, skip to round 16.)
Round 11 *K0 (k0, k0) [k1, k2, k3], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
(Child/Adult Small size, skip to round 16.)
Round 13 *K0 (k0, k0) [k0, k1, k2], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
(Adult Medium size, skip to round 16.)
Round 15 *K0 (k0, k0) [k0, k0, k1], k2tog; repeat from * to end.
(Adult Large size, go to round 16.)
Round 16 *K2tog; repeat from * to end.
Cut yarn leaving an 8 inch tail. Using a tapestry needle, pull the tail through the remaining sts, tighten, and weave in.
