Purple Hat free pattern

Introducing to you the purple hat!

I've created this hat to support the initiative of BC Women's and Children's Hospital to inform patents of the period of PURPLE crying. Many newborns discharged from the hospital receive a tiny purple hat, with information booklets to remind them that sometimes inconsolable baby crying is normal, and that it is never ok to shake a baby. These purple hats are donated by knitters and crocheters, and may be a fun theme to your usual knit get together with friends.

A few words about the PURPLE Program:

The letters in the word PURPLE describe the properties of normal infant crying that are frustrating:

P for Peak of Crying - Crying peaks at around 2 months, then decreases at around 3 to 5 months;
U for Unexpected - Crying comes and goes unexpectedly, for no apparent reason;
R for Resists Soothing - Crying continues despite all soothing efforts by caregivers;
P for Pain-like Face - Infants look like they are in pain, even when they are not;
L for Long Lasting - Crying can last as much as 5 hours a day, or more;
E for Evening - Crying occurs more in the late afternoon and evening.

Changing behavioural responses to crying, both to less severe and to more intense and inconsolable crying, are very important for SBS prevention. The Period of PURPLE Crying offers the following actions steps for coping:

1. Increase the carry, comfort, walk and talk behaviours with your baby. Unfortunately, what may work one day may not necessarily work the next and what may work for some babies, may not work for others. It is important to keep in mind however, that close contact with your baby may reduce the length of crying bouts by up to 50%;
2. If the crying is very, very, frustrating for you, it is OK to walk away. This step recognizes the caregiver's feelings of frustration and their need for relief. Placing the infant in a safe place and taking a break for 5 to 10 minutes results in the caregiver not being in direct contact with the infant during times when they are most likely to shake or abuse;
3. Never shake or hurt a baby. This is an important clear reminder that under no circumstances is it okay to shake or hurt an infant.

www.dontshake.ca

Purple Hat Pattern (0-3 m.)

You have my permission to make as many hats as you need, however do not re-post the pattern. Feel free to post direct links to the source.

Yarn: worsted weight, 33 gm, 70 yards (64 m)

Hook: 5 mm (H)

Gauge: 14 dc & 9 rnds = 3x3” square

Hat circumference 12 ½”

Abbreviations:

bpdc - back post double crochet

ch - chain

dc - double crochet

fpdc - front post double crochet

rnd - round

sc - single crochet

sl st - slip stitch

sts - stitches

Pattern notes:

Starting chain does not count as st in this pattern.

First st of ea round is made into the base of starting chain.

Leaf:

ch 9

Rnd 1: Dc in 3^rd ch from hook, dc in next st, hdc in 2 st, sc in 2 st, sl st,  ch 2, (continue working on other side of chain) sl st in same st as last sl st, sc in next 2 st, hdc in 2 st, dc in 2 st, ch 2, sl st in same st as last dc.

Rnd 2: ch 3, sc in 4 sts,  sl st in 4 sts, picot (ch 3, sl st in 1^st ch), sl st in next 4 sts, sc in 4 sts, ch 3, sl st in base of last dc. (Do not fasten off.)

Hat:

ch 2

Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2^nd ch from hook. join with sl st.(6 sc.)

Rnd 2: ch 2, 2 dc in ea st, join with sl st. (12 dc.)

Rnd 3: ch 2, 2 dc in ea st, join with sl st. (24 dc.)

Rnd 4: ch 2, [dc in next st, 2 dc in next st] 12 times, join with sl st. (36 sts.)

Rnd 5: ch 2, [dc in next st, fpdc, 2 dc in next] 12 times, join with sl st. (48 sts.)

Rnd 6: ch 2, [dc in next st, fpdc, dc in next st, 2 dc in next] 12 times, join with sl st. (60 sts.)

Rnd 7-14: ch 2, [dc in next st, fpdc, dc in next 3 sts] 12 times, join with sl st. (60 sts.)

Rnd 15: ch 2, [dc in next st, fpdc, dc in next st, bpdc in next 2 sts] 12 times, join with sl st.  (60 sts.)

Rnd 16-17: ch 2, [bpdc in next st, fpdc, bpdc in next st, fpdc in next 2 sts] 12 times, join with sl st.  (60 sts.)