*This blog post contains affiliate links. You can read more here.*
These days it is really common to hear how children are bullied at school, with negative behaviours happening from students in primary schools right through to high schools.
It’s so upsetting to hear what children, teenagers and adults have to say about their experiences of bullying – which is why it is important that it’s stopped and stomped out.
Lion Brand Yarn Company is currently promoting their anti-bullying campaign #HatNotHate.
They are collaborating with STOMP Out Bullying, the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organisation for kids and teens in the U.S. to launch an anti-bullying campaign.
They are looking for knitters, crocheters and crafters all around the world to join in with this campaign and raise awareness by making blue hats.
These hats will be worn on World Day of Bullying Prevention, October 1, 2018.
*Don’t forget to pin and share
How Knitters And Crocheters Can Get Involved
All of you makers out there can get involved with this campaign and support the cause by making a hat to wear or donate.
You can also use the hashtag #HatNotHate when you post the updates of your hats on Insta and other social networks.
Here’s what you can do >
- Make a hat using one of Lion Brand Yarn’s free patterns below, using blue yarn.
- Share a photo of yourself or someone else in your blue hat and hashtag #HatNotHate. Lion Brand will share it too!
- Spread the word – share this post and encourage others to join in.
- If you are in the US – donate hats to your local school and let them know about the campaign and what it stands for.
- Wear your blue hat during October, which is Anti-Bullying Month and make more hats for people you know so they can take part too.
- You can also donate hats back to Lion Brand by September 24th who will be gifting them to a local NY school for kids to wear on World Bullying Prevention Day, October 1st.
- Send hats to Lion Brand Yarn Co, Attn Shira Blumenthal HAT NOT HATE, 135 Kero Road, Carlstadt, NJ 07072
Why You Should Make A Blue Hat
Lion Brand chose the colour blue because it is the colour of awareness, and also solidarity.
They picked various hues from their yarn collection and created 22 knit and crochet patterns, for you to choose from.
Wearing a hat is a great way to show your solidarity and support to end bullying.
When you’re finished, post a picture on social media – make sure you use the hashtag #HatNotHate.
Bullying affects so many people and it’s important to show some support to those who are affected – whether it be by making and donating hats or to share something online as a reminder that everyone is in this together.
Make Your Own Blue #HatNotHate
Out of the list of 22 hat patterns to make to join the #HatNotHate campaign, I have chosen 8 of the knit hat patterns to share with you.
There are a bunch of both knit and crochet patterns available on the Lion Brand site, so you can dive right in and see which ones you want to make.
If you use one of the yarns recommended, you’ll be contributing even more.
2% of the proceeds from each of the blue yarns used to make these hats will be donated toward this cause.
If you are new to knitting and want to learn how to knit there are many easy and free patterns on my website, just take a look at my knitting pattern library, with hat patterns for women, men, baby and kids.
If you are a knitter – there are so many great free hat patterns for women here – take a look at these posts and find something you can in blue!
Need some inspiration? Take a look at the hats in my knitting pattern libraries, including women’s hats, men, kids and babies.
*You can also shop all of my hat patterns here.
Below are my top 8 blue hat pattern picks that you need to join in with the #HatNotHate campaign.
*Please click on the image to view the pattern page – you have to have an account to download the free patterns.*
1. The Elmira Hat
Make a gorgeous cable knit beanie hat with this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.
The hat uses Lion Brand hometown yarn in St.Paul Sky and is a great beginner pattern.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
2. Anti-Bullying Knit Hat
Make a chunky anti-bullying knit hat with ears!
The hat uses Lion Brand Hometown Yarn in Fort Worth Blue and is a great beginner pattern.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
3. David’s Hat
Make a knitted ribbed hat with this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.
The hat uses Lion Brand Jeans Yarn in Classic 110 and is a great beginner pattern.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
4. Garden State Beret
Make a knitted beret with this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.
The hat uses Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Yarn in dusty blue and is a great beginner pattern.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
5. Classic Cuffed Hat
Make a knitted cuffed hat with this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.
The hat uses Lion Brand Hometown Yarn in St.Paul Sky and San Diego Navy.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
6. Kids Beanie Hat
Make a kids beanie hat with this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.
The hat uses Lion Brand Scarfie Yarn in Denim/Navy.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
7. Ribbed Beanie Hat
Make a ribbed beanie hat with this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.
The hat uses Lion Brand Jeans Yarn in Stonewash.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
8. Tula Slouch Hat
Make a slouched beanie hat with this free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.
The hat uses Lion Brand Jeans Yarn in Classic.
Skill Level – Easy/beginner
Get Your Yarn and Start Making >
All of these Lion Brand blues are currently discounted for the campaign (click to shop each)!
Use any pattern and any blue yarn to create as many hats as you like – remember to wear or donate and share on social media with the hashtag – #HatNotHate
Happy Making!
*All images found on Lion Brand**
Judy Murphy says
I just heard about the blue hatsagainst bullying.
Is it too late for me to start knitting and contributing?
handylittleme says
Hello Judy, I think the deadline for this was the 1st September 2019. But there is a lot of information here – http://hatnothate.org/ so maybe you can still get involved! Thanks so much for visiting my blog 🙂