This is a pattern I developed when my knitting group wanted to make hats for IDF soldiers. Since then, thousands of hats from around the world have been knit, mailed to me and distributed to soldiers.

As of Summer 2022, the Hats-for-Soldiers project is officially over but the pattern will remain available for anyone who wants it. My deepest thanks to all who participated over the past 15 years.

This hat can be made either on 2 straight needles or else on one circular needle, in which case you’ll need dpn’s for the last few rounds of the crown.

Gauge is flexible, 26 to 28 stitches per 4 inches/10 cm. Note that the ribbing is very stretchy, so don’t be worried if the hat looks narrow while you’re working it, a hat that’s 14 inches in circumference will easily fit an average male head (about 22 inches). The hat is knit long so it can be cuffed over the ears, giving a double layer of warmth where it’s most needed.

Black, superwash worsted weight wool is the preferred yarn to use.

Some yarn suggestions: For active men, superwash wool is the best (think Cascade 220 Superwash, Valley Yarns Valley Superwash, KnitPicks Swish Worsted) but a wool/acrylic mix is ok too -- e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Plymouth Encore Worsted, Patons Decor etc.

Obviously, if you’re not making this for IDF combat soldiers you can substitute any worsted weight yarn you like.

Download a color flyer with the pattern here:
http://documents.scribd.com/docs/rh0um01dpfej6r6r0a.pdf

You can also get a plain black-and-white version here:
http://documents.scribd.com/docs/1zey7jp2evsv5p74iqhf.pdf

Black-and-white in Hebrew is here:
http://documents.scribd.com/docs/92mvyx0fn2wufs36skj.pdflink text

The mailing address for the hats appears at the bottom of the pattern.

Chicks with Sticks article is here.