Melt The Ice Hat Pattern Free Knitting: Full Tutorial
Master the iconic Norwegian protest hat with this comprehensive melt the ice hat knitting pattern. Complete with row-by-row instructions, gauge guide, crown decrease schedule, and sizing chart for the distinctive red pointed beanie with braided tassel.
Looking for a free melt the ice hat knitting pattern? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to knit the iconic red pointed protest hat. The melt the ice hat knitting pattern draws inspiration from Norwegian WWII resistance symbolism and has become a powerful symbol of modern craftivism. Whether you're an intermediate knitter or just starting out, this melt the ice hat pattern knitting tutorial covers materials, gauge, techniques, and complete row-by-row instructions.
The melt the ice hat pattern free knitting versions honor the tradition of Norwegian red protest hats while allowing knitters worldwide to participate in solidarity movements. This distinctive pointed beanie with a braided tassel creates a striking finished piece that carries deep historical meaning.
What Is the Melt The Ice Hat Knitting Pattern?
The Melt The Ice Hat is a red pointed beanie (toque) with a tassel, inspired by Norwegian WWII-era resistance symbolism. During the 1940s, Norwegians wore red pointed hats called "nisselue" or "topplue" as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation. Within two years, the Nazi regime made these protest hats illegal—punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute.
Today, the melt the ice hat knitting pattern revives this powerful symbol. The original knitting pattern was designed by Paul S. Neary and published by Needle & Skein, a yarn shop in Saint Paul Park, Minnesota. The pattern has sold over 100,000 copies, raising more than $400,000 for immigrant support organizations.
Why Choose the Knitting Version?
Smoother Fabric Texture
Stockinette stitch creates a classic, polished look
Better Drape
Knitted fabric naturally conforms to the head shape
Traditional Authenticity
The original Norwegian protest hats were knitted
Less Yarn Usage
Knitting typically uses 15-20% less yarn than crochet
Stretchier Fit
Knit ribbing provides excellent stretch and recovery
Materials for the Melt The Ice Hat Knitting Pattern
Yarn Requirements
| Yarn Weight | Yardage Needed | Gauge (4 inches) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingering (Category 1) | 180-220 yards | 28-32 stitches | Lightweight, detailed look |
| DK Weight (Category 3) | 160-200 yards | 22-24 stitches | Balanced warmth and drape |
| Worsted (Category 4) | 140-180 yards | 18-20 stitches | Quick knit, maximum warmth |
Color: Traditional bright red honors the Norwegian protest hat history. Cherry red, cranberry, and scarlet are popular choices.
Yarn Suggestions
- •Cascade 220 in Christmas Red (worsted, 220 yards/100g)
- •Malabrigo Rios in Ravelry Red (worsted, 210 yards/100g)
- •Berroco Vintage in Cardinal (worsted, 217 yards/100g)
- •Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Cranberry (worsted blend)
- •Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted in Coral Red (100% wool)
Needle Sizes
| Yarn Weight | Ribbing Needles | Body Needles |
|---|---|---|
| Fingering | US 2 (2.75mm) | US 4 (3.5mm) |
| DK | US 4 (3.5mm) | US 6 (4.0mm) |
| Worsted | US 6 (4.0mm) | US 8 (5.0mm) |
All require 16" circular needles plus DPNs or magic loop capability for crown decreases.
Additional Supplies
- •Stitch markers (4-6, one distinct for round beginning)
- •Tapestry needle for weaving ends and closing crown
- •Measuring tape for checking gauge and sizing
- •Row counter for tracking decrease rounds
- •Scissors
- •Cardboard (5-6 inch piece for making the tassel)
Gauge and Sizing for the Melt The Ice Hat Pattern Knitting
Achieving correct gauge ensures your melt the ice hat pattern knitting fits properly. Always knit a gauge swatch before beginning.
Gauge for Worsted Weight Yarn
Ribbing (smaller needles)
20 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches
Body (larger needles)
18 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches
Size Chart
| Size | Head Circumference | Cast-On (Worsted) | Hat Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child (4-10 years) | 19-20 inches | 72-80 stitches | 8-9 inches |
| Adult Small | 20-21 inches | 80-88 stitches | 9-10 inches |
| Adult Medium | 21-22 inches | 88-96 stitches | 9.5-10.5 inches |
| Adult Large | 22-24 inches | 96-104 stitches | 10-11 inches |
| Adult XL | 24-26 inches | 104-112 stitches | 10.5-11.5 inches |
The hat fits with negative ease (1-2 inches smaller than head circumference) for a snug fit.
Essential Knitting Techniques for the Melt The Ice Hat Pattern
Basic Stitches
Knit Stitch (K)
Insert needle from left to right, wrap yarn counterclockwise, pull through.
Purl Stitch (P)
Insert needle from right to left, wrap yarn counterclockwise, pull through.
2×2 Ribbing (K2, P2)
Alternating two knit stitches with two purl stitches creates elastic fabric for the brim.
Decrease Stitches
Knit Two Together (K2tog)
Right-leaning decrease. Knit two stitches together as one.
Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK)
Left-leaning decrease. Slip two knitwise, knit them together through back loops.
Centered Double Decrease (CDD)
Slip 2 together knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over.
Crown Decrease Philosophy
The melt the ice hat knitting pattern uses a specific decrease rhythm to create the characteristic pointed shape. Unlike standard beanies that alternate decrease rounds with plain rounds, this pattern decreases every round in the crown section to achieve a more dramatic point.
Melt The Ice Hat Pattern Free Knitting Instructions
Part 1: The Ribbed Brim
Using smaller needles (US 6/4.0mm):
Cast On: Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 88 stitches (Adult Medium). Place marker and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist.
Rounds 1-16 (or until 2.5-3 inches):
*K2, P2* repeat around (2×2 ribbing)
Part 2: The Hat Body
Switch to larger needles (US 8/5.0mm) for the body of your melt the ice hat pattern free knitting.
Transition Round: Knit one round, increasing evenly to reach your target stitch count if needed.
Body Rounds (until body measures 5-6 inches from cast-on):
Knit every round (stockinette stitch in the round)
Part 3: Crown Shaping
Setup Round: Place 4 markers evenly around (every 22 stitches for 88 total)
Decrease Pattern
| Round | Instructions | Stitches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | *K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, sm* repeat 4× | 84 sts |
| 2 | Knit all stitches | 84 sts |
| 3 | *K to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, sm* repeat 4× | 80 sts |
| 4 | Knit all stitches | 80 sts |
| 5-8 | Continue pattern: decrease every round | 76→64 sts |
Continue decreasing every round until 8-12 stitches remain. Switch to DPNs or magic loop when needed.
Part 4: The Braided Tassel
- Cut strands: Cut 6-8 strands of yarn, each 18-24 inches long
- Attach to crown: Fold strands in half, pull loop through crown tip, pass ends through loop
- Divide for braiding: Separate strands into 3 equal groups
- Braid: Create a tight 3-strand braid for 3-5 inches
- Secure: Tie an overhand knot at the end
- Trim: Cut tassel ends evenly, 1-2 inches below the knot
Tips for Knitting the Melt The Ice Hat Pattern
Tension Tips
- •Ribbing: Keep tension slightly tighter for elastic grip
- •Body: Maintain even tension for smooth stockinette
- •Crown: Relax tension slightly as decreases bunch fabric
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Twisted join: Check stitches lie flat before joining round
- •Tight crown: Use flexible bind-off; relax tension
- •Uneven decreases: Count stitches between markers after each round
Official Pattern Sources and Designer Support
While this tutorial provides a free melt the ice hat knitting pattern guide, we encourage supporting the original designers who created the pattern and donate proceeds to immigrant support organizations.
Official Knitting Pattern: The original Melt the ICE Hat pattern by Paul S. Neary is available through Needle & Skein, with all proceeds supporting immigrant families in Minnesota.
We are not affiliated with Ravelry, Needle & Skein, or any pattern designers mentioned on this site. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Frequently Asked Questions: Melt The Ice Hat Knitting Pattern
What skill level is needed for the melt the ice hat knitting pattern?
The melt the ice hat knitting pattern is suitable for confident beginners to intermediate knitters. You should be comfortable with knitting in the round, 2x2 ribbing, and basic decreases (K2tog).
How much yarn do I need for the melt the ice hat pattern knitting?
For worsted weight yarn, plan for 150-180 yards for adult sizes. A single 100g skein of most worsted yarns (200-220 yards) is sufficient with yarn left over for the tassel.
What needles work best for the melt the ice hat pattern free knitting?
For worsted weight yarn, use US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles (16 inch) for the ribbing and US 8 (5.0mm) for the body. You'll need DPNs or know magic loop for the crown decreases.
How do I make the crown more or less pointy?
For a more pointed crown, decrease every round throughout the crown section. For a rounder crown, alternate decrease rounds with plain knit rounds.
How long does it take to knit this hat?
Most knitters complete the melt the ice hat pattern knitting in 6-10 hours. Faster knitters may finish in 4-5 hours, while beginners might take 12-15 hours.
Why is the hat traditionally red?
Red honors the Norwegian WWII resistance tradition. The original nisselue protest hats were bright red, making wearers visible and recognizable.
Can I sell hats made from this pattern?
Check the specific pattern's licensing terms. Many designers allow sales of finished items with attribution. Consider donating proceeds to aligned causes.
Continue Your Melt The Ice Hat Journey
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