Melt The Ice Hat Pattern: Complete Tutorial Collection
Master the iconic Norwegian protest hat with our comprehensive melt the ice hat pattern guides. Choose between crochet or knitting tutorials, each featuring detailed instructions for creating this powerful symbol of solidarity—a bright red pointed beanie with braided tassel inspired by WWII resistance crafters.
Both versions of our melt the ice hat pattern tutorials produce the iconic red pointed Norwegian protest hat with tassel. The original design by Needle and Skein supports immigrant aid organizations, and our free guides help you master every stitch while encouraging support of the official pattern creators.
Advanced Beginner Level
Melt The Ice Hat Crochet Pattern
Complete crochet tutorial for the Norwegian protest hat using single crochet back loop only (scBLO) and half double crochet (hdc) stitches. The pattern features slip stitch ribbing for the brim, gradual crown shaping with hdctog decreases, and a 4.5″ braided tassel finish. Works with #4 worsted weight yarn.
Hook Size
4.5-5mm (G-I)
Yarn Needed
180-210 yards
Gauge
24 st = 10cm
Time
6-10 hours
Techniques Covered
Single Crochet BLOHalf Double CrochetSlip Stitch Ribbinghdctog Decreases
Intermediate Level
Melt The Ice Hat Knitting Pattern
Traditional knitting tutorial featuring 1x1 ribbing worked in the round and stockinette stitch body. The pattern uses 4 decreases per row with K2tog on either side of markers—no knit rows between decrease rounds. Designed for fingering, DK, or worsted weight yarn with adjustable needle sizes.
Needle Size
US 4-8 (3.5-5mm)
Yarn Needed
200-250 yards
Cast On
96-132 stitches
Time
5-8 hours
Techniques Covered
Long-tail Cast On1x1 RibbingKnit 2 Together (K2tog)Magic Loop/DPNs
Needle and Skein: The Original Melt The Ice Hat Pattern
The melt the ice hat pattern originated from Needle and Skein, a woman-owned small business based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area. When news broke of increased ICE activity in Minneapolis in January 2026, shop owner created the pattern as a form of craftivism, drawing inspiration from Norwegian WWII resistance symbolism.
The official Needle and Skein melt the ice hat patterns—both knitting (by Paul S Neary) and crochet (by ssward)—are sold for $5 each. As of February 2026, the shop has raised over $400,000 from pattern sales, with $250,000 already donated to immigrant aid organizations including STEP St. Louis Park.
$5
Pattern Price
$400K+
Total Raised
4
Employees
Disclaimer: MeltTheIceHatPattern.com is not affiliated with Needle and Skein, Ravelry, or any pattern designers mentioned on this site. We encourage supporting the original creators by purchasing the official patterns.
"The hat emerged as a distinctively non-violent symbol—not a threatening gesture."
— Norway Resistance Museum, Oslo
Materials for the Melt The Ice Hat Pattern
The melt the ice hat pattern is designed to work with any yarn weight from fingering to worsted—giving you flexibility in materials while maintaining the iconic silhouette. Here's everything you need to gather before starting your project.
Recommended Yarn Choices for Melt The Ice Hat
Malabrigo Rios
Worsted (#4)210 yards/100g
Superwash merino with beautiful stitch definition. Color "Ravelry Red" is popular for the melt the ice hat.
Blue Sky Fibers Skyland
Worsted (#4)137 yards/100g
Officially suggested by Needle and Skein. Merino/alpaca blend provides warmth and softness.
Red Heart Super Saver
Worsted (#4)364 yards/198g
Budget-friendly acrylic option. Color "Cherry Red" works well. Easy care and machine washable.
Understanding Gauge for the Melt The Ice Hat Pattern
The Needle and Skein melt the ice hat pattern is designed to work at "any gauge"—meaning you can use fingering, DK, or worsted weight yarn. The pattern includes version 1.4 updates with specific worsted gauge instructions. However, gauge still matters for fit:
Fingering Weight
US 4 / 3.5mm needles
~7 stitches per inch
DK Weight
US 6 / 4mm needles
~5.5 stitches per inch
Worsted Weight
US 8 / 5mm needles
~4.5-5 stitches per inch
Key Techniques for the Melt The Ice Hat Pattern
Master these essential techniques to successfully complete your melt the ice hat. Whether you're knitting or crocheting, understanding crown decreases, ribbing methods, and tassel construction will ensure a professional-looking result.
Crown Decreases for Pointed Top
The signature pointed shape of the melt the ice hat requires specific decrease techniques. For knitting, work K2tog (knit two together) on either side of 4 markers, decreasing 4 stitches every row with no plain rows between. For crochet, use hdctog (half double crochet together) with gradual spacing.
Pro Tips
•Place markers evenly around your work to guide decreases
•Knitting: NO knit rows between decrease rows
•Crochet: Space decreases to create a smooth conical shape
The brim of the melt the ice hat uses ribbing to provide stretch and fit snugly around the head. Knitters work 1x1 ribbing (K1, P1) for approximately 6-7 inches. Crocheters use slip stitch back loop only (slst BLO) or single crochet back loop only (sc BLO) to mimic the look of knit ribbing.
Pro Tips
•Double the ribbing length and fold for extra warmth over ears
•Crochet: Work ribbing in rows, then join to work body in rounds
•Non-stretchy yarn may need a switch to sc BLO ribbing
The iconic tassel tops the melt the ice hat and completes the Norwegian protest hat silhouette. Cut 6 strands of yarn, pull through the crown opening, and braid for 3-4 inches before securing with an overhand knot. Some crafters add an I-cord section before the tassel.
Pro Tips
•Standard tassel: 4.5" braided length with knot at end
•Pull yarn ends through crown hole, creating 12 ends total
Adjust decrease frequency—fewer decreases = more pointed, more decreases = rounder top
Hat too small/tight
Check gauge and increase cast-on count. The pattern targets 22" circumference for adult size.
Crown puckers or has holes
Ensure consistent tension during decreases. Use the correct decrease method (K2tog, not SSK).
Ribbing doesn't stretch
Crochet ribbing is less stretchy than knit. Try a larger hook or switch to sc BLO method.
Official Pattern Resources for Melt The Ice Hat
Support the original creators by purchasing patterns from official sources. All proceeds from Needle and Skein pattern sales benefit immigrant aid organizations. We've curated the most trusted resources for your melt the ice hat pattern project.
Ravelry
Official Ravelry Pattern
The original Needle and Skein melt the ice hat knitting pattern by Paul S Neary. Includes fingering, DK, and worsted weight versions.
Support Original Designers: We do not host or distribute patterns. All external links direct to official sources where designers receive full payment. By purchasing the $5 pattern from Needle and Skein, you support both small business owners and immigrant aid organizations in Minneapolis.
Melt The Ice Hat Pattern: Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the melt the ice hat pattern, materials needed, skill requirements, and where to find official resources.
Continue Your Melt The Ice Hat Pattern Journey
Ready to start your project? Explore our detailed tutorials, free tools, and learn the rich history behind this powerful symbol of solidarity.
