Please see below for frequently asked questions about the Hats for Heroes project, hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Kehillot. To return to the main page, click here.
Not for this project. Due to the nature of crochet the end result is a hat that’s much bulkier, heavier and less stretchy than a knit hat. Also, the commanders prefer that their soldiers all get the same thing. So knit hats only please.
No. Please knit black hats, which all the troops are allowed to wear.
Yes. The IDF doesn’t have any regulations about acrylic yarn. Superwash naturally has the advantage of being less likely to melt, as well as being softer that is preferred.
You can find the pattern by clicking here.
You must use machine washable plain black worsted weight yarn. This is to comply with the soldiers’ requests and army regulations. Look for a yarn that is soft, warm and non-felting. Superwash wool is the best, acrylic or a wool/acrylic mix is also acceptable.
Use whatever needle you need to get gauge. The 4mm – 5.5 mm range is a good place to start. For circulars, use a small circumference, about 12” – 16”.
There are several knitting groups that meet throughout the community.
Srigah B’Ahavah (Knitting With Love) is a community knitting group that meets on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the second floor at Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History.
Materials can be purchased at most local craft and yarn shops. Luv2Knit & More is offering a discount on tools and materials specified in the pattern for making hats for IDF soldiers.
You can find Luv2Knit & More at 610 Old York Rd Suite 668, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
Yes! Please send photos of you knitting the hats to Shelley Rappaport at srappaport@jewishphilly.org.
The Jewish Federation’s neighborhood Kehillot will arrange for the hats to be sent to soldiers in Israel at the Lone Soldier Center via convenient drop off locations around Greater Philadelphia.
Please click here to see the Jewish Federation’s terms and conditions.
Please email srappaport@jewishphilly.org.
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