The Red Hat of Freedom

Red Hats that I have knit and/or crocheted

Join the resistance.  Any red hat will do!  Wear your red hat everywhere on February 26th.  February 26th,  2026, Red Hat Day commemorates a 1942 Nazi ban on red knit caps in occupied Norway, which had become a symbol of resistance.

Today it is a "craftvisim" movement where people wear handmade red hats to show solidarity against injustice, particularly to support immigrant communities and protest ICE operations in the United States.  "Melt the ICE" Movement:  Initiated in Minneapolis in 2026.  This movement uses a specific knitted and crocheted pattern for a red, tasseled, beanie-style cap to protest immigration enforcement.  Protest!

Symbolism:  The hats are worn to represent "solidarity in stitches," often accompanied by donations to immigrant advocacy groups.

Community Action:  Participants use the day to show support for local, marginalized communities.

Historical Reference:  The day honors the Norwegian resistance, specifically the 1942 decree that made the patriotic red caps, worn by adults and children, illegal by Nazi decree.

The official pattern for the Red Hat is here. The pattern costs $5.  All proceeds from the sale of this pattern go to the immigrant aid agencies who will distribute the funds to those impacted by the actions of ICE. The shop originating the pattern has collected almost $1 million!

I was so inspired by this movement, that I wrote a song about it.  Watch my video here.