A red hat, inspired by a symbol of resistance to Nazi occupation, gains traction in Minnesota

[highplainsdem]

https://www.npr.org/2026/01/31/nx-s1-5693767/red-hat-protest-minnesota

-snip-

Neary created the pattern that has now become the well-known "Melt the ICE" hat, a red beanie-shaped cap topped with a braided tassel.

Since making the pattern available for $5, the shop has raised nearly $400,000, Mashaal said Friday. So far, she said, they have donated a total of $250,000 to two local nonprofits focused on housing support for immigrants in the community — STEP (St. Louis Park Emergency Program) and the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund.

-snip-

Tangestuen said the hat emerged sometime around the last large demonstration protesting Nazi occupation in September 1941. For Norwegians, the hat was meant to be "distinctively non-violent" and "not a threatening symbol."

"It was used in the period of the war where everything looked very dark," Tangestuen said. "The main purpose of it was just to keep up morale, keep up hope and not descend into hopelessness and apathy."

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Much more at the link.

EDITING to add the links to get the patterns for the knit hat

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melt-the-ice-hat

and crocheted hat:

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melt-the-ice-crochet-version

[ALBliberal]

1. This intrigues me because I am an avid crocheter

But I wonder about the possible confusion with MAGA red hats?

[UpInArms]

2. No possible confusion

Knitted beanie style with a braid

[canetoad]

3. In the photo

The knitted hats are a deep cherry red, not inflamed-boil maga red.

[erronis]

12. "inflamed-boil maga red". Good use of the imagery. Like the "pustulent orange pimple on the Rump of the US."

[littlemissmartypants]

10. Different red, different hat. Time to take the color back from them anyway.

Red used to be the color of Resistance
https://democraticunderground.com/100220980797
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/melt-the-ice-toque

[deRien]

4. The Nazis banned the red hats

so the Norwegians used a red tassel which was also banned. I think they then used either a pin or paperclip as part of the resistance. Just a little information from my Norwegian friends...

[NeoTrajan]

5. Image ...

[sop]

6. Looks similar to a Phrygian cap.

[Aristus]

7. That's just what I was thinking.

I'm sure the resemblance is not accidental.

[paleotn]

8. My better half is having a heck of a time finding the correct red yarn

much less the yarn called for. In the mean time, I've learned more about yarn than I necessarily needed to know. That's what I get for asking questions.

[zeusdogmom]

9. Any red will do

Use what is in your stash or what the local yarn store has.

My hat is nearly done - about 10 more rows and then the tassel

[littlemissmartypants]

11. Link to the Guardian article on the topic:

Rage knitting’ against the machine: the hobbyists putting anti-ICE messages into crafts
Makers take a stand through ‘Melt the ICE’ red knit caps and sparkly nails – all while raising funds for those affected by immigration raids

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/29/ice-knitting-protest-immigration

— (@2diamondeyes.bsky.social) 2026-01-29T19:33:15.070Z

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