This simple crochet pattern for a preemie hat is a wonderful charity project. Patterns for charity projects are often simple repeats which makes them so easy to make. Plus, it's good karma! This pattern is easy to memorize and each hat takes about 30 minutes. Each skein can make several hats.
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🏥 Where to donate
Accepting donations (2023):
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of wonderful organizations that accept handmade items for premature infants. Some of these organizations facilitate donations to NICUs, while others donate to parents who have lost a child.
I recommend looking into your local children's hospital to see if they accept handmade, in-kind donations.
This is not an exhaustive list but here are some wonderful charities that are currently accepting items:
- Arkansas Children's Hospital
- Hennepin Healthcare
- MiKaylee's Hope
- Orlando Health
- Newborns in Need
- Project Robby
- Warm Hearts, Warm Babies
- Hats for Hope
- Knots of Love
Please leave a comment if you know of another organization that accepts preemie hats. I will be sure to add them to this list.
No longer accepting donations (2023):
https://tinyhatsfortinybabies.org
Please leave a comment if you notice that an organization is no longer accepting donations. I will add them to this list.
📖 About the pattern
Difficulty:
Beginner
Terms:
U.S. terms
Abbreviations:
- MC - magic circle
- Ch = chain
- Hdc = half double crochet
- Inc = 2 half double crochet in one stitch
- St(s) = stitch(es)
- Slst = slip stitch
Gauge:
End of round five: 3" crown diameter
Size:
This preemie hat fits little ones that are about 3-4 lbs. This is using the standards found in Lion Brand's Hat Size.
Notes:
This pattern is worked in continuous unjoined rounds. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the working row to keep track of your rounds.
The ch 2 in row 1 counts as a stitch
🧺 Supplies
Reminder: If you opt to use a different yarn please be sure to use one with plant based or synthetic fibers only. Wool and other animal fibers can be allergens. Please be sure that all hats are pre-washed in a baby-friendly detergent.
🎥 Video tutorial
📓 Written pattern
Simple Spiral Preemie Hat, < 4 lbs
Gauge:
End of round five: 3" crown diameter
Size:
Head circumference: 11"
Materials
- Baby Soft by Lion Brand Yarn, (367 yds/335 m ; 140 g/ 5 oz)- Parfait Print, 1 skein
Tools
- Hook — G-6 (4 mm)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous unjoined rounds. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to keep track of your rounds. This pattern is novel because it does not require the use of a chain stitch at the end of each round.
- MC, ch 1 (*counts as first st in round 1)
- Work pattern:
Round 1: 7 hdc in ring (8 sts *see above note)
Rounds 2: *inc, repeat * 7 times (16 sts)
Round 3: *1 hdc, inc in next st, repeat * 7 times (24 sts)
Round 4: *1 hdc in next two sts, inc, repeat * 7 times (32 sts)
Round 5: *1 hdc in next three sts, inc, repeat * 7 times (40 sts)
Rounds 6-14: 1 hdc in each st around (40 sts)
Round 15: 1 hdc in each st around, sl st in first stitch of round to join (40 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends
Notes
The ch 2 in round 1 counts as a stitch.
This hat is worked with a negative ease.
The sizes used are based off of Lion Brand's hat chart: Lion Brand Hat Size Chart
The time listed is an estimate. Actual results vary.
💭 Final thoughts
Making items for charity is a win-win for everyone involved. Not only do you get to create, you are doing so for a good cause. And for recipients who are extremely grateful to receive the items.
I would love to see your finished project, so please tag me via your favorite social media @yarndrasil . Happy crocheting!
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