Simple Crochet Preemie Hat

Before I share the instructions for the simple little crocheted hat I've been making, I wanted to say that there are wonderful sites online that offer free preemie patterns for crochet, knitting and sewing.  I will share these with you as I find them.

My good friend Marianne shared this link with me yesterday.  This site is amazing!!!

www.ravelry.com

Another website that offers some wonderful free preemie patterns is:

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/preemies.html

After you visit the above sites, you probably will no longer be needing my own little hat directions...but here you go anyway......

I personally have been using Bernat Softee Baby yarn.
Crochet Hook size H (most other patterns call for size E or F... everybody crochets differently and the
H hook has worked for me concerning these hats anyway. :)

I've been able to find these 8 adorable colors in the Bernat Softee Baby yarn: pink, pink/white varigated, blue, blue/white varigated, mint, lavendar, yellow and white.  I just love how soft these little hats are when finished.

For the 3 - 4 pound preemie size:

This is worked on the round until the last row.

Chain 4, slip stitch to first chain to form a ring.

Round 1 - chain 3, 12 double crochets in the ring, join.

Round 2 - chain 3, 1 double crochet in same space, *2 double crochets in each stitch around*, join.

Round 3 - chain 3, 1 double crochet in same space, *1 double crochet in next 2 stitches, 2 double crochets in next stitch* repeat from *, join.

Rounds 4 - 7 - chain 3, 1 double crochet in each stitch around. join.

Round 8 - chain 3, 1 front post double crochet stitch in each stitch around. join.

Round 9 - chain 3, turn and work in other direction now, *1 front post double crochet in next stitch, 1 double crochet in next stitch*,  repeat from * around, join.

Weave in ends.  Brim will flip up naturally or can be left down if height is needed for baby's head.

For the 2 pound preemie size:

The only difference is Round 3....everything else remains the same.

Round 3:  chain 3, 1 couble crochet in same space, *1 double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochets in next stitch*, repeat from *, join.

For the 1 pound preemie size:

Once again, the only difference is Round 3....everything else remains the same.

Round 3:  is the same as rounds 4 - 7 in original directions.

Disclaimer:  I have not intentionally or purposely copied someone else's pattern.  If by chance someone ever claims to have created this pattern, by all means they can take the credit.  I'm only making these for donations to NICU units and do not approve or agree to allow these hats to be sold for profit.