Here is the second crochet Preemie Hat in my Preemie series. Only one of these styles made it into the package of crochet donations sent to the Valley Children’s NICU. Not because it isn’t as good of a hat, but because I didn’t have time to make more!
Although I have not timed how long it takes to make, it does seem to take slightly longer than the other hats. I wanted to include it, though, because it is always nice to have various styles.
The first Preemie Hat Pattern that I shared was made in a round crown to brim. This Preemie Hat is made lengthwise, with a brim added at the end.
One of the things I love about this method of construction is that it is much easier to adjust the sizing. You can easily make the same hat for a micro-preemie, all the way up to adult sizes. Just adjust the length and number of rows you make. The basic stitch of each row is a half double crochet (hdc). Just add more or fewer hdc stitches to adjust the length, depending on the size you need. At the crown, we switch to single crochet so that it is easier to gather to sew closed. For the tiny hats, you will want fewer single crochet stitches in the row, and for larger hats, you will want to add a few more.
If you aren’t sure about the size you need, you can always print out my Hat and Headband Size Chart, to keep on hand. It includes preemie sizes.
Preemie Crochet Hat 2
Supplies:
Size K crochet hook
Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in 2 colors
Special Instructions: We will be working in the back loop(bl) of each stitch, to get a ribbed look. This also adds a little more stretch to the hat.
Note: The bottom trim of the hat does take a little of the stretch away. If you wish to omit the bottom trim, simply increase your ch and hdc stitches by 3-4 sts. This will allow the hat to keep a little more stretch.
Pattern:
With color A, ch 17.
Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc 10, sc in last 4 ch. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, working in the back loop (here and throughout), sc 4, hdc 11. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, (continuing in the back loop) hdc 11, sc 4. Turn.
Rows 4-20: Repeat rows 2 & 3.
Join: Line up your stitches, and working through the back loop of the last row made and the unworked side of the foundation chain, slip stitch in each across.
Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Weave the tail through the top (sc) edge, pull tight and knot. Use your yarn needle to sew completely closed.
Trim:
Attach color B to the brim of the hat, next to the side seam.
Row 1: Ch 2, hdc 25 evenly around brim. Join with slip stitch to the first hdc made.
Row 2: Ch 2, hdc in the back loop of each stitch around. Join to first hdc with sl st.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st.
Finish off and weave in ends.