Super textured + super simple preemie beanie!
I love the almond stitch because it it SUPER simple and brings so much texture at the same time! Using only slip stitches and half-double crochets, it's perfect for beginners, yet looks so intricate - it's almost like a "faux cable" look. And once you get the first few rows down, you can keep going without thinking too much about the pattern :)
This pattern is worked flat, and then sinched up on one end to create the hat. Add a single crochet edging around the bottom, and pom, and you're done! Super quick and simple.
Preemie babies are going to be stylin' in these textured beanies!
Here's the pattern, enjoy!
Materials:
1 skein baby or worsted weight yarn (I've used Bernat Baby Sport and Red Heart Super Saver)
Size G Crochet Hook
Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends
Pom Maker (optional) - You can use the good old-fashioned way of making a pom with your fingers, too!
Abbreviations:
Ch = chain
Sl St = slip stitch
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet
St = stitch
*Note: all rows will be worked in the back loops only of all the stitches.
Row 1: Ch 21 (or any multiple of 4, +1). The length of this chain will be the height of the hat.
Row 2: Starting in the 2nd chain from hook: *Sl St 4, Hdc 4, Sl St 4, Hdc 4, Sl St 4*. When you reach the end of the row, Ch 1.
Row 3: Same as previous row: *Sl St 4, Hdc 4, Sl St 4, Hdc 4, Sl St 4*. When you reach the end of the row, Ch 1.
Row 4: We will still be alternating 4 Sl St & 4 Hdc, but now we will start with the 4 Hdc's instead of 4 St : * Hdc 4, Sl St 4, Hdc 4, Sl St 4, Hdc 4* When you reach the end of the row, Ch 1.
Row 5: Repeat row 4
Repeat Rows 2-5 until you have a rectangle that when folded in half, is the desired width of your hat. With a base chain of 21, I did about 21 rows total.
Tie off, leaving a 12'' tail for assembly.
Assembly:
Fold the rectangle in half, wrong sides facing. With a tapestry needle and the 12'' yarn tail, sew the two short ends of the rectangle together with a simple whip stitch to create a "tube". Tie a simple knot to secure the row of whip stitches, but do not cut the yarn.
Now your yarn end and tapestry needle should be at the top of the tube. Weave your needle in and out of the stitches on the top edge of the hat, catching the outermost pieces of yarn. Do this around the entire circular edge of the hat, and when you reach your starting point, pull the yarn to cinch the top of the hat closed. Tie a few secure knots, and weave in ends.
Rim of hat:
Join yarn with a slip stitch to the bottom edge of the hat. Sc around to create a neat edge. Be sure to crochet relatively loosely so the hat maintains stretch. Tie off and weave in ends.
Finishing: add a pom to the top of the hat if desired! :)