Classic Preemie Beanie for Beginners

A simple yet versatile beanie that anyone can crochet!

When I first began crocheting for the NICU, this was my go-to pattern! Made with half double crochet stitches, these little beanies will keep tiny heads warm, and the best part is that they can be worked up in about 15 minutes! They can be left plain and simple, or embellished with a ribbed or shell edging, flowers, bows or poms to spice it up. You can even play with the color scheme to create striped hats in your favorite colors :) Stay tuned for future patterns + tutorials for hat embellishments!

So let's get into it! Here's my pattern for the classic preemie beanie, in 3 preemie sizes:

Materials:

- Size G crochet hook

- 1 skein baby* yarn (I used Bernat Baby Sport)

*Worsted weight yarn will work as well, as long as it's soft enough. If you do use worsted weight yarn, your gauge and finished hat size will be a bit larger, but that's totally fine! The NICU needs hats in newborn and larger sizes as well.

- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Notes:

- Sl St = slip stich

- Hdc = half double crochet

- Sc = single crochet

* This pattern is worked in noncontinuous, non-turned rounds. At the end of each round, you will join the round by slip stitching to the top of the first stitch.

SIZE: PREEMIE • 3.5'' tall, 8.5'' circumference • for a 2-3 pound baby

Round 1: Ch 3, Hdc 9 in the third Ch from hook, Sl St to first Hdc, Ch 2.

Round 2: 2 Hdc in each stitch around, Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 3: *2 Hdc in the first stitch, 1 Hdc in the next stitch *

Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 4: *2 Hdc in the first stitch, 1 Hdc in the next 2 stitches *

Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 5: *2 Hdc in the first stitch, 1 Hdc in the next 4 stitches *

Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Rounds 6-10: 1 Hdc in each stitch around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 11: 1 Hdc in each stitch around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 1.

Rounds 12-13: 1 Sc in each stitch around. Sl St to the frist Sc to join round. Tie off and weave in ends.

SIZE: SMALL PREEMIE • 3.25'' tall, 8'' circumference • for a 1-2 pound baby

Round 1: Ch 3, Hdc 8 in the third Ch from hook, Sl St to first Hdc, Ch 2.

Round 2: 2 Hdc in each stitch around, Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 3: *2 Hdc in the first stitch, 1 Hdc in the next stitch *

Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Rounds 6-8: 1 Hdc in each stitch around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 9: 1 Hdc in each stitch around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 1.

Rounds 10-11: 1 Sc in each stitch around. Sl St to the frist Sc to join round. Tie off and weave in ends.

SIZE: XS PREEMIE • 3.25'' tall (roll up to be about 3''), 7'' circumference • 1-1.5 pound baby

Round 1: Ch 3, Hdc 6 in the third Ch from hook, Sl St to first Hdc, Ch 2.

Round 2: 2 Hdc in each stitch around, Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 3: *2 Hdc in the first stitch, 1 Hdc in the next stitch *

Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Rounds 4-5: 1 Hdc in each stitch around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 2.

Round 6: 1 Hdc in each stitch around. Sl St to the first Hdc to join round, Ch 1.

Rounds 10-11: 1 Sc in each stitch around. Sl St to the frist Sc to join round. Tie off and weave in ends.