Itty bitty Melon Preemie Beanies!
These watermelon beanies are one of my favorite preemie designs so far! Using only single, half double, and double crochets, this pattern is simple enough for beginners as well!
I'd initially designed the green border as a simple green stripe, but then thought that a shell border would add the perfect amount of flair :)
The second installation into the Mini Melons Preemie Series, these little beanies would pair perfectly with the Mini Melons Preemie Mary Janes for a matching set! Check out the free pattern on my blog here: https://melcrochets.wixsite.com/mysite/post/mini-melons-preemie-mary-janes And be on the lookout for more Mini Melons designs!
The best part is that these little beanies work up FAST. Once you've made a couple, you could pump these Mini Melons up in about 15 minutes! I hope this pattern inspires and enables you to use your talent of crochet to create for a NICU near you!
I've gotten questions about what kind of yarn is best for crocheting for NICU babies. The hospital I donate to doesn't have yarn regulations, but I do try to crochet with yarn that is both 1) soft, and 2) OEKO-TEX approved. Two of my favorites that meet both of these requirements are Bernat Baby Sport and Red Heart Super Saver! And these two are economical as well, which is great for making lots of items to donate - without completely breaking the bank! :)
Happy crocheting!
MINI MELONS PREEMIE BEANIE
Finished size: 8.5'' circumference, 3'' tall (for a 2-3 lb baby!)
Materials:
Worsted weight yarn in pink, white, green and black - I used Red Heart Super Saver
Size G crochet hook
Tapestry Needle
Abbreviations:
Ch = chain
Sl St = slip stitch
Sc = single crochet
Hdc = half double crochet
Dc = double crochet
St = stitched
Note: This pattern is worked in non-continuous, non-turned rounds. At the end of each round, slip stitch to the top of the first stitch in the round, but do not turn.
Round 1: With Pink Yarn, Ch 2. In 2nd Ch from hook, Dc 10. Sl St to the top of first Dc in round. Ch 1.
Round 2: 2 Dc in each St around. Sl St to top of the first Dc in round. Ch 1.
Round 3: *2 Dc in the first St, 1 Dc in the next St* Repeat from * to * around. Sl St to the top of first Dc in round. Ch 1.
Round 4-5: 1 Dc in each St around. Sl St to the top of first Dc in round. Tie off pink yarn and weave in ends.
Round 6: Attach white yarn at the beginning of the round with a slip stitch. Ch 1, 1 Hdc in each St around. Sl St to the top of first Hdc in round. Tie off white yarn and weave in ends.
Round 7: Attach green yarn at the beginning of the round with a slip stitch. Ch 1, 1 Sc in each St around. Sl St to the top of first Sc in round.
Round 8: In the next St, Hdc 3. Skip the next St, and Sl St in the St after that. *Skip the next St, 3 Hdc in the St after that, Skip the next St, Sl St in the St after that* Repeat from * to * around to create the shell border. Tie off and weave in ends.
With black yarn, embroider three seeds (or as many as desired) on the front of the hat. I place each of my seeds 3 Dc apart between rows 4 and 5.
And that's it! Hope you enjoy this pattern and that it inspires you to crochet a whole bunch for a NICU near you!
Mel
Comments