Premature baby knitting patterns: easy baby hat
Premature baby knitting patterns can be hard to find, but we can help with this free premature baby hat pattern from UK Hand Knitting. They have brought it to you as part of their Commit to Knit campaign, which encourages knitters to make items for charity. And what could be a more appealing charity to support than one that assists with premature baby hats to keep tiny newborns cosy and snug while they grow.
UK Hand Knitting would love you to knit this premature baby hat for Bonnie Babies. This non-profit organization sends premature baby clothes and blankets to more than 150 UK special care baby units, helping hospital staff dress tiny arrivals and giving a message of support to parents. The charity welcomes items that are knitted, crocheted or sewn, so feel free to send other yarn items created using different premature baby knitting patterns and crochet patterns, too.
For this premature baby knitting pattern you will need one ball of Sirdar Snuggly DK yarn. The premature baby hat comes in two sizes, 22.5cm (9in) or 26cm (10in), to fit babies born at 27-31 weeks or 32-34 weeks – and there are more sizes available in Sirdar book 348. The hat is worked flat and has a simple textured pattern, making it a great knit for beginners.
You can find this and more charity patterns in the Commit to Knit supplement from issue 147 of Simply Knitting magazine, and we have lots of charity craft ideas for you to try too! Plus, don't miss our best baby knitting patterns for more premature baby knitting patterns to cast on today.
For this premature baby knitting pattern you will need:
- Sirdar, Snuggly DK (55% nylon, 45% acrylic, 50g/165m), 1 ball of Pea Shoot (512). Buy on Wool Warehouse
- A pair of 3¼mm (US 3) knitting needles. Buy on Amazon
- A pair of 4mm (US 6) knitting needles. Buy on Amazon
Free premature baby knitting pattern
Tension
22 sts and 28 rows to measure 10x10cm (4x4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. For more help getting started, see our knitting for beginners guide.
Check out our yarn weight conversion chart for more information on yarn weights and knitting needle sizes.
Measurements
22.5 (26)cm actual hat circumference – to fit babies born 27-31 (32-34) weeks.
Premature baby hat
This pattern uses our standard knitting abbreviations. Learn how to cast on knitting and how to cast off knitting with our guides, and find out how to increase a stitch in knitting and how to decrease in knitting.
Cast on 49 (57) sts using 3¼mm needles.
Row 1 K1, (P1, K1) to end.
Row 2 P1, (K1, P1) to end.
Rep rows 1 & 2, 6 times.
Next row P7, p2tog, (P6 (8), p2tog) 4 times, P8. [44 (52) sts]
Change to 4mm needles.
Row 1 Knit.
Row 2 Purl.
Row 3 K2, P1, (K3, P1) to last st, K1.
Row 4 Purl.
Rows 5 & 6 As rows 1 & 2.
Row 7 K4, P1, (K3, P1) to last 3 sts, K3.
Row 8 Purl.
Rep rows 1–8 until Premature Baby Hat measures 9cm, ending with a WS row.
Shape premature baby hat crown
Row 1 Patt 4 (5), patt2tog, (patt 4 (5), patt2tog) 6 times, patt 2 (3). [37 (45) sts]
Row 2 and all alt rows Purl.
Row 3 Patt 3 (4), patt2tog, (patt 3 (4), patt2tog) 6 times, patt 2 (3). [30 (38) sts]
Row 5 Patt 2 (3), patt2tog, (patt 2 (3), patt2tog) 6 times, patt 2 (3). [23 (31) sts]
Row 7 Patt 1 (2), patt2tog, (patt 1 (2), patt2tog) 6 times, patt 2 (3). [16 (24) sts]
Row 9 Patt 0 (1), (patt2tog) 8 (1) times, (patt 0 (1), patt2tog) 0 (6) times, patt 0 (3). [8 (17) sts]
Row 10 Patt 0 (1), (patt2tog) 0 (8) times. [8 (9)] sts.
Cut yarn, draw through rem sts and fasten off.
To make up the premature baby hat
Sew in ends and join back seam, reversing sewing for turn up rib.
Download your free premature baby knitting pattern PDF
To download your knitting pattern for premature babies, click on the link below and it will open in a new window. You can then save the pattern.
Premature Baby Hat Pattern PDF
Try your hand at this baby hat pattern and hone your knitting skills. The best bit, when you are finished, you will have a piece of clothing that will keep a premature baby's head toasty warm.
Find more baby knitting patterns on Gathered
Once you've made the hat, why not knit a soft blanket to keep a baby in your life extra cosy. Head to our free knitting pattern here on Gathered and make a gorgeous baby blanket little ones will love snuggling up in.
