Every tiny head deserves warmth and love, and making a preemie crochet beanie is a wonderful way to give both. This free pattern is quick, easy, and perfect for donating to NICUs or charity organizations that support families with newborns. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, these soft, cozy hats are a meaningful project that can make a big difference in a little life.
Materials Used in this Preemie Crochet Beanie:
#3 DK-25 yds {I used Paintbox Simply DK-302 yds/276 m/3.5 oz/100 g}
US G hook (4 mm)
Tapestry needle
Gauge:
8 sedge st X 12 sedge rows = 4”
Skill Level:
Advanced beginner +
Finished Size:
2 ½-3” crown, 3 ½” height, 10” circumference
Abbreviation Used: US Terms
beg = beginning
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
hdc = half double crochet
hdc in 3rd lp = half double crochet in third loop
Inc = Increase (2 sts in the same st)
MR = magic ring
rep = repeat
sc = single crochet
sk = skip
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
Special Stitches Used in this Preemie Crochet Beanie:
hdc in 3rd lp: place a hdc in 3rd loop of the hdc on the inside of the rnd.
Sedge St: (sc, hdc, dc) in same st
Notes:
- Ch 2 does not count as a stitch
- Ch 1 counts as a stitch where noted
Helpful Hints:
- You will be working into a ch 1. Keep it loose to make it easier to put your hook in.
Charity Crochet Challenge
Challenge yourself with my free 30 Days of Charity Crochet Printable. Even if you only accomplish a few, you changed someone’s life for the better.
Pattern Instructions For the Preemie Crochet Beanie:
Rnd 1: With chosen color, using a MR, 9 dc in ring, pull to close, sl st in beg st [9]
Rnd 2: ch 2, Inc in each st around, join as before [18]
Rnd 3: ch 2, (dc in next st, Inc in next st) around, join as before [27]
Rnd 4: ch 2, (Inc in next st, dc in next 2 sts) around, join as before [36]
Ch 1 counts as a stitch in Rows 5-10
Rnd 5: ch1, (hdc, dc) in 1st st, *sk 2 sts, (sc, hdc, dc) next st; rep from * until 2 sts remain, sk 2 sts, sl st in beg ch 1 [12 Sedge St-36 sts]
Rnd 6: ch 1 (hdc, dc) in same st, * sk dc and hdc, work (sc, hdc, dc) in the next sc; rep from * until 2 sts remain, sl st in beg ch 1 [12 Sedge St-36 sts]
Rnds 7-10: Rep Rnd 6
Rnd 11: ch 1, hdc in each st around, join in beg st [36 sts]
Rnd 12: ch 1, hdc in 3rd lp in each st around [36 sts]
Fasten off. Weave in the ends.
Preemie Crochet Beanie Feature in 2025 Preemie Crochet Challenge
The Preemie Crochet Challenge is a special event that Helen of Sunflower Cottage Crochet hosts each year. As a mom of a preemie baby, Helen wanted to create a way for designers to offer a free pattern for makers to pledge to make for charities and NICU families. Find the patterns for the 2025 event by clicking the button below.
Check out my previous years Preemie Patterns below.
Thanks so much for visiting and your continued support! Come again real soon.
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