Creative Preemie Hat

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This pattern is an original design by Laura Reavis

Materials:
K Hook (6 inches across (12 inches around))
Worsted Weight Yarn (or sport or baby, but the hat will be smaller)...

**This hat is made for a larger preemie, but you can make it smaller by decreasing the number of dc stitches on the first round, and then continue on with the pattern. Depending on the yarn I use, this pattern makes the hat about 12 inches in circumference.**

Ch 3
Rnd 1: 14 DC in 3rd chain from hook, join with a slst to beg ch 2. (15 DC in all)
Rnd 2: ch 2, DC in same stitch, 2 DC in each stitch around, join with slst to beg ch 2. (30 DC)
Rnd 3-7: ch 2, DC in each stitch around, join with slst to beg ch 2. (30 DC)
Rnd 8: ch 2, DC in Front Loop only in each stitch around, join with slst to beg ch 2. (30 DC)
Rnd 9: ch 2, DC in each st around, join with a slst to beg ch 2, finish off, weave ends in, turn cuff up and you have a preemie hat!!!!

*You can vary the last two or three rounds quite a bit, and here are some variations I use.
-For a more girlie look, follow pattern thru Round 6. For Rnd 7: ch3, 4 DC in same st (skip next 2 stitches, 5 DC in next stitch) around. Join with slst to beg ch 3 and finish off.
-Another variation, follow pattern thru Round 7. For Rnd 8: ch 1, then reverse sc in each stitch around, join with slst to beg ch 1. Finish off.
(these two variations eliminate the cuff, which some nurses prefer. Since the babies spend virtually all their time laying the cuffs can sometimes be too big and a little uncomfortable for the babies. This just depends on the type of yarn used, the baby, and the nurse's preference. I just make a large variety, to hopefully please everyones needs and wants!)
-This is a great hat to get creative on. It is easy to make stripes, or make the cuff a different color, or to add various borders and ruffles to get a different look. Just use your skills and make a unique hat for a little one!

Thank you Laura for giving us this wonderful pattern.  Drop by and visit Laura at Teeny Tiny Treasures.

Reminder: The only legal use of patterns on this website is to make the items and give them to charity.