Preemie baby beanies
Crochet Pattern
Preemie Memory Beanies can offer a small comfort during a time of loss. Made to measure in sizes 20 to 42 weeks, these beanies are perfect for charities, hospitals, or for creating memory boxes for grieving parents. Made with pastel DK yarn and simple patterns, the beanies are a quick and heartwarming way to give back to your community and create a lasting memory for families.
Pattern below 👇 and a free PDF on Ravelry with the instructions written out.
Materials
DK weight acrylic yarn (Marvel 8 ply)
Check with the hospital or charity for any specific requirements
4mm hook (or size to suit your yarn)
Scissors
Tapestry needle
Ruler / Measuring Tape
Stitch Marker
Our patterns are written a little differently with beginner and neurodivergent crafters in mind. The abbreviated instructions are followed by a breakdown in italics, making it easier to understand what you need to crochet in each row / round. If you’ve had trouble reading crochet patterns in the past, we hope that you’ll give ours a try!
A PDF printer-friendly pattern is available on Ravelry for FREE:
The Pattern
Please read the information before starting the pattern:
Start by choosing the size of the beanie you want to make. Our examples are 20 – 24 weeks and 25-29 weeks sizes.
We have included two simple example patterns: one in double crochet and another in half double crochet.
Note the circle width for the size that you want to crochet in the chart above. All sizes are in cm (you can convert to inches with Google if needed). Follow the pattern for the standard crochet circle until you reach the right width.
If your circle is wobbly, you might need to decrease the number of stitches in the magic circle.
You can use any weight yarn you like, but make sure you match your hook with your yarn and tension. For this example, we have used a DK weight yarn with a 4mm hook.
Some hospitals and charities have very specific requirements for donations (e.g. yarn type, colours, etc). Make sure you check with the recipient to ensure your donations will be accepted.
Stitch Abbreviations (US terms)
|
dc |
double crochet |
|
inc |
increase (2 stitches in the same stitch) |
|
fpdc |
front post double crochet |
|
hdc |
half double crochet |
|
sc |
single crochet |
|
3rd loop |
bar behind the back loop of a half double crochet |
|
ch |
chain |
|
sl st |
slip stitch |
|
fasten off |
cut the yarn and pull through |
|
Rd |
Round |
|
(#) |
total number of stitches at the end of the round |
|
* * |
repeat the instructions inside the asterisks |
Materials
|
|
DK weight acrylic yarn (Marvel 8 ply) – Check with the hospital or charity for any specific requirements |
|
|
4mm hook (or size to suit your yarn) |
|
|
Scissors |
|
|
Tapestry needle |
|
|
Ruler / Measuring Tape |
|
|
Stitch Marker (Optional) |
Size Chart
|
Size / Age |
Circle Circumference |
Hat Height |
|
20 – 24 Weeks |
4.5 – 5cm |
6.5 – 7.5cm |
|
25 – 29 Weeks |
5 – 6.5cm |
8 – 9 cm |
|
30 – 35 Weeks |
6.5 – 8.5cm |
9 – 10 cm |
|
36 – 42 Weeks |
9 – 11cm |
11 – 14cm |
Pattern 1 – Double Crochet
|
Rd # |
Instructions |
Stitch Count |
|
Rd 1 – 2: (2 Rds) |
Step 1: Make a crochet circle to match the width needed in the second column of the chart above Follow the Standard Crochet Circle pattern until the circle is the right size – Chain 2 at the beginning of each round (does not count as a stitch – place the first double crochet of the round in the same stitch as the slip stitch) – Slip stitch to the first double crochet at the end of each round – DO NOT TURN – Repeat instructions between the * * – Sew in the tail from the magic circle after a couple of rounds
Standard Crochet Circle: (You will always work the increase into the 2nd stitch of the increase in the previous round) Rd 1: Double crochet 12 times in a magic circle (12) Rd 2: Increase in each stitch (24) Rd 3: *Double crochet, increase* Repeat 12 times (36) Rd 4: *2 Double crochet, increase* Repeat 12 times (48) If you need a bigger circle, keep adding 1 double crochet before the increase in each round. The stitch count for each additional round will increase by 12. For the example, we have crocheted 2 rounds of a double crochet circle and is Size 20 – 24 weeks |
(24) |
|
|
Step 2: Stop increasing for the height of the hat Follow the Hat Height measurements in the chart above, taking into account that you will work 1 more round for the ribbed brim Our example is worked in joined rounds of double crochet DO NOT TURN at the end of each round |
|
|
Rd 3 – 7: (5 Rds) |
Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, sl st to the 1st st Chain 2, double crochet in each stitch around, Slip stitch to the first stitch of the round
|
(24) |
|
Rd 8: |
Ribbed Brim: Ch 2, *dc, fpdc* repeat 12 times total |
(24) |
|
|
Fasten off and weave in ends (We like to use the invisible fasten off method for beanies) |
|
|
|
You can experiment with alternative brims for the final round Some options to consider: · Crab Stitch / Reverse Single Crochet · Camel Stitch (Half Double Crochet in the 3rd Loop) · Twisted Single Crochet · Half Double Crochet or Single Crochet in the Back Loop · Shell Stitch |
|
Pattern 2 – Half Double Crochet
|
Rd # |
Instructions |
Stitch Count |
|
Rd 1 – 4: (4 Rds) |
Step 1: Make a crochet circle to match the width needed in the second column of the chart above Follow the Standard Crochet Circle pattern until the circle is the right size – Working in continuous rounds without a slip stitch or chain one – use a stitch marker – DO NOT TURN – Repeat instructions between the * * – Sew in the tail from the magic circle after a couple of rounds Standard Crochet Circle: (You will always work the increase into the 2nd stitch of the increase in the previous round) Rd 1: Half double crochet 10 times in a magic circle (10) Rd 2: Increase in each stitch (20) Rd 3: *Half double crochet, increase* Repeat 12 times (30) Rd 4: *2 Half double crochet, increase* Repeat 12 times (40) If you need a bigger circle, keep adding 1 half double crochet before the increase in each round. The stitch count for each additional round will increase by 10. For the example, we have crocheted 4 rounds of a continuous half double crochet circle |
(40) |
|
|
Step 2: Stop increasing for the height of the hat Follow the Hat Height measurements in the chart above, taking into account that you will work another 2 rounds for the brim Our example is worked in continuous rounds of half double crochet using a stitch marker DO NOT TURN at the end of each round |
|
|
Rd 5 – 11: (7 Rds) |
hdc in each stitch |
(40) |
|
|
Camel Stitch Brim: Camel Stitch is worked in the third loop of the half double crochet stitches of the previous round. Tilt the work a little towards you until you can see the bar BEHIND the back loop – this is the third loop and where you’ll be working. Camel Stitch pushes the top of the stitches forward to create the horizontal V (which is usually the top of the stitch). |
|
|
Rd 12: |
Sl st to the 1st st of the rd, Ch 1, hdc in the 3rd loop of each st around, sl st to 1st st |
(40) |
|
Rd 13: |
Ch 1, sc in the 3rd loop of each stitch around, sl st to 1st st |
(40) |
|
|
Fasten off and weave in ends (We like to use the invisible fasten off method for beanies) |
|
|
|
You can experiment with alternative brims for the final rounds Some options to consider: · Crab Stitch / Reverse Single Crochet · Twisted Single Crochet · Half Double Crochet or Single Crochet in the Back Loop |
|
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Disclaimer: Our patterns are intended for personal use only. Please do not distribute or publish the pattern in any medium. You may sell finished items made with our patterns in small quantities – please credit Fox Creations as the pattern designer in tags and listings. Fox Creations does not use generative AI for pattern writing or images.