Preemie baby beanies Free Crochet Pattern

Preemie Baby Beanies are a great way to use up your scrap yarn for a good cause. 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.

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 in the FREE printable PDF: 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. 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 an 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.

• 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)

• 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

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 below 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 stich 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 rounds

Standard Crochet Circle:

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 our example, we have crochet 2 rounds of a double crochet circle for Size 20 – 24 weeks

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 brim

Rd 3 – 7 (5 Rds):  Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, sl st to the 1st st

Ribbed Brim:

Rd 8:  Ch 2, *dc, fpdc* repeat 12 times total

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

The FREE PDF version of this pattern includes step-by-step pictures and the stitch abbreviations written out for beginners to pattern reading and neurodivergent crafters.