PREEMIE CAPS 3
MONSTAAH CAPS
This
is my 3rd blog write up for preemie caps. When I started on my first preemie cap blog,
I thought I’d just make several similar type projects – and then I saw these
cuties. As I am donating, I thought let’s make it more fun fun fun.
Come
along and let’s see how we can spread some more small smiles.
Abbreviations used :
sc
: single crochet dc : Double
crochet
ch
: chain ch-sp
: chain space
sp
: space rep
: Repeat
Stitches used :
Starting slip knot :This is a
neat new way to start your work without a slip knot. http://stitchesnscraps.com/tutorial-starting-chain-to-knot-or-not/
Magic circle :To refresh your skill, please view
this easy video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLuSVyKvoUg
Hdc : Half Double
Crochet : yo, insert hk into st ; yo
(3 lps on hk), yo, draw through all 3 lps.
One hdc made.
Chainless dc start : Instead of
the usual start with ch 2 or ch 3, I’d like to introduce this lovely new way of
starting a dc row. Do take a look at
this self-explanatory super video http://www.mooglyblog.com/chainless-starting-double-crochet/
In
case you are unhappy with this start, or do not like it, do continue with the
usual ch-2 or ch-3 start. However, all instructions
will be given assuming that you are using the chainless dc start.
Here is a sizing chart for general head sizing :
Instructions using U.S terminology
As
I’ve mentioned in my earlier blog, for my preemie caps I have worked the
pattern ensuring I have a total length of 4” and a circumference of 12”.
This
is what worked for me, using my yarn(s) and hook. Please check the top of this blog for a
sizing chart.
In
general the pattern I’ve used for my caps is as follows. I have given links for the caps I’ve been
inspired by, but the general principle I’ve used is the same for all of my caps
– ensuring I get the preemie size right.
Start Round 1 : with a magic circle and 10 hdc in that circle.
Join with a sl-st to the 1st hdc.
(10)
Round 2 :
(Increase round ) : 2 hdc in the 1st hdc and in each hdc all around.
Join
with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. (20)
Round 3 :
(Increase round ) : hdc in the 1st hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc ;
*hdc
in the next hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc* ;
rep
*to* all around.
Join
with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. (30)
Round 4 :
(Increase round ) : hdc in the 1st 3 hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc ;
*hdc
in the next 3 hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc* ;
rep
*to* all around.
Join
with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. (36)
Check
that your hat circumference is about 12” for preemie.
Round 5 :
hdc in the 1st hdc and in each hdc all around.
Join
with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. (36)
Rep
Round 5 till you have a finished length of 4”.
Now
below are some pattern links for my inspirations. See what works for you with your yarn and
hook. Cheers.
1.
Simple scary monstah preemie cap
The
very first pattern I’ve chosen is a really cute and simple one at http://pinssneedles.com/free-crochet-pattern-scared-silly-monster-hat-for-baby-preemie-sizes/
Materials used : I have used a few grams of local Indian Oswal
Cashmilon 4-ply acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook
Skill level : Easy
A
quick note on what we are doing with this pattern.
This
is a top down cap. Our first row is the top/crown of the cap.
I
started with fsc, and we work till the end of the 1st fsc row, and
then around the end of the row and along the other end to make a round.
Thereon,
we will work in rounds.
The
yarn I’ve used is not the one specified by the designer.
So
in case you too are working with a yarn
that is not specified, then your first row should be half the head
circumference of the child. We are
basically working a rectangle all the way down, so you should ensure that it
will fit around the head of the child from that 1st row on. Got it?
Check
the top of this blog for head sizing charts.
Just for a small finish, I ended with a row of crab stitch or reverse single crochet. This is not part of the original pattern.
Crab stitch / Reverse single crochet :
(Reverse sc)
: This is your regular single crochet st, but done in reverse. So instead of moving ‘clockwise’ as we
regularly work, you move anti-clockwise
or counter clockwise, and you’ll achieve a slightly ‘bumpy’ single crochet,
which is your reverse sc.
2.
Caterpillar baby cap
This
cute cap has been on my ‘to-do’ list.. now its DONE ! Yaay.
The
free link for this pattern has a hat and cocoon, so spread more smiles with
this full set.
Get
the full details at http://www.ouicrochet.com/2015/01/newborn-caterpillar-hat-and-cocoon-free.html
Materials used : I have used a few grams of (Indian) Oswal
Cashmilon 4-ply acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook
Skill level : Easy
For
this cap too, there are several sizes given, but no preemie. So I just started with the same number of sts
as instructed for a new born 0-3 m, and
worked till the length needed
3.
Shark baby cap
I’ve
made a shark baby cocoon before, and now a cute shark baby cap.
Get
the free crochet pattern at
Materials used : I have used a few grams of (Indian) Oswal
Cashmilon 4-ply acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook
Skill level : Easy
For
this cap too, there are several sizes given, but no preemie. Once again, I just started with the same
number of sts as instructed for 0-3 m, and worked till the length needed. I then worked the shark gums and teeth as
specified and it worked just fine.
For
the shark fin, I worked till Round 9 (again for the 0-3m size) but worked my
stitches a little bit tighter so that the fin is a little smaller. I also will
not be using any poly fill for the fin, as this cap is intended for a preemie
in NICU, so a tighter stitch means a fin that will hold up straight without
filling. J
4.
Monsters Inc inspired baby cap
I’ve
made a one-eyed monster cap before, and this one is pretty similar and so
cute. Get the free crochet pattern at
Materials used : I have used a few grams of (Indian) Oswal
Cashmilon 4-ply acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook
Skill level : Easy
For
the horns, I used the same technique as I have for the shark fins – and it is
standing up without any polyfill filling.
Again as these are preemie caps, I thought it would be better without
the ‘under-the-chin’ ties, so the slight difference in look.
And
that’s four uber cute monstah preemie caps for you.
I
plan on making a few more preemie caps, so do follow me / this blog for more
fun and interesting ideas. Cheers.
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Have
a great day and see you soon. J
