Monday 2 April 2018

PREEMIE CAPS 1


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PREEMIE CAPS 1

I started writing patterns sometime in 2013, I needed to get some patterns written for us, in India, who did not have as many yarn choices - and I for one, struggled to get a proper gauge and swatch for international patterns with international yarns.   So my blog was born!
At that same time, I decided to keep as many of my original patterns free as I could.  
I also decided then that I would try to make at least one donation a year.  
I am happy to say that I managed that so far and I am thrilled that you are joining me here today as I work on my donation for 2018.

A few days back there was a post on Facebook about a requirement for preemie and new born baby caps at a hospital in Victoria.  As I am going to be visiting Australia shortly, this seemed God send… how can I resist?

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Materials used : Today I’ve used some a combination of yarns.  Please check each individual creation for information.

Abbreviations used :
ch : chain                  ch-sp : chain space
sp : space                 rep : Repeat
fsc : Foundation single crochet                   
dc : Double crochet

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

Foundation half double crochet (fhdc) : This is an easy way to start a row of hdc without the starting chain row.
Here is an easy video tutorial https://youtu.be/SEG2UCRfypA

Half Double Crochet : Hdc :  yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ;
yo, draw through all 3 lps.  One hdc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8  

Here is a sizing chart for general head sizing :

Whipstitch to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the whipstitch at https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the embroidery needle and whipstitch to get an invisible join at https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the single crochet at https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI


Instructions using U.S terminology
For my preemie caps I have worked the pattern ensuring I have a total length of 4 - 5” and a circumference of 11 - 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.

Please check the top of this blog for a sizing chart and the ideas below as well
1. Hat circumference = measure around the head just above ears and subtract one inch for a nicely fitted finished hat.
2. Crown width = (this is a flat circular top of the hat) you need to divide hat circumference by 3.14 (pi).
3. Hat height = Head circumference / 10 x 4.

So you need to measure circumference of the head (round head measurement) and keep checking the outer circumference of your work.  
There is another trick for measuring circumference (without running your measure tape all around the edge of your circle as you are working). 
This works for a cap that you are working top down, from the crown of the head.
It works by dividing your round head measure by pi (3.14). 
So say your head measurement is 22, divide 22 by 3.14 = 7.  
Remember when calculating diameter, you must account for the stretch of your yarn too.
So once the ‘flat portion’ for the crown (or the first few rounds while you are still increasing) of your cap is 7” diameter, you can stop increases and start increasing just the length (without increasing stitches for the round)
Right then, back to the pattern sheet.

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 preemie cap

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

The very first pattern I’ve chosen is a really cute and simple one at https://hearthookhome.com/beanie-hat-for-preemie-babies-free-crochet-pattern/

Materials used : For the blue one, I have used a few grams of 4-Seasons Pony 4-ply acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook.
This yarn is not specific for this project.You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros ; Red rose metallic or unbranded   knitting cotton as well as Oswal or Vardhaman acrylic yarns

Skill level : Easy

The yarn I’ve used is not the one specified by the designer. 
However I started and worked as many rounds as instructed. 
When the designer said continue without further increase, I checked my work circumference, and found it was not sufficient for a new born (cap intended for new born) – so I just continued increases till I got the circumference right, and then continued without increase till I had the length needed for the cap.  
Easy enough, right?

Just for a small finish, I ended with a row of crab stitch or reverse single crochet.

Crab Stitch or Reverse Single Crochet stitch : Here’s an easy video tutorial at https://youtu.be/cG3crwyHPnk


2.      Knit & crochet simple preemie cap 

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

With this pattern you get a knitted and crochet version at http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/preemie-hats

Just changing yarn colours and mixing the colours up makes *such* a difference.  
It almost looks like a different pattern, doesn’t it?

Materials used : I have used a few grams of (Indian) Vardhaman Millenium as well as 4-ply Oswal acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook.
These yarns are not specific for this project.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros ; Red rose metallic or   unbranded  knitting cotton as well 

Skill level : Easy

I’ve alternated the yellow working the sc rows with the off white just to offset the pattern and give it more oomph.. and I totally love it, don’t you?

I have worked the pattern using dc and sc as well as hdc and sc, and they both look lovely.  I ended it with crab stitch or reverse single crochet stitch just for a difference, and that looks swell too.  So go ahead, be creative and spread smiles.


3.      The textured preemie cap

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You just cannot miss out on this superb pattern – it’s just so simple and the pattern is just too good.  Come along and get this free pattern at


4.     Shelled baby hat

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

This is such a cute  pattern – made either in one solid colour or variegated colours, this is another one you should try out. 
Please note that this pattern uses UK terminology

Free pattern at

Materials used : I have used a few grams of (Indian) Vardhaman Millenium for the off-white cap and 4-ply Oswal acrylic yarn (grey + orange) with a 4 mm crochet hook.
This yarn is not specific for this project.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros ; Red rose metallic or   unbranded knitting cotton as well 

Skill level : Easy


5.      Shelled baby hat 

free crochet pattern, free crochet headwear pattern, free crochet preemie baby cap pattern, free crochet baby cap pattern, free crochet preemie cap headwear pattern, free crochet head wear pattern, free crochet donation cap pattern, donation, Oswal Cashmilon, Vardhaman Millennium yarn,

This is such a cute pattern, and I had a very similar yarn.


Materials used : I have used a few grams of Stylecraft acrylic yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook.
I bought this yarn in Australia from Spotlight stores.  This yarn is not specific for this project.
You can use any yarn with a suitable hook to make this project to any size.

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros ; Red rose metallic or   unbranded  knitting cotton as well as Oswal or Vardhaman acrylic yarns

Skill level : Easy

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Have a great day and see you soon. 

Here are some of my other creations.  Have fun with these free patterns too