Preemie and Newborn Crochet Hat Pattern

 I've had several requests for my preemie and newborn crochet hat pattern so I decided I'd write it up to share with the crowd. I made this pattern myself after crocheting many different baby hats I combined the ones I liked the best and re-sized it to fit tiny heads. I'll list how to do the base hat first and then list the embellishment variations. For the story behind these hats click on NICU Hats at the top of the page or go here.

I also make them to sell. If you'd like to buy a Preemie or Newborn hat visit my Etsy Shop.

Here's a group of them all made up. These are newborn size.

Preemie Base Pattern:
-Use worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.
 Row 1 -  Start with a magic ring then single crochet 10 in the ring. Slip stitch into the first sc. (10sc)
 Row 2 - Chain 2 (does not count as a double crochet here and throughout) then in the same stitch make 2 double crochet. Then make 2 double crochet in each of the remaining stitches around. Join with a slip stitch in the first double crochet not the chain. (20dc)
Row 3 - Chain 2 then in the same stitch make 2 double crochet. Make one double crochet in the next stitch and then two in the next around the hat. You will end with one double crochet in the last stitch and then slip stitch into the first double crochet. (30dc)
* Now comes the super easy part*
Row 4- 8 - Chain 2 then in the same stitch make 1 double crochet and continue to make one in each stitch around. Slip stitch into the first double crochet. (30dc)
* For all except the ear flap variation...
Row 9 - Join a new color of yarn. Chain one then single crochet in the same stitch and each stitch around. Slip stitch into the first single crochet. Fasten off then weave in ends. (30sc)

Newborn Base Pattern:
-Use worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.
Row 1 -  Start with a magic ring then single crochet 12 in the ring. Slip stitch into the first sc. (12sc)
Row 2 - Chain 2 (does not count as a double crochet here and throughout) then in the same stitch make 2 double crochet. Then make 2 double crochet in each of the remaining stitches around. Join with a slip stitch in the first double crochet not the chain. (24dc)
Row 3 - Chain 2 then in the same stitch make 2 double crochet. Make one double crochet in the next stitch and then two in the next around the hat. You will end with one double crochet in the last stitch and then slip stitch into the first double crochet. (36dc)
* Now comes the super easy part*
Row 4- 9 - Chain 2 then in the same stitch make 1 double crochet and continue to make one in each stitch around. Slip stitch into the first double crochet. (36dc)
* For all except the ear flap variation...
Row 10 - Join a new color of yarn. Chain one then single crochet in the same stitch and each stitch around. Slip stitch into the first single crochet. Fasten off then weave in ends. (36sc)

Bunny ear variation. The preemie size is pictured.

Bunny Ear variation:
-Use worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.
You will be working with the same colors as you made your base. The inner ear will be that of the last row and the outer ear should match your hat.
*MAKE TWO*
Inner ear: Chain 7. Turn and single crochet in the next five stitches missing the one closest to the hook. In the last chain make 3 single crochets. Now work up the other side of the chain making 5 single crochets. Fasten off. (13sc)
Outer ear: Repeat inner ear but do not fasten off. Place two pieces wrong sides together then with inner ear side facing you chain one then single crochet around in each single crochet. Fasten off and leave a tail long enough to sew to hat. (13sc)
Once both ears are made attach to the hat and weave in all ends.

Bear Ear Variation - Preemie size pictured.

Bear Ear Variation:
-Use worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.
You will be working with the same colors as you made your base. The inner ear will be that of the last row and the outer ear should match your hat.
*MAKE TWO*
Inner ear: Make a magic ring then single crochet six into the magic ring. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Fasten off. (6sc)
Outer ear: Repeat inner ear but do not fasten off. Place two pieces wrong sides together then with inner ear side facing you chain one then make 2 single crochet in each of the next five stitches. Leave the last stitch unworked. (10sc) Then chain one and turn. Make one single crochet in each stitch around again leaving the last unworked. Fasten off and leave a tail long enough to sew to hat. (10sc)
Once both ears are made attach to the hat and weave in all ends.

Bow Variation - Newborn size is shown.

Bow Variation:
-Use worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.
You will be working with the same colors as you made your base. The bow will be that of the last row and the center should match your hat.
With accent color - Chain 12. Work 10 half double crochets into the chain. Turn chain 2 then make 10 more half doubles. Continue for a total of four rows. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Make center with base color. Simply wrap the yarn around the center eight times and tie a knot in the back. Leave the ends long enough to fasten to the hat and weave in ends.

Ear Flap Variation - preemie size shown.

Ear Flap Variation:
-Use worsted weight yarn and a size H hook.
*Remember for the ear flap variation you do not add the accent row at the bottom of the hat. You save that for later. You left off with a slip stitch in the last row of the base color.
Preemie and Newborn size:
Row 1: Slip stitch in the next 4 stitches (preemie). The only difference for the newborn size is that you slip stitch in the next 7 stitches. Then in the same stitch as the last chain two and make a double crochet in the same stitch. Double crochet in the next four stitches as well. (5dc)
Row 2: Chain 2 and turn. Work a decrease double crochet in the very first stitch and the second stitch. Double crochet in the third stitch. Finally decrease double crochet in the last two stitches. (3dc)
Row 3: Chain 2 and turn. Work a decrease double crochet in the very first stitch and the second stitch. Double crochet in the third stitch. Fasten off. (2dc)
* To place the other flap fold the hat in half with slightly more stitches in the front than the back. Then start your second ear flap lining up with the first and repeat instructions above.
Once both flaps are in place pick and attach an accent yarn color. Chain 1 then single crochet in each stitch all the way around the hat and flaps. Join with a slip stitch into the first single crochet then fasten off and weave in all ends.

I'd love to hear from you about this pattern. Is it confusing? Did you love it? Have you made any hats with it? I've made over sixty to date with this pattern and have donated them to my local NICU. The nurses and parents were thrilled to get hats for the little babies. I highly encourage you to do the same. They work up about a half an hour and costs less than fifty cents a hat.