Looking for an easy, textured knit preemie hat? Try this easy knitting project created with worsted weight yarn.
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Design Story and Inspiration for this Easy Hat Pattern
I love this single basketweave stitch pattern and have used it in several projects including the Basketweave Dishcloth, Easy Face Scrubbies, and Knit Boot Cuffs.
I really wanted to make a tiny preemie hat for the blog since I had never done one, and this stitch pattern was the perfect one!
Yarn Options for Our Preemie Hat
For this pattern I used Mary Maxim Starlette which is a wonderful worsted weight acrylic yarn. I love their heathered shades and chose this great gray heather for this easy hat pattern.
You can use any worsted weight yarn that gets gauge, just be sure not to choose anything too scratchy for a tender baby head.
Buy the ad-free PDF of this pattern and knit on the go!
Basketweave Knit Preemie Hat
What You’ll Need
Yarn: Mary Maxim Starlette, 1 skein Gray Heather (Worsted Weight #4)
Knitting Needles: Sizes 7 (4.5mm) and 8 (5.0mm) dpn’s or circulars
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors
Gauge: 26 sts and 32 rows = 4″ (10cm) in basket weave pattern
Finished Size: 10” circumference to fit Preemie
Stitch Descriptions and Abbreviations
Knit Stitch (k)
Purl Stitch (p)
Knit 2 Together (k2tog)
Purl 2 Together (p2tog)
Purl 3 together (p3tog)
Knit Front and Back (kfb)
Basket Weave Stitch Pattern
Round 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Round 2: K2, *k1, p3; repeat from * to end.
Round 3: P2, *k1, p3; repeat from * to end.
Round 4: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.
Round 5: *K1, p3; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k1, p1.
Round 6: Repeat round 5.
Knit Preemie Hat Pattern
Ribbing
With smaller needles, cast on 64 sts and join, being careful not to twist.
Work in k2p2 rib for 5 rounds.
Increase 2 sts evenly on next round of k2p2 rib (I worked a kfb into two knit sts to achieve this) – 66 sts.
Body of Hat
Change to larger needles.
Work basket weave stitch pattern for 18 rounds (3 full pattern repeats).
Repeat row 1 of stitch pattern.
Shape Crown
Round 1: K2, *k1, p3tog, k1, p3; repeat from * to end – 50 sts.
Round 2: P2, *k1, p1, k1, p3tog; repeat from * to end – 34 sts.
Round 3: K2tog, *(k1, p1) three times, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 29 sts.
Round 4: K1, *k2, p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 25 sts.
Round 5: K1, *(p1, k1) two times, p2tog; repeat from * to end – 21 sts.
Round 6: K1, *p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end – 17 sts.
Finishing
Cut yarn and draw through remaining 17 sts. Pull tightly to close.
Weave in ends.
Final Thoughts on Our Knit Preemie Hat Pattern
I hope you’ve enjoyed this free pattern for the Basketweave Knit Preemie Hat! I had a ton of fun designing this one and it’s such a quick make.
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
