Did someone you know recently have a baby who just couldn’t wait to be born? Or maybe that someone is you? Or maybe you are looking for free crochet preemie hat patterns to make for charity? Whatever the reason, you are sure to find plenty of inspiration in this free crochet pattern round-up!
If you’ve never made one before, you might be wondering how to crochet a preemie hat. The good news is that most of the patterns on this list are really basic and suitable for beginners. That means basic crochet stitches and straightforward pattern instructions – hooray! Of course, there’s also a few fancier patterns thrown in there if you are looking to grow your crochet skills.
I’ll warn you, once you make one of these hats you are going to want to make more! That’s because free crochet preemie hat patterns are very small and, therefore, very quick to crochet. The other benefit of their small size is that they take very little yarn. That makes them perfect for using up scraps of yarn leftover from other projects!
So, what kind of yarn is good for preemie hats? The number one thing to look out for is softness! Babies have very sensitive skin – especially if they are born prematurely. I would also recommend using a yarn that can be thrown in the washing machine, because babies are messy and new moms simply don’t have the time to hand wash. As long as the yarn you choose fits these two requirements you should be a-ok, even if the yarn doesn’t have the word “baby” in it.
Another thing that I found mentioned in one of these free crochet preemie hat patterns is that you probably shouldn’t make them in the color yellow. This is because many premature babies may be jaundiced and the yellow hat just won’t look great next to their yellow skin. Food for thought! Because, of course, new parents want their darling babies to look their best for all the photos they are going to want to take!
Well, anyway, who is ready to check out these amazing free crochet patterns?! I’m so excited to share them with you all, so won’t you scroll down and see for yourself? Oh, and prepare to be inspired!!
Before we begin… let’s get Social!
I would love for you to come follow me on
Instagram (get sneak peeks of what’s coming up!)
My Facebook Page (come join the fun!)
Follow me on Pinterest (I pin tons of free patterns to my boards!)
Join my Facebook group (lots of awesome crochet talk there)
Also, you can find me on Ravelry or join my subscribers on YouTube.
1. Vintage Vibes Baby Beanie
You might recognize this filet crochet design from the popular Call the Midwife tv show (and the popular crochet baby blanket inspired by it). It’s easy to create geometric designs with the filet crochet technique using chain stitches to create decorative holes in the work. It’s common to see this technique worked in double crochet, but this pattern actually calls for half double crochet stitches.
Designer: The Crochet Fix
Yarn: Cleckheaton Country Naturals 8 Ply (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
2. The Teenybeanie
When you’re not in the mood to make something that only calls for a single stitch, you will find yourself reaching for this interesting pattern again and again! It calls for half double and double crochet stitches along with cluster and post stitches. The best thing about this pattern is it only takes 10 grams of yarn so you can use up your scraps!
Designer: Hooked on Sunshine
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
3. Calming Baby Crochet Hat
Of course, sometimes it’s nice to be able to go on autopilot when you crochet, particularly if you like to multitask with a good TV show or audiobook. This easy and straightforward free crochet preemie hat pattern lets you do just that. It’s worked from the top down in the round using half double crochet stitches. The brim is made with regular and front post double crochet stitches.
Designer: Stacey Winklepleck for Knit Picks
Yarn: Knit Picks Comfy Sport (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
4. Chunky-Like Preemie Granny Square Beanies
Despite the name, this pattern is not made with chunky yarn and it’s not square. But I do have to admit that worsted weight yarn does look quite chunky in such a small project! And, as I’m sure you can tell, it is made with the ubiquitous granny stitch. The designer says you can make an impressive 8-10 of these hats from just one skein!
Designer: Eye Love Knots
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Solids & Heathers (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
5. Baby Bear Beanie
Add a couple of ears to a basic free crochet preemie hat pattern and you’ve got yourself one adorable bear hat! The design is worked in the round from the top down in a continuous spiral of half double crochet stitches. The brim is made with post stitches and the ears call for single crochet stitches.
Designer: Crochet It Creations
Yarn: Red Heart Amore (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
6. Baby’s First Cluster Hat
Preemie hats can’t be one size fits all because it really depends on just how premature the baby is. This clever design circumvents this problem by offering the pattern in different sizes according to the baby’s birth weight. Sizes available include 3-4, 5-6, 7-9, and 10-12 pounds. The pattern is worked in the round with clusters of half double and double crochet stitches from the top down.
Designer: Yarnspirations Design Studio
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
7. Basic Double Crochet Beanie
With just 8 rounds of double crochet stitches, a worsted weight yarn, and a big 6 mm hook, this free crochet preemie hat pattern will practically fly off your hook. The plain background of stitches provides a nice contrast to the large, 3-dimensional flower applique. Isn’t it just the cutest thing?
Designer: Oombawka Design
Yarn: Red Heart With Love Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
8. Sweet Stripes Preemie Hat
Alternating between two colors is a great way to add more interest to a basic hat design. It also enables you to use up even the smallest balls of leftover yarn – which makes it perfect for stash busting. The pattern is made using just basic crochet stitches worked in the round from the top down. Just a heads up, it’s in UK terminology!
Designer: marianna’s lazy daisy days
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
9. Girly Preemie/Newborn Hat
V-stitches and post stitches add texture and lace to this delightfully girly preemie hat. Because everyone knows that the best part about babies is dressing them up in adorable accessories and clothes. The design starts at the top and works down to the brim using joined rounds. Then you finish it up with a couple of rounds of single crochet stitches.
Designer: Quality Crochet 4 Fun
Yarn: Red Heart Baby TLC Solids (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
10. Lisha Baby Hats
The lovely lace and scalloped edge of the next one of our free crochet preemie hat patterns can be attributed to the paris stitch. I’ve never heard of this stitch before, but it doesn’t look too tricky. Basic crochet stitches are worked in the same stitch to make the work rise and then a couple of stitches are skipped to make the work fall.
Designer: Linda’s Crafty Corner
Yarn: (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
11. Pumpkin Preemie Hat
This gourd-geous baby beanie would look great any time of the year, but it would be particularly suitable for a baby born in autumn. The gender neutral design uses post stitches for texture along with single and double crochet stitches. The pattern is given in 3 premature sizes according to the baby’s birth weight: 1-2, 3-4, and 4-5 pounds.
Designer: Janaya Chouinard for AllFreeCrochet Website
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
12. Celtic Dream Baby Bonnet
Add some vintage charm to the new baby’s wardrobe with an intricately textured bonnet. The celtic weave stitch can be tricky to learn, but the results are well worth the effort. I recommend watching a youtube tutorial for this stitch before jumping into the pattern so you don’t get discouraged.
Designer: Janaya Chouinard for AllFreeCrochet Website
Yarn: Knit Picks Brava Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
13. Sunshine Hugs Beanie
The next one of our free crochet preemie hat patterns is as easy as 1, 2, 3! The pattern calls for the 3 basic crochet stitches that newbies tend to learn first: single, half double and double crochet. I love how the design uses basic stitches to create interesting patterns on the surface of the hat. It’s crocheted in the round from the top down.
Designer: The Stitchin’ Mommy
Yarn: Red Heart Baby Hugs Medium (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
14. Little Heart Preemie Hat
Adding an accent to a solid colored hat is such an easy way to add appeal. This cute little heart applique will only take you two shakes of a lamb’s tail to crochet, and the hat won’t take much longer than that! The pattern is made with just two basic crochet stitches: the half double crochet stitch and the double crochet stitch.
Designer: Crochet for You
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Solids & Heathers (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
15. Wrapped with Love Preemie Hat
Simple half double and double crochet stitches are transformed into a stunning crochet preemie hat with the easy addition of a contrasting color band and an adorable bow. The easy crochet pattern is available in 3 preemie sizes according to birth weight: 1-2, 3-4, and 4-5 pounds. It’s so simple, and yet so stunning!
Designer: Janaya Chouinard for AllFreeCrochet Website
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Colors (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
16. Tiny Elf
Welcome a new December baby in style with this ridiculously cute elf hat. The design features bold candy cane stripes and playful tassels. The pattern is worked in the round with absolutely no shaping – that means no increasing, no decreasing, and no fuss for you! It’s totally cute and super easy and definitely worth a make!
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
17. Preemie Newborn Lemon Hat
Sure you’ve seen apple hats and pumpkin hats before, but I bet you’ve never seen a lemon hat! This free crochet preemie hat pattern is just too cute to pass up! The double crochet hat goes by quickly and is finished off with a textured round of post stitches. You’ll use single crochet stitches to make the little leaf accent.
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
18. Super Speedy Preemie Hat
Guess how many yards of yarn it takes to make one of these preemie hats. Only 30! The hat pattern starts at the brim and works up to the crown. It’s crocheted in the round using extended double crochet stitches. With such a small amount of yarn and only 7 rows, you’re sure to finish in no time at all!
Designer: Moogly
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
19. Crochet Preemie Hat
Post stitches give this preemie hat it’s signature texture. Don’t worry, the inside of the hat is smooth so it won’t bother the baby. The hat is crocheted from the top down using double crochet stitches (both post and regular). It’s finished off with a round of single crochet stitches in the back loops only. Adorn with a flower and you’re done!
Designer: Cre8tion Crochet
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton! (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
20. The Cassandra Bonnet
I know that this bonnet looks quite tricky, but it’s really no harder than crocheting a beanie. The pattern uses only two basic crochet stitches – single and double crochet – even for the lovely decorative stitching. You’ll be working in the round for a few rounds and then you’ll switch to rows. Add some tie strings and you’re good to go.
Designer: Mamma That Makes
Yarn: Moda Vera Marvel 8 ply Plain (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
21. Adorably Elfish Preemie Hat
Say hello to the next one of our free crochet preemie hat patterns – a classic elf hat with a long tail, a jaunty bobble, and a festive folded brim. This hat works up quick as a wink with mostly half double crochet stitches. Single and double crochet stitches are used for the brim. It’s available in 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, and 5.5-6 pound sizes.
Designer: Janaya Chouinard for AllFreeCrochet Website
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
22. Preemie Watermelon Hat
Choosing the right colors is the key to recreating this juicy watermelon hat. You’ll need a bright red, a bit of white, a shade of green and just a dash of black. The new baby is sure to be sweet in this darling fruit-inspired beanie. The pattern calls for just double crochet and post stitches. It’s available in 1-3, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11 pound birth weight sizes.
Designer: Cream of the Crop Crochet
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
23. Olivia Rose Beanie
This is one of those rare free crochet preemie hat patterns that’s worked from the bottom up. The wide brim is made with rows of back loop single crochet, and then the rest of the hat is worked in the round using a decorative and lacy combination of half double and double crochet stitches. It’s seriously cute!
Designer: Mamma That Makes
Yarn: 4 Seasons Marvel 8 ply (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
24. Sirena Preemie Beanie
Adorn the darling newborn with a hat that’s equal parts whimsical and adorable. Rounds of layered scallops combine with a simple triangular fin to form a magical mermaid tail hat. This unique design is worked in the round from the top down. The fin is worked separately so feel free to leave it off – it will still be quite cute!
Designer: Berns Dy’s Ravelry Store
Yarn: (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
25. Flapperesque Preemie Beanie
A bit of lace gives this crochet preemie hat its old world charm. The free crochet pattern couldn’t be simpler – all it takes is double crochet and chain stitches. It’s worked in the round from the top down. Chain spaces create holes in the hat so you can weave the ribbon in and out. What a fabulous hat!
Designer: Renaissance
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_____________________
Whether you are looking for free crochet preemie hat patterns to donate, to gift, or to adorn your own little one, I hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration! I’d love to hear all about your favorite patterns in the comments below. (Even if it’s not on this list!)
I look forward to seeing you all again next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. I hope that you all have as much fun reading these posts as I do writing them! Do make sure and click follow so you can get notified when the next post is live.
Wait, one more thing! Don’t forget to save this page to your Pinterest board for crochet or add a bookmark in your browser. This is one free crochet pattern round-up that you will definitely be using again and again.
You Might Also Like…
Best Crochet Baby Booties
50 Best Crochet Baby Blankets
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
