Looking for a free preemie crochet hat pattern? These sweet little hats are quick to make and come in two sizes for premature newborns. They make a thoughtful handmade gift for a family welcoming a tiny baby or a special project to donate to an organization that accepts preemie hats.
This pattern uses half double crochet stitches with a simple textured brim made from front post double crochet stitches. You’ll find instructions for two finished sizes, measuring approximately 9 in. (23 cm) and 10 in. (25.5 cm) in circumference.
If you’re making preemie hats to donate, check with your local hospital or charity before getting started. Many organizations have specific requirements for yarn, sizing, embellishments, and laundering, and some may not currently accept handmade hats.
Need a different size? My free printable Hat Sizing Guide can help you choose measurements for other sizes. You can also explore my Baby Hat Crochet Patterns – Newborn Through 12 Months for additional options.
About This Preemie Crochet Hat Pattern
These little crochet hats are worked from the top down in joined rounds, starting with a magic ring. The body uses simple half double crochet stitches, while front post double crochet stitches add a textured finish around the brim. Both sizes follow the same basic construction, with an additional increase round and a few extra rounds for the larger hat.
Materials
- Approximately 38 yd (35 m) worsted-weight cotton or acrylic yarn, or another suitable non-wool yarn approved by the receiving organization (shown in Berroco Remix, Old Jeans 3927)
- US I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Scissors
- 1.25 in. (32 mm) small pom pom maker (optional for a decorative hat not intended for NICU donation)
Finished Sizes and Gauge
This pattern includes two sizes.
| Size | Finished Circumference | Crown to Brim |
|---|---|---|
| Smaller preemie hat | 9 in. (23 cm) | 4 in. (10 cm) |
| Larger preemie hat | 10 in. (25.5 cm) | 4½ in. (11.5 cm) |
Measurements are approximate and do not include the optional pom-pom. You can easily modify sizing to fit any size with this handy Hat Sizing Guide.
Gauge: Approximately 11 hdc and 9 rows = 4 in. (10 cm).
Premature babies vary considerably in size, so use actual head measurements or the recipient organization’s sizing requirements whenever possible.
Crochet Abbreviations and Special Stitches
This pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- ch — chain
- hdc — half double crochet
- FPdc — front post double crochet
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- rep — repeat
Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc): Yarn over and insert your hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop, and complete the stitch as a regular double crochet.
Helpful Crochet Resources: Refer to my Crochet Abbreviations Chart, U.S. to U.K. Crochet Conversion Chart, and How to Make a Magic Ring {photo & video tutorial} as you work through the pattern.
Pattern Notes
- Both hats are worked in joined rounds from the crown down.
- The beginning ch-1 does not count as a stitch.
- I prefer starting rounds with ch-1 followed by the first stitch because it creates a less noticeable seam. If you prefer a ch-2 start, count the ch-2 as a stitch and use it in place of the ch-1 and first hdc. The stitch counts should remain the same.
- Work each hdc into the top of the next stitch and each FPdc around the post of the indicated stitch.
- At the end of each round, join with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round, unless otherwise indicated. Do not join into the beginning ch-1.
- The final two rounds use alternating half double crochet and front post double crochet stitches to create a textured brim.
- Begin with a magic ring or chain 4 and join to form a ring.
- For hats intended for premature infants, avoid pom-poms and other detachable decorations, and follow the receiving hospital’s or charity’s requirements for materials and finishing.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry library.
Available as a convenient, ad-free PDF download here.
Preemie Crochet Hat Instructions
Smaller Preemie Hat – 9 in. (23 cm) Circumference
Make a magic ring (as an alternative to the magic ring, you can also ch 4 and join in the furthest ch from the hook to form a ring).
Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as st here and throughout), work 8 hdc in ring, join — 8 sts.
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 hdc in same st as join and in each st around, join — 16 sts.
Round 3: Ch 1, work 2 hdc in same st as join, 1 hdc in next, *2 hdc in next, 1 hdc in next, rep from * around, join — 24 sts.
Round 4: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in same st as join and in each st around, join — 24 sts.
Rounds 5 through 7: Repeat Round 4.
Round 8: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in same st as join, 1 FPdc around next hdc, *1 hdc in next st, 1 FPdc around next, rep from * around, join — 24 sts.
Round 9: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in same st as join, 1 FPdc around next FPdc, *1 hdc in next st, 1 FPdc around next FPdc, rep from * around, join — 24 sts.
Fasten off and weave in ends securely. For decorative hats not intended for NICU use, you may add an optional pom-pom.
Larger Preemie Hat – 10 in. (25.5 cm) Circumference
Make a magic ring (as an alternative to the magic ring, you can also ch 4 and join in the furthest ch from the hook to form a ring).
Round 1: Ch 1 (does not count as st here and throughout), work 8 hdc in ring, join — 8 sts.
Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 hdc in same st as join and in each st around, join — 16 sts.
Round 3: Ch 1, work 2 hdc in same st as join, 1 hdc in next, *2 hdc in next, 1 hdc in next, rep from * around, join — 24 sts.
Round 4: Ch 1, work 2 hdc in same st as join, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, *2 hdc in next, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts, rep from * around, join — 32 sts.
Round 5: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in same st as join and in each st around, join — 32 sts.
Rounds 6 through 9: Repeat Round 5.
Round 10: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in same st as join, 1 FPdc around next hdc, *1 hdc in next st, 1 FPdc around next, rep from * around, join — 32 sts.
Round 11: Ch 1, work 1 hdc in same st as join, 1 FPdc around next FPdc, *1 hdc in next st, 1 FPdc around next FPdc, rep from * around, join — 32 sts.
Fasten off and weave in ends securely. For decorative hats not intended for NICU use, you may add an optional pom-pom.
More Crochet Patterns for Baby
- Lacy Ripple Baby Blanket and Hat Crochet Pattern
- Crochet Baby Bunting with Hat Pattern
- Ripple Crochet Pattern: Watermelon Baby Blanket
- C2C Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern
- Owl Hooded Blanket Crochet Pattern … Or Hooded Towel!
- Baby Hat Crochet Patterns … Newborn through 12 Months
- More Free Crochet Baby Patterns
I’m a retired nurse and lost my son , I usually knit hats for the hospital but with my rheumatoid arthritis I find easier now to crotchet and this pattern looks simple for a beginner in crochet like me so thanks
I’m sorry for your loss. We lost our daughter & granddaughter 14 years ago. Crocheting is great therapy
Such a cute pattern, thank you! I made the 5-6lb one but will have to make it larger & was hoping you could give advice for that. Should I double row 2? Or repeat row 3 or 4?
Thank you for this pattern. In the beginning this states design one for both sizes. I finally figured out what you meant. Did you mean design two for the larger design? Thank you again…. So cute!
Thanks, Susan! Yes, I meant the second design. I have corrected the post.
Thank You for the pattern. Making hats for premies, in memory of a Friend”s Grandson for giveaway boxes. Much appreciation.
Can I just check that on the instructions for the larger size (5-6lbs) Row 4, 10 and 11 should that be 36 stitches?
Hi Patricia 🙂 Thanks for the question … those rows should have 32 sts in each. Hope that helps!!
same with me.. i also get 36 stitches
Thank you it’s cute
Fp dc means front post double crochet Ann meadows
What does fp dc mean
Kara, I work at a senior citizens center and I’m going to pass your pattern onto them….they have a crochet circle!
Another place to check is the a local Senior Center which may have an active knitting or crocheting group. Our group, The Chain Gang, crochets for local hospitals, schools, and other institutions.