Near the end, I increased in each stitch (by knitting in the front and the back of each stitch) then immediately reduced back to 3 stitches by knitting two together three times. To make the two antennae, when I had six stitches after the decreases I divided them between two needles and knit i-cord on each needle. Keeping the boys in mind, I made these two boyish hats, one in green and blue, the other in blue with three one-row white stripes:Īnd what's cuter than a bug? How about a ladybug hat? The spots are done in duplicate stitch, though they could be knit in with stranded knitting. The purple is Takhi cotton, another good choice for all-cotton hats since it comes in lots of brilliant colors. I made it a few rows smaller than the original pattern.
The leaf is Just a Leaf, a pattern from Ravelry. Here's a lovely cloche for some tiny diva. I might try that one again in time for 4th of July, and use multiple narrow red and white stripes: On the right, a patriotic red, white, and blue. On the left, a two-tone denim hat done in Rowan Denim. This would be even cuter with a seafoam green instead of the yellow-green I had for the lighter shade, and a pinky-red.
Watermelon: Two shades of green for the "rind," red for the flesh, and the "seeds" done in duplicate stitch with black yarn. Check out these ideas (most of them done in Elann Sonata, an all-cotton yarn left from my Pondemonium project): Now that you've got the basics, would you really like to knit up a load of smiles for the NICU? Get out your leftovers and see what your color combinations inspire. Knit around until the piece measures about 2 inches.īegin decreases from R7 of the Eeenie pattern and continue as the Eeenie pattern directs. Moe (Micro, about 5 inches in circumference)Ĭast on 27 stitches (9 on each needle). Knit around until the piece measures about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.īegin decreases from R5 of the Eeenie pattern and continue as the Eeenie pattern directs. Minie (Small, about 6 1/2 inches in circumference)Ĭast on 36 stitches (12 on each needle). Knit around until the piece measures about 2 1/2 to 3 inches.īegin decreases from R3 of the Eeenie pattern and continue as the Eeenie pattern directs. Meenie (Medium, about 8 inches in circumference)Ĭast on 45 stitches (15 on each needle). With a tapestry needle, run the yarn down the length of the i-cord, then cut. Knit the last 3 stitches together, cut the yarn, and pull it through the last stitch. Knit i-cord with these last three stitches to the desired length. Pull tight and fasten off.įor a "stem" on top, K2tog around, reducing the last 6 stitches to 3.
R10: *K1, K2tog* repeat for entire round.įor a round-topped hat, cut the yarn and use a tapestry needle to run the yarn through these last stitches. You now have 9 stitches (3 on each needle). R7: *K1, K2tog* repeat for the entire round R5: *K2, K2tog* repeat for the entire round R3: *K3, K2tog* repeat for the entire round R1: *K4, K2tog* repeat for the entire round Knit around until piece measures about 3 to 3 1/2 inches, then begin decreases. They'll fit someone sooner or later.Įenie (Large, about 10" circumference - nearly full-term)Ĭast on 54 stitches on three needles (18 on each needle). Some want NO acrylic, some want ONLY acrylic, and some will take any fiber so long as it is washable)īetween 5 and 6 stitches per inch, depending on the yarn that you use. (Ask to talk to the NICU at your local hospital about fiber. For each size you will cast on some multiple of 9 stitches. I started with a simple roll-brim hat pattern from Knitting on the Net and adapted it for preemie sizes. I call 'em Eeenie, Meenie, Minie, and Moe: I started out with these red ones in four sizes, using some Lion Brand Microspun sport-weight acrylic that I had left from another project. As it turned out I completed a nice even dozen, here posing in an egg carton. I figured that since the hospital needs about ten a month, I could probably turn out that many in 40 days. Since Lent was approaching, several people decided to make a pledge to make and donate hats. My knitting group made preemie hats for a service project recently and decided that since they're fun and quick to make, and there's an ongoing need, that we'd continue supplying our local hospital with hats. Lent: it's not just for giving up candy for 40 days! The Lenten season is a time for spiritual growth, which does involve sacrificing luxuries to learn discipline, and can also involve service. Mothers, Fathers, Daughters, and Knitting.Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe: Lots of cute premie hat.FO: The Mother of Invention - DVD/CD Drive Sleeve.