Tiny Preemie Cap Labyrinth Lullaby Hats

New Little Baby Hat Pattern!

Welcome to the Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Hat crochet pattern, designed with love for the tiniest little ones in our lives. This pattern is perfect for those who want to create something special for preemies in need of warmth and snuggly comfort. Using simple stitches and minimal yarn, you can whip up this adorable hat in no time. You’ll find this free pattern is easy to follow and perfect for donating to NICU hospitals or gifting to new parents.

I’ve crafted this pattern specifically for the softest, most delicate yarn, like the King Cole Cherished DK Yarn I used here. It’s perfect for those brand new babies, giving them a gentle hug while they grow stronger. If you’re interested? I have also designed two other patterns using this gorgeous yarn: Labyrinth Lullaby Baby Blanket Pattern (coming soon!) and Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Bonding Squares Pattern CLICK HERE!

This free crochet pattern includes detailed instructions and photos to guide you through the process, as well as tips for customizing the hat to your liking. You can choose your favorite colors and add a personal touch with a cute button or ribbon.

Now, let’s get started on creating a tiny head hug for a precious little one.

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. These allow me to make a small percentage from any purchase you may make, but do not affect the price you pay in any way. You can read all the details here –>  Privacy Policy.

Our Own NICU Story

The NICU was a scary place. It all happened so fast. Our third baby came not early, but with very low blood sugar and a high white blood cell count. Not the birth story we had imagined, and suddenly we were living in the hospital. Beep beep beep. The machines were always on, and it was as comforting as it was scary, listening to those machines.

I’d sit by her side for hours, just watching her, wishing the numbers would move in the right direction. I was able to hold her and feed her, but the uncertainty was a big strain, especially after I was discharged from the hospital and she was not. 

I had only just started crocheting at that time, I’d learned to crochet during this pregnancy. So this was before the days my yarn went with me wherever I went (as it does now). If I had, I would have been grateful for the distraction of crocheting some hats or bonding squares for the other little babes in the NICU with my girl. 

But I’m happy I can give back in a small way now with these patterns that others can make and donate to families that need to know someone cares. Finally, after what felt like forever, but was only 5 days, we got to bring our little girl home. It was the best day and I know that is a very short stay compared to some. 

Looking back, I will never forget the kindness and care of those amazing NICU nurses, who helped us keep going during a really difficult time.

Free Preemie Baby Hat Crochet Pattern

If y’all have been following me for a while, you’ll know that I have 5 children. I’m totally in love with being a Mommy, and of course we’ve had our ups and downs. One of the scariest times was when our youngest, a sweet baby girl, came into the world in a way we didn’t expect. Though she only spent 1 week in the NICU, it was so hard on our family and we’re grateful every day.

Now, I’m so excited to share this free preemie baby hat crochet pattern with you. I’ve crafted this pattern specifically for the softest, most delicate yarn, like the Cherished DK Yarn I used here. It’s perfect for those brand new babies, as it’s super soft and non-irritating. It’s a simple, easy pattern that even beginners can tackle with the stitch tutorials included. And it’s a wonderful way to give back to your community, by donating hats to your local NICU or to families in need. I hope you love it too, and find this pattern useful to spread some love and warmth to those tiny little fighters!

Love Pinterest? Me too! Don’t forget to pin the pattern for later!! You can save from my pin boards here and follow me on Pinterest too for more gorgeous crochet patterns and helpful crochet tutorials, and lots more!

GFFD Crochet Beanie Patterns for Children

Your little one won’t always be so little. Trust me! This is my first Preemie Baby Hat Crochet Pattern. However, because we live in Minnesota – where it’s cold more often than not! The kids have gone through a lot of hats. So I’ve designed many hat patterns over the years! Such as:

Newborn Leprechaun Hat
Cozy Panda Hat
Dinomite Dinosaur Hat
Unicorn Hat
Colorscape Beanie
Sweet Stripes Sun Hat

plus many types of Crochet Crown patterns! Which can double as great ear warmers! 😉

Dinosaur (or Dragon) Crown
Rainbow Crown
Flora Crown
Cozy Crown Ear Warmer
Birthday Crown

Over the years, I’ve designed a variety of crochet hat, beanie and crown patterns for all ages and skill levels. Each pattern includes a number of sizes, features clear instructions, helpful photos, and step-by-step tutorials to guide you through the process. Create a unique and stylish beanie, crown or hat that you’ll love to wear – so will the kids – or to give as a gift!

Like Free Patterns? Then make sure you check out my most popular Free Pattern –> Tiny Dinosaur Amigurumi! Want to see even more? You can find all of my other Free Crochet Patterns <– Right here!!

My Preemie Baby Hat Crochet Pattern Testers!

I am so damn lucky to have such amazing pattern testers!! They all worked so hard, creating their adorable little preemie baby hats and provided me with excellent feedback about the preemie baby hat crochet pattern! I am so appreciative of their help getting this pattern ready for you!

I truly love getting to see the amazing projects y’all crochet with my designs! My fabulous testers are such an important part of creating the best quality pattern for y’all! Check out their sweet little premature babe hats that they created with this pattern, below!

Thank you so much for testing the Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Baby Hat Crochet Pattern Angela Moretz-Costello, Brenda Meineke, Carol Danys, Erica Allewell, Linda Woodthorpe, Lora Nix, Susan Cassidy, and Kirsty Cummins.

Make Your Own PREEMIE BABY HAT!

A quick and easy project

Materials:

• YARN: King Cole Cherished DK Weight 3 yarn, (100% Low Pill Acrylic, 3.5 oz/100 g, 262 yds/240 m).
• YARDAGE: 35 – 75 yds
• Sample Colors: I used King Cole Cherished yarn in Lavender, Nickel, and Sea

• HOOK:  US I/9 5.5 mm crochet hook 
• Yarn needle, scissors

Finished Size:  

HAT for 1-2 lbs: 8” around x 3.5” tall  (Best fit for heads 8-9” circumference)

HAT for 3-4 lbs: 10” around x 4” tall  (Best fit for heads 10-11” circumference)

HAT for 5-6 lbs: 12” around x 4.5” tall (Best fit for heads 12-13” circumference)

Gauge: (Use Lemon Peel st: sc, dc) 13 rows x 12 sts = 4” square

Experience Level: Intermediate

Pattern Key:

st(s) – stitch(es)

space – sp(s)

sl st – slip stitch

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

hdc – half double crochet

puff st – puff stitch (See special stitches)

lem peel st – lemon peel stitch (See special stitches)

hdc 3rd lp – hdc in the 3rd loop (See special stitches)

fhdc – foundation half double crochet (See special stitches)

yo – yarn over

FO – fasten off

Special Stitches:

Lemon Peel Stitch: sc, dc 

The Best Yarn for a Preemie Baby Hat Crochet Pattern!

The yarn I selected for this adorable textured preemie baby hat crochet pattern is called King Cole Cherished. It is the same yarn I used for my matching Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Bonding Squares Pattern. It was sent to me as part of the Brand Ambassador program with King Cole Yarn. I must admit, I fell in love while working with this yarn and am excited for future projects!

Cherish is a low pill acrylic that is a dream to work with! This super soft baby yarn is also durable, and easy to care for. Not to mention that it comes in tons of adorable colors – currently 37 shades that range from neutrals, to soft hues, to vibrant colors! In addition you’ll find that Cherish Yarn comes in 3 varieties – Solid Cherished with 37 hues, Variegated Cherish with 34 beautiful color blends, and Cherish Dash in 5 versions of white with colorful dashes for a unique look! 

Find Cherish and Cherished in your local yarn shop here.

Order Cherished Solids online from Lovecrafts here.

Order Cherish Variegated online from Lovecrafts here.

Cherish is a soft, easy care baby yarn that is perfect for little ones to make blankets, garments, and accessories.

Cherish/Cherished Label Details:

• 100% Low Pill Acrylic 
• 262 yds/240 m, 3.5 oz/100 g
• Recommended hook/needle size is 4 mm/US 6

Special Stitches:

CHAINLESS FOUNDATION HALF DOUBLE CROCHET (fhdc):

STEP 1: Ch 2, yo, insert hook in 1st ch, yo again, and pull up a loop (should be 3 loops on hook), yo again and pull through 1st loop on hook, yo again and pull through all 3 loops on hook. 1 st.

STEP 2: yo, turn left side of your work toward you and you will see what looks like the top two loops of a stitch (this is your “foundation chain”), this is where you will now insert your hook, yo again, and pull up a loop (there are now 3 loops on your hook), yo again and pull through 1st loop on hook, yo again and pull through all 3 loops on hook. 2 st.

STEP 3: Yo, insert hook into the next “stitch” on the left side of your work, yo again, and pull up a loop (there are now 3 loops on your hook), yo again and pull through 1st loop on hook, yo again and pull through all 3 loops on hook. 3 st.

STEP 4: Repeat Step 3 until you have completed the number of stitches called for in your beginning chain. Follow the pattern directions from here, keeping in mind you have completed both the beginning chain and first row of stitches!

See this post for more help with Chainless Foundation Crochet Stitches:  https://greenfoxfarmsdesigns.com/foundation-crochet-stitches 

Crocheting in 3rd Loop (hdc 3rd lp/sc 3rd lp): When working in rows, the 3rd loop is found on the front/working side (instead of the back/wrong side as it would be in the round). Turn the top of the work toward you to see the 1st and 2nd loops. On the front/working side of the row you can see the 3rd loop (just below the 2nd loop,) that you will be working your stitches into. Work your stitches into the 3rd loop just as you would in the 1st and 2nd loops. Hdc in the 3rd lp is pictured below, use the same method for sc in 3rd lp. You will end up with a ridge on the right side of your work, formed by the 1st and 2nd loops. 

PUFF STITCH (puff st): 

STEP 1: Yo, insert hook in next st, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).

STEP 2: Yo, insert hook in same st, yo and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook).

STEP 3: Yo, insert hook in same st, yo and pull up a loop (7 loops on hook).

STEP 4: Yo and pull through all 7 loops on hook, DO NOT CH 1. Puff st completed. 

NOTES:

1. Read through the entire pattern first.
2. Beginning chain does not count as a stitch.
3. Place the 1st stitch of each round in the same stitch as ch 1. 
4. Sl st does count as a stitch on the final round of the border only.
5. Repeat stitches between [ and ] the number of times indicated.
6. Pattern is worked in joined rounds.
7. This pattern is FREE, and has been thoroughly tested and tech edited. Please feel free to share any comments or ask any questions you many have! I welcome your feedback!!
8. This post and all it contains including the pattern and photographs are my intellectual property and copyright protected property of GreenFoxFarms LLC © 2024. You are welcome to make as many as you like to sell, giveaway, etc. You may NOT sell, or alter and claim as your own this pattern. You may not use my photographs. This pattern is not for mass production.
9. If you want to share this pattern online, you must only share a link to my blog post. You may not copy and paste my text or the pattern to another site. Thank you for respecting my work.
10. By using this pattern, you are agreeing to abide by these terms.

Pattern Release Details:

This preemie baby hat crochet pattern is now available for purchase in my Ravelry Shop and as part of a Preemie Pattern SET in my Etsy Shop! The Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Hats pattern is FREE to view here on my blog, OR you can purchase the AD-FREE, printer friendly, PDF copy with detailed tutorials and full pattern support for a couple of dollars.

I would be so grateful if you would visit and save the pattern on your favorite venue, which helps my patterns get seen by even more people! Thank you so much for your continued support!! Just click the buttons below to find the premium pattern PDF including including photo stitch tutorials available for purchase!

Don’t crochet? I would love to help you Learn to Crochet with my fun Crochet Tutorials! 

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Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Hat Pattern

Free Crochet Pattern for the Preemie Challenge

I am so excited to share that my new Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Baby Hat Crochet Pattern is featured in the 2024 Preemie Challenge! What is the Preemie Challenge?  In order to encourage people to make and donate needed handmade items for premature babies and their families, Helen of Sunflower Cottage Crochet has created a wonderful annual event called the Preemie Challenge that Helen has hosted each summer since 2020! A new designer and pattern is featured each day and free to view or download!

HOW TO GET YOUR FREE PREEMIE BABY HAT CROCHET PATTERN FREE DOWNLOAD:

I’m so excited to share that my Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Baby Hat Crochet Pattern is featured TODAY on the Preemie Crochet Challenge hosted by Helen of Sunflower Cottage Crochet! 

🍼 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024 ONLY you can download a FREE PDF!

🍼  You have the rest of the month to grab your FREE copy of the Labyrinth Lullaby Preemie Hats Pattern.

🍼  NO CODE IS NEEDED FOR THIS DOWNLOAD!!

🍼  Click the Download button below. This will take you to the Shop page on my blog where you can learn more about Green Fox Farms Designs and my patterns.

🍼  Scroll down that page and find the PURPLE BOX and click the button to get your FREE PDF Download of the PREEMIE HATS PATTERN! 👇

🍼 Enjoy and Happy Hooking friends! Make sure to check back to the Preemie Crochet Challenge each day through 6/30/24 to get a new FREE Crochet Pattern to make and donate!

JUST CLICK THE DOWNLOAD BUTTON BELOW TO GET THE FREE PATTERN!

LABYRINTH LULLABY PREEMIE HATS

Pattern Directions: 

USING: I/9 5.5 mm Hook

1-2 Lbs Preemie Hat:

• 8” around x 3.5” tall.
• Fits heads 8” – 9” circumference.

Round 1: Fhdc 30, sl st to join, (30 hdc). Alternately, you can loosely ch 31, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, sl st to join, (30 hdc).

Round 2: Ch 1, hdc in 3rd lp of each st around, sl st to join, (30 hdc 3rd lp).

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in 3rd lp of each st around, sl st to join, (30 sc 3rd lp).

Round 4: Ch 1, [hdc, puff st,] 15 times, sl st to join, (15 hdc, 15 puff sts).

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, (30 sc).

Round 6: Ch 1, lemon peel st 15 times, sl st to join, (15 sc, 15 dc).

Round 7: Ch 1, dc, lemon peel st 14 times, sc, sl st to join, (15 sc, 15 dc).

Round 8: Ch 1, [sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog,] 6 times, sl st to join, (24 sc).

Round 9: Ch 1, [hdc, puff st,] 12 times, sl st to join, (12 hdc, 12 puff sts).

Round 10: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, (24 sc).

Round 11: Ch 1, [hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog,] sl st to join, (18 hdc).

Round 12: Ch 1, [hdc in 3rd lp, hdc2tog in 3rd lp,] 6 times, sl st to join, (12 hdc in 3rd lp).

Round 13: Ch 1, sc2tog in 3rd lp 6 times, (6 sc in 3rd lp). FO, use both yarn tails to close top opening and any gap at beginning of Round 1. Weave in ends. 

3-4 Lbs Preemie Hat:

• 10” around x 4” tall.
• Fits heads 10” – 11” circumference.

Round 1: Fhdc 34, sl st to join, (34 hdc). Alternately, you can loosely ch 35, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, sl st to join, (34 hdc).

Round 2: Ch 1, hdc in 3rd lp of each st around, sl st to join, (34 hdc 3rd lp).

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in 3rd lp of each st around, sl st to join, (34 sc 3rd lp).

Round 4: Ch 1, [hdc, puff st,] 17 times, sl st to join, (17 hdc, 17 puff sts).

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, (34 sc).

Round 6: Ch 1, lemon peel st 17 times, sl st to join, (17 sc, 17 dc).

Round 7: Ch 1, dc, lemon peel st 16 times, sc, sl st to join, (17 sc, 17 dc).

Round 8: Repeat Round 6.

Round 9: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, (34 sc).

Round 10: Ch 1, [hdc, puff st,] 17 times, sl st to join, (17 hdc, 17 puff sts).

Round 11: Ch 1, [sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog,] 4 times, sc in next 2 st, sl st to join, (30 sc).

Round 12: Ch 1, [hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog,] 6 times, sl st to join, (24 hdc).

Round 13: Ch 1, [hdc in 3rd lp next 2 sts, hdc2tog in 3rd lp,] 6 times, sl st to join, (18 hdc in 3rd lp).

Round 14: Ch 1, [hdc in 3rd lp, hdc2tog in 3rd lp,] 6 times, sl st to join, (12 hdc in 3rd lp).

Round 15: Ch 1, sc2tog in 3rd lp 6 times, (6 sc in 3rd lp). FO, use both yarn tails to close top opening and any gap at beginning of Round 1. Weave in ends. 

5-6 Lbs Preemie Hat:

• 12” around x 4.5” tall.
• Fits heads 12” – 13” circumference.

Round 1: Fhdc 38, sl st to join, (38 hdc). Alternately, you can loosely ch 39, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch, sl st to join, (38 hdc).

Round 2: Ch 1, hdc in 3rd lp of each st around, sl st to join, (38 hdc 3rd lp).

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in 3rd lp of each st around, sl st to join, (38 sc 3rd lp).

Round 4: Ch 1, [hdc, puff st,] 19 times, sl st to join, (19 hdc, 19 puff sts).

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in each st around, sl st to join, (38 sc).

Round 6: Ch 1, lemon peel st 19 times, sl st to join, (19 sc, 19 dc).

Round 7: Ch 1, dc, lemon peel st 18 times, sc, sl st to join, (19 sc, 19 dc).

Round 8: Repeat Round 6.

Round 9: Repeat Round 5.

Round 10: Repeat Round 4.

Round 11: Ch 1, [sc in next 17 sts, sc2tog,] 2 times, sl st to join, (36 sc).

Round 12: Ch 1, [lemon peel 2 times, sc2tog, dc, lemon peel, sc, dc2tog,] 3 times, sl st to join, (15 sc, 15 dc).

Round 13: Ch 1, [hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog,] 6 times, sl st to join, (24 hdc).

Round 14: Ch 1, [hdc in 3rd lp next 2 sts, hdc2tog in 3rd lp,] 6 times, sl st to join, (18 hdc in 3rd lp).

Round 15: Ch 1, [hdc in 3rd lp, hdc2tog in 3rd lp,] 6 times, sl st to join, (12 hdc in 3rd lp).

Round 16: Ch 1, sc2tog in 3rd lp 6 times, (6 sc in 3rd lp). FO, use both yarn tails to close top opening and any gap at beginning of Round 1. Weave in ends. 

If you enjoyed this washcloth crochet pattern and you would like to see more Free Crochet Patterns (<– like these) going forward, please help me grow by sharing Blog Post ❤️ and subscribe to my newsletter?!? You can use the social media buttons below the post to easily share! Thank you so much for your amazing support!  If you have any questions or need assistance with the pattern, feel free to contact me or leave a comment on the blog. I would love to help!

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