Half-Double Crochet Preemie Baby Cap

half double crochet preemie cap

This preemie baby cap makes up quickly. Many hospital neonatal ICUs are happy to get preemie caps made from a soft yarn. There is more need for the larger sizes.

These instructions give the number of stitches and dimensions for a preemie cap in 5 sizes: X-Small (XS), Small (SM), Medium (MD), Large (LG) and X-Large (XL). The instructions show a number followed by 4 numbers in parenthesis corresponding to the sizes XS (SM, MD, LG, XL).

Materials needed:

  • Approximately ¾ to 1 oz. baby or sport weight yarn
  • Crochet hook size F (Increase or decrease your hook size if you crochet tightly or loosely.)
  • Blunt end yarn needle

Gauge:

The length of the rows will vary slightly depending on the yarn you use and your tension. The amount turned up for the brim can vary to accomodate these differences. The following chart gives some guidelines.

Cap size Length of row
XS 4 ½ to 5 inches
SM 5 ¼ to 5 ¾ inches
MD 6 to 6 ½ inches
LG 6 ¾ to 7 ¼ inches
XL 7 ½ to 8 ¼ inches

Instructions:

All rows are worked in the back loop only to create the ribbed effect.

Chain 22 (26, 30, 33, 36).

Row 1: Hdc in 3rd chain from hook and in next 16 (20, 23, 26, 29) chains. Sc in last 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) chains. Ch 1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in first 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) stitches. Hdc in next 17 (21, 24, 27, 30) stitches. Ch 2 turn.

Row 3: Hdc in first 17 (21, 24, 27, 30) stitches. Sc in last 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) stitches. Ch 1 turn.

Note: Turning chains are not counted as a stitch. You should work 20 (24, 28, 31, 34) stitches in each row.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until cap measures approximately 5 (6, 7, 8 ¼, 9 ½) inches. End with row 2.

Finishing

Either sew or slip stitch the beginning edge to the back loop of the last row, being careful to leave the front loops of the last row free on the outside of the cap so that the ribbed pattern is continuous around the cap.

Use yarn needle to weave a piece of yarn through the sc stitches at the top of the cap. (For extra security, I like to weave the yarn around the top twice.) Pull to close the opening and tie off. Weave all yarn ends in securely. Turn up the lower edge to form the brim of the cap.