11/21/14

Holiday Hats and Matching Mini Hat


Enjoy this special pattern I whipped for the local NICU. It's similar to my Faux Knit Hats, but it uses a thicker yarn. You don't NEED to use these for just holiday affairs either :) They can be done for at anytime! 



NICU Holiday Stretchy Hats

Supplies:
Yarn (weight 4)
J hook
Yarn needle
1 3/8 inch pom pom maker (optional)

Abbreviations
ch = chain
sc = single crochet

*Each pattern is labeled in weeks of gestation, but hats will stretch for larger sized babies*

28 weeks

Leaving a long tail (4-5 inches)
Chain 19

Row 1: 3rd chain from hook, sc. Sc across in each chain. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in back loops only across, ch 2, turn
Row 3: sc in back loops only across, ch 1, turn
Rows 4-24: alternate between row 2 and row 3. On Row 24 do not chain at end. End piece leaving a long tail.

(hint: the long tail you started with will always be at the ch 1 side of your piece)

Fold piece in half (last row meets starting chain).
Whip or Mattress stitch the two edges together using the tail you just created on the chain 2 side of your rectangle.
Work the rest of the end in coming back down the seam some and cut.
(Mattress: http://crocheteverafter.com/2013/04/24/mattress-stitch-join-tutorial/
Whip:http://crocheteverafter.com/2013/04/30/how-to-whipstitch-join/ )

2nd tail (on chain one side of rectangle)
weave in and out around top edge, catching as little of each stitch as you need to. Pull tight and weave in end (this closes the top of the hat).

Add pompom if you wish! Fold up brim and your done :)

32 weeks

Leaving a long tail (4-5 inches)
Chain 21

Row 1: 3rd chain from hook, sc. Sc across in each chain. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in back loops only across, ch 2, turn
Row 3: sc in back loops only across, ch 1, turn
Rows 4-28: alternate between row 2 and row 3. On Row 28 do not chain at end. End piece leaving a long tail.

Finish the same as 28 weeks.

36 weeks

-Leaving a long tail (5-6 inches)
Chain 26

Row 1: 3rd chain from hook, sc. Sc across in each chain. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in back loops only across, ch 2, turn
Row 3: sc in back loops only across, ch 1, turn
Rows 4-32: alternate between row 2 and row 3. On Row 32 do not chain at end. End piece leaving a long tail.

Finish the same as 28 weeks.


SPECIAL NOTE

You can make a hat that will fit roughly 18-24 weeks (best fit is 20-24 weeks) with a start chain of 17 and 22 rows.