If you want to crochet hats for preemies, one of these six patterns is sure to peak your interest (and satisfy your pocketbook because they’re all free!).
So here’s the thing – while I LOVE to make all kinds of things using a variety of materials, my knitting skills are basic and my crochet skills are nonexistent.
My maternal grandmother taught me how to knit (and perl!) when I was seven, but it was a summer fling.
I didn’t take up knitting again for a couple of decades and I stuck to scarves and very basic hats where I didn’t use a pattern.
This is why Create to Donate hasn’t featured a lot of tutorials so far on how to knit or crochet items to donate. I don’t have the knowledge, or more importantly, the inclination to figure it out.
But that’s about to change!
I recently connected with a wonderful group of bloggers who have allowed me to share their fiber arts patterns with you.
So while this first post features crochet patterns, I will be sharing other crochet for charity ideas along with knitting for charity in the coming months too.
Donate A Handful Of Hats To Nonprofits Supporting Preemies
But before you dive into the list of free crochet hat patterns, I want to share a couple of nonprofits that would love to benefit from your craftiness.
Preemies of the Carolinas
Preemies of the Carolinas is a nonprofit that actively supports children of both North and South Carolina, who will have any type of stay in the Children’s hospital.
When you’ve finished your hats to donate, send them here:
Preemies of the Carolinas
2764 Pleasant Road, #10803
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Project NICU
Project NICU (originally called Project Preemie) offers, “connection, support and community to all involved in the NICU Journey.
From NICU Care Packages, Peer Support, Graduate Programming, events and more we are here for every step of the journey.”
If you crochet hats for preemies, you would be able to contribute to their Project NICU care packages.
The Preemie Project
For anyone who typically donated to The Preemie Project, but hasn’t for a while? Unfortunately, they are no longer accepting donations.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you buy a product using the links with an asterisk or using the links below.
6 Stylish Crochet Hat Patterns for Preemies
Raffaella from Raffamusa, provides a free crochet pattern as a PDF that includes a small and medium hat for a preemie.
This is a great pattern if you're itching to use two different colors of yarn because you can use one of the hat and the other for the brim,
This adorable hat pattern from Ling at Hooked On Patterns is a great seasonal option.
There are a variety of nonprofits that like to have donation themes for certain times of the year so be sure to bookmark or pin this one if you don't make it immediately.
One of the things I love about the internet is that until you dig a little deeper you never know where the content creator who talks about "fibre friends" lives.
So I was excited to learn that Sarah from Rich Textures Crochet lives in Canada.
Her easy winter beanie pattern features a fold over brim and a pom pom!
This lightweight preemie beanie is the perfect crochet project if you're looking to do some scrap busting.
What I love about Alexandra's pattern is the variation in the stitches - it adds a little bit of extra flair.
If you're wondering if I posted the same hat twice? Yes, this hat is similar to another in the list, but it's not the same.
Since pattern developers often have a different approach to their creations, I wanted to feature two different patterns so you could see which works best for you.
The pom is a little different too!
Chunky-Like Preemie Granny Square Beanies - 4 Sizes - Free Crochet Pattern
While I am not too familiar with the fiber arts lingo, I do know that "granny squares" are a staple.
So I really like that this pattern uses something that even a newbie likely recognizes. Plus, it will likely help generate other ideas on how to use granny squares.
I also appreciate that Alexandra explains very clearly how much time each hat size takes so that you can plan your time.
The smallest hat takes around 15 minutes so it's a perfect project to sneak in when you have an extended wait period at an appointment or sports event or a long drive.
How Will You Crochet Hats For Preemies?
When you crochet hats for preemies, you’re not only taking time for yourself to express your creativity, but also giving back to your community.
So which of the beautiful patterns are you going to try first?
And if you know of any additional organizations that need handmade hats for NICU patients or preemies, please drop the URL in the comments below so I can feature them here on Create to Donate.
Alexandra
Thursday 14th of July 2022
Thanks so much for including my little beanies! Preemie beanies are just the sweetest little things, and spread so much comfort and joy. When The Preemie Project stopped taking donations, I wasn't really sure where else to look - my own local baby hospitals do not accept donations, so I'm glad to see a couple other options - I will check them out.
Dana
Friday 15th of July 2022
Alexandra - Thank you for allowing me to share your beautiful patterns. I am so happy to hear that you now have some additional options for donations. When you make some hats to donate, if you post them and tag #createtodonate, I will repost and share. Cheers!