Crochet Cluster Stitch Preemie Hat - Free Pattern

Crochet Cluster Stitch Preemie Hat

Having a preemie granddaughter in NICU, I realized that there isn't much that the babies in there are allowed to wear, or can wear (because of attached tubes, wires and IVs), or that actually fits them. I found some crochet patterns on line, but most of them didn’t make up to the correct size and many of them had poor or incorrect instructions, or were just so confusing that I spent more time unraveling and making do-overs than getting a finished product that fitted. So I decided to write my own patterns and share them with you.

My first pattern is for a Crochet Cluster Stitch Preemie Hat. This is to fit a preemie about 5lb. The finished product should be about 10" diameter at the base. Laying flat the measurements should be about 5" across the opening and 4" from top to bottom.

You can make this smaller (or larger) by using a smaller (or larger) hook size, and/or a lighter (heavier) weight yarn. You can find a tutorial with pictures on how to make a magic ring here: www.planetjune.com/magicring.


Supplies:
#4 yarn
H hook

Abbreviations:
ch - chain
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc - double crochet
YO - yarn over
st – stitch
sl st - slip stitch
sp - space

Special Stitch - Cluster:
This is a three double crochet cluster stitch.
YO, insert hook in next stitch, YO, draw yarn through the stitch, draw through 2 loops on hook (2 loops left on hook). YO, draw yarn through the stitch, draw through 2 loops on hook (3 loops left on hook). YO, draw yarn through the stitch, draw through 2 loops on hook (4 loops left on hook). YO, pull through all 4 loops on hook.


Instructions:

Round 1: Make a magic ring and ch 3. Inside the ring *cluster, ch 2. Repeat from * three times (4 clusters). Sl st to top of ch 3. Pull ring tight.

Round 2: Ch 1. In ch-2 sp, *cluster, ch 2, cluster, ch 2. Repeat from * in each ch-2 sp (8 clusters). Sl st to top of ch 1.

Round 3: Ch 1. In ch-2 sp, *cluster, ch 2, cluster, ch 2. In the next ch-2 sp, cluster, ch 2. Repeat from * in each ch-2 sp around (12 clusters). Sl st to top of ch 1.

Round 4: Ch 1. In ch-2 sp, *cluster, ch 2, cluster, ch 2. In the next two ch-2 sp, cluster, ch 2. Repeat from * in each ch-2 sp around (15 clusters). Sl st to top of ch 1.

Round 5: Ch 1. In ch-2 sp, *cluster, ch 2, cluster, ch 2. In the next three ch-2 sp, cluster, ch 2. Repeat from * in each ch-2 sp around (18 clusters). Sl st to top of ch 1.

Round 6: Ch 1. In ch-2 sp, *cluster, ch 2. Repeat from * in each ch-2 sp around (18 clusters). Sl st to top of ch 1.

Round 7: Ch 1. Sc in each st around. Sl st to top of ch 1.

Rounds 8-9: Repeat Round 7. Fasten off, weave in ends.


Flower:
The flower consists of two layers of petals. It can be made all in one color, or the outer layer of petals can be made in a contrasting color. If you want a smaller flower you can make just the inner petals and attach to the hat (shown on my multi-color hat).

Outer Petals:
Round 1: Magic Ring, ch 3. 10 dc inside the ring. Sl st to top of beginning ch 3. Pull ring tight.
Round 2: *Ch 3, skip 1 dc, sl st.** Repeat from * to ** around. Sl st to top of beginning ch 3. (five ch3)
Round 3: *7 dc in first ch 3 sp. Sl st over Round 2 sl st, into Round 1 dc.** Repeat from * to ** around (5 petals). Sl st to beginning ch 3. Fasten off. Leave a longer tail of yarn to attach the flower to the hat.

Inner Petals:
Round 1: Magic ring, ch 1. Inside ring *ch 2, cluster, ch 2, sl st.** Repeat from * to ** 4 times (5 petals). Sl st to beginning ch 1. Pull ring tight. Fasten off. Leave a longer tail of yarn to attach the inner petals to the outer petals.


To Finish: Attach inner petals to outer petals using yarn ends. Attach flower to hat using yarn ends. Weave in ends.