CAP PATTERNS FOR LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES
PLUS TECHNIQUE INFORMATION

While the Caps to the Capital campaign is over, we are leaving the following cap patterns at the Warm Up America web site since so many knitters and crocheters make caps for preemies in their own communities.

Use any smooth, washable yarn.


HELPFUL TECHNIQUE INFORMATION

  • Abbreviations
    - Knit abbreviations
    - Crochet abbreviations

  • Basic knitting techniques
    - Cast on, knit stitch, binding off
    - Knitting two stitches together
    - Purl

  • Basic crochet techniques
    - Chain
    - Single crochet
    - Double crochet

  • Frequently Asked Questions
    www.knitt911.com and www.crochet911.com



    The following cap patterns are especially designed for low-birth-weight babies. The circumferences range from 9" to 11". Any infant pattern is fine so long as it is a suitable size and will keep the baby's head warm. Use any smooth, washable yarn. Here are suggested patterns for both knitters and crocheters, using either sport or worsted weight yarns. Scrap yarns are fine, and the patterns can be varied as desired with stripes or other color combinations.


    Abbreviation Key
    '' = inch(es)
    CO = cast on
    k or K = knit
    k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
    mm = millimeter(s)
    oz = ounce(s)
    p or P = purl
    rem = remaining
    rep = repeat
    st(s) = stitch(es)

    SPORT WEIGHT CAP
    Size:10" circumference
    Materials - Sport weight yarn,3/4 oz
    5mm/Size 8 knitting needles (or size required for gauge)
    4mm/Size 6 knitting needles
    Yarn needle to sew seam

    Gauge
    20sts = 4" with larger needles in Stockinette Stitch

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Cuff
    With smaller needles, CO 48 sts. Work in K1,P1 ribbing for 1 1/2".

    Crown
    Change to larger needles.
    Row 1 (right side): Knit.
    Row 2 (wrong side): Purl.
    Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 5" from CO edge, ending with a wrong-side row.
    Shape Top
    Row 1: *K2tog,K2; rep from * across: 36 sts.
    Row 2: Purl.
    Row 3: *K2tog, K2; rep from * across: 27 sts.
    Row 4: Purl.
    Row 5: *K2tog, K1; rep from * across: 18 sts.
    Row 6: Purl.
    Row 7: K2tog across: 9 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a long end. Thread yarn into yarn needle and draw through rem sts on needle. Draw up tightly and fasten off securely. Sew seam. Turn up cuff.

    MEDIUM-WEIGHT (WORSTED) CAP
    Size:10" circumference
    Materials - Medium-weight yarn (worsted),3/4 oz
    5mm/Size 10 knitting needles (or size required for gauge)
    4mm/Size 8 knitting needles
    Yarn needle to sew seam

    Gauge
    16 sts = 4" with larger needle in Stockinette Stitch

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Cuff
    With smaller needles, CO 44 sts. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 1/2".
    Body Change to larger needles and knit until piece measures 5" from CO edge.

    Crown
    Change to larger needle.
    Row 1 (right side): Knit.
    Row 2 (wrong side): Purl.
    Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 5" from CO edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

    Shape Top
    Row 1: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around: 33 sts.
    Row 2: Purl.
    Row 3: *K2tog, K1; rep from * around: 22 sts.
    Row 4: Purl.
    Row 5: K2tog, *K2, K2tog; rep from * around:16 sts.
    Row 6: Purl.
    Row 7: K2tog around: 8 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a long end.
    Thread yarn into yarn needle and draw through rem sts on needle. Draw up tightly and fasten off securely. Sew seam.
    Turn up cuff.


    Abbreviation Key
    " = inch(es)
    ch = chain
    dc = double crochet
    lp = loop(s)
    mm = millimeter(s)
    oz = ounce(s) rem = remaining
    rnd = round
    rep = repeat
    sl st = slip stitch

    SPORT WEIGHT CAP
    Size: 9 1/2" circumference
    Materials - Sport weight yarn, 3/4 oz
    Crochet hook 3.75mm/size F or size required for gauge
    Yarn needle to weave in ends

    Gauge
    10 dc = 2"

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Rnd 1: Ch 4; work 11 dc in 4th ch from hook; join with a sl st to top of beg ch: counts as 12 dc.
    Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc, now and throughout), dc in joining chain; 2 dc in each dc around, join: 24 dc.
    Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc; *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc; rep from * around, join: 36 dc.
    Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in each of next dc, 2 dc in next dc; *dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc; rep from * around, join: 48 dc.
    Rnds 5 through 9: Ch 3, dc in each dc; join.
    Rnd 10 (turning rnd): Ch 1, sc in front lp only of each dc around; join, turn.
    Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in both lps of each sc; join.
    Rnds 12 through 14: Rep rnd 11.
    Rnd 15: Ch 1, *sc in next sc, ch 3, skip 3 sc; rep from *around; join, finish off.
    Weave in all ends. Turn up cuff.

    WORSTED WEIGHT CAP
    Size:10" circumference
    Materials - Medium-weight yarn (worsted),3/4 oz
    Crochet hook size H (5mm) or size required for gauge
    Yarn needle to weave in ends

    Gauge
    7 dc = 2"

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Rnd 1: Ch 4, work 11 dc in 4th ch from hook; join with a sl st to top of beg ch: counts as 12 dc.
    Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc, now and throughout), dc in joining ch; 2 dc in each dc around, join: 24 dc.
    Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next dc; *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc; rep from * around, join: 36 dc.
    Rnds 4 through 8: Ch 3,dc in each dc; join.
    Rnd 9 (turning rnd): Ch 1, sc in front lp only of each dc around; join, turn.
    Rnd 10: Ch 1, sc in both lps of each sc; join.
    Rnds 11 through 13: Rep rnd 10.
    Rnd 14: Ch 1, *sc in next sc; ch 3, skip 2 sc, rep from * around; join, finish off.
    Weave in all ends. Turn cuff up.


    PATTERNS FOR KNIT HATS (4-NEEDLE VERSION)

    ABBREVIATIONS
    " = inch(es)
    CO = cast on
    k or K = knit
    k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
    mm = millimeter(s)
    oz = ounce(s)
    p or P = purl
    rem = remaining
    rep = repeat
    st(s) = stitch(es)

    SPORT WEIGHT HAT
    Size: 10" circumference

    MATERIALS
    Sport weight yarn, 3/4 oz
    Four, Size 8 (5mm) double-point knitting needles (or size required for gauge)
    Four, Size 6 (4mm) double-point knitting needles
    Yarn needle to weave in ends

    GAUGE
    20 sts = 4" with larger needles

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Cuff
    With smaller needles, CO 48 sts. Divide sts onto three needles, being careful not to twist sts. Mark beg of round. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 -1/2".

    Crown
    Cange to larger needles and knit until piece measures 5" from CO edge.

    Shape Top
    Rnd 1: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around: 36 sts.
    Rnd 2: Knit.
    Rnd 3: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around: 27 sts.
    Rnd 4: Knit.
    Rnd 5: *K2tog, K1; rep from * around: 18 sts.
    Rnd 6: Knit.
    Rnd 7: K2tog around: 9 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a long end:
    Thread yarn into yarn needle and draw through rem sts on needle. Draw up tightly and fasten off securely.
    Turn up cuff.

    WORSTED WEIGHT HAT (4-NEEDLE VERSION)
    Size: 10" circumference

    MATERIALS
    Worsted weight yarn, 3/4 oz
    Four, Size 10 (6mm) double point knitting needles (or size required for gauge)
    Four, Size 8 (5mm) double point knitting needles
    Yarn needle to weave in ends

    GAUGE
    16 sts = 4" with larger needles

    INSTRUCTIONS
    Cuff
    With smaller needles, CO 44 sts. Divide sts onto three needles, being careful not to twist sts. Mark beg of round. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1-1/2".

    Body
    Change to larger needles and knit until piece measures 5" from CO edge.

    Shape Top
    Rnd 1: *K2tog, K2; rep from * around: 33 sts.
    Rnd 2: Knit.
    Rnd 3: *K2tog, K1; rep from * around: 22 sts.
    Rnd 4: Knit.
    Rnd 5: K2tog, *K2, K2tog; rep from * around: 16 sts.
    Rnd 6: Knit.
    Rnd 7: K2tog around: 8 sts. Cut yarn, leaving a long end,

    Thread yarn into yarn needle and draw through rem sts on needle. Draw up tightly and fasten off securely.
    Turn up cuff.