The students in Knots for NICU hand-make numerous items: from receiving blankets (which double as NICU incubator crib sheets), to crocheting and knitting beanie hats and headbands in the tiniest of sizes, to designing and sewing burial gown sets from donated wedding dresses. Below are instructions and tutorials we follow, and invite others to join us in making these rewarding items!
Knitted or crocheted hats are always a hit (any colors). You can make them plain or adorned with pom-poms, flowers, animals, whatever!
- SIZES - It is okay if your hat sizes vary in diameter between 7"-13" (see size chart reference below) because of the vast size difference in all preemies. Remember, a preemie in the NICU can vary from 22 weeks all the way up to full-term babies!
- VIDEOS - Follow these YouTube videos for measurements and patterns for preemie sized hats.
- YARN - Smoke-free please!
- The best yarn to use is baby yarn because it’s soft and lightweight (e.g. 5oz/140g; or 4oz/113g). (See yarn label example image below.)
- The yarn should be soft, warm, washable, and hypoallergenic, such as: acrylic, cotton, bamboo, alpaca, and similar soft yarns are good choices - as long as they are labeled washable.
- Wool is not a great idea (unless it says "superwash" wool/merino - which is okay!) because some babies may be sensitive to it.
- SUPPLIES/TOOLS - Additional tools needed for these projects are:
- crochet hooks (5mm or size US-H-8, -OR- 4mm or size US-G-6); or knitting needles work!
- Optional beginner's shortcut: a Loom Knitting Set can be purchased from Amazon.