The students in Knots for NICU hand-make numerous items from receiving blankets (which double as incubator crib sheets), to crocheting & knitting beanie hats & headbands, to designing and sewing burial gown sets from donated wedding dresses, as well as scent hearts from leftover blanket fabric. Below are instructions & tutorials we follow, & invite others to join in making these rewarding items!
|
|
|
Plain headbands or adorned (with a pom-pom or bow, etc.) are all welcomed. (Please avoid button embellishments.)
- SIZES - Headband sizes can 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 this YouTube video for easy instruction and pattern ideas for headbands
- https://youtu.be/Dvye5C2sFvo For crocheting, a good count for preemie-sized headbands is 70 chains (count) in length when using a thinner/baby weight yarn (such as 4oz/113g). It is okay if your finished sizes vary!
- 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 above.)
- 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 - 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!
|
|
|
Our Items on Babies
