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!
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!