Knitting Pattern for NICU Beanies

Thankyou for considering knitting for our community.

The pictured beanies were knitted using 3.25mm needles and 4 ply 50% cotton 50% acrylic wool and therefore the pattern and overall sizing reflects this. Use of different sized needles will most likely result in a slight difference in overall size. Should you wish to use a slightly varied pattern, or crochet a beanie, the required overall size of these beanie when lying flat (completed and sewn) is approx 9.5cm wide at the base and 9.5cm tall (fits up to approx 1.2kg). You are welcome to experiment with any colours you like!

We also have a more limited need for larger pre-term (2kg-2.5kg) and small newborn (2.5-3.0kg) sized beanies. Knitted or crochet beanies of your own design would be gratefully accepted. (Note: the reason for the gap in sizing between the very small beanies detailed below and the larger sizes required, is that babies in between these two stages are often placed on CPAP, a form of breathing assistance, which covers the babies head and prevents them from wearing a beanie.)  

Completed beanies can be posted to: Tiny Sparks WA, PO Box 1114, West Leederville WA 6901. If you have any questions you many contact us at admin@tinysparkswa.org.au. Thank you very much to those volunteers who are able to assist!

Girls' Beanie

The girls' beanie pattern contains a chevron style pattern, as pictured to the right. 

Ribbing Step (6 rows)

  1. Cast 56 stitches.
  2. Alternating Knit 1, Purl 1 for 6 rows.

Chevron Pattern (16 rows)

  1. Purl 1 stitch, Knit 3 stitches and repeat for rows 1, 5, 9 and 13.
  2. Knit 1 stitch, Purl 5 stitches, Knit 1, Purl 1, and repeat for rows 2, 6, 10 and 14.
  3. Knit 2 stitches, Purl 1, Knit 3, Purl 1, Knit 1, and repeat for rows 3, 7, 11 and 15.
  4. Purl 2 stitches, Knit 1, Purl 1, Knit 1, Purl 3, and repeat for rows 4, 8, 12 and 16.

Shaping Crown (10 rows)

  1. Knit 6 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together (i.e. drop one stitch), repeat.
  2. Purl stitch entire row.
  3. Knit 5 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  4. Purl stitch entire row.
  5. Knit 4 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  6. Purl stitch entire row.
  7. Knit 3 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  8. Purl stitch entire row.
  9. Knit 2 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  10. Purl stitch entire row.

Completing

  1. Cut yarn leaving sufficient length to sew beanie together with.
  2. Thread end of yarn through remaining stitches on needle.
  3. Draw tightly and fasten off securely.
  4. Sew up edges to form beanie.

Boys' Pattern

The boys' beanie pattern is plainer than the girls' beanie pattern, without the chevron pattern. It is pictured on the right with a coloured stripe however the patten below is for a single coloured beanie and does not detail switching yarn; however you are welcome to do this if you wish.

Ribbing Step (6 rows)

  1. Cast on 56 stitches.
  2. Alternating Knit 2 stitches, Purl 2 stitches for 6 rows.

Main Body (16 rows)

  1. Knit one row.
  2. Purl one row.
  3. Repeat, alternating.

Shaping Crown (10 rows)

  1. Knit 6 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together (i.e. drop one stitch), repeat.
  2. Purl stitch entire row.
  3. Knit 5 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  4. Purl stitch entire row.
  5. Knit 4 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  6. Purl stitch entire row.
  7. Knit 3 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  8. Purl stitch entire row.
  9. Knit 2 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
  10. Purl stitch entire row.

Completing

  1. Cut yarn leaving sufficient length to sew beanie together with.
  2. Thread end of yarn through remaining stitches on needle.
  3. Draw tightly and fasten off securely.
  4. Sew up edges to form beanie.