Charity Project
Preemie Hats
We are promoting our on-going Preemie project. Portland area hospitals benefit from all the preemie hats and blankets donated by Yarn Garden customers. We’ve received Thank You cards from all the neo-natal units expressing their appreciation. They tell us that no one expects to have a premature baby, so they’re not prepared for their tiny needs. Just so you have an idea, the smallest preemie hat will fit a plum; the larger preemie hat will fit an orange. Just to compare, a full-term baby hat would fit a grapefruit. They can use tiny baby blankets, too. You can bring your donations to the shop and we wash and dry them and put each one in a zip lock bag before shipping. To all of you who have been knitting, a big thanks! And to our darling Joyce Justice who started this project and ran it for years...a big hug. We love you, Joyce!

Preemie Hat Sizes
(Note: circumference is hat not head sizes)

Please use soft cotton or synthetic yarn that can be machine washed and dried. We have been asked not to send hats and blankets with wool, as this could irritate infants’ sensitive skin. Here are some wool free yarn suggestions: Dale of Norway Stork, Katia Mississippi 3, Sirdar Snuggly DK, Plymouth Wildflower DK, Dreambaby DK, Rowan 4 ply Cotton, Filatura DiCrosa Millefile Fine & Schachenmayr Denim.

Seamless Knitted
Hat Pattern:
These hats can be worked on dpn’s, 2 circular needles or magic loop method. Gauge is not too important because all sizes are needed. Cast on loosely to avoid tight edge. Join, being careful not to twist. Choose your edge.

Garter Stitch Edge:
Row 1: Knit around.
Row 2: Purl around
Repeat row 1 & 2 once more
Knit every row until 1 to 1-1/2” from desired length of above chart, then start decreases.

Rib Edge:
Work 1/2” of k1, p1 ribbing, then knit every row or desired pattern until 1 to 1-1/2” from desired length of above chart, then start the decreases. If you want the ribbing to fold up, knit 1” of ribbing.

Rolled Edge:
Knit every row until 1 to 1-1/2” from desired length of above chart, then start decreases.

Decreases:
Depending on the number of stitches you cast on, (cast on stitches divisible by one of the multiples) choose A, B, C or D and work your way down. For all sizes, continue in this way, having one stitch less between your decrease on every odd-number decrease round. Even-number rows are knit without decreases. (If you prefer to make a beanie, decrease every row) When you have 5 or 6 stitches left, cut yarn, leaving several inches to draw through the stitches, and fasten off.

A. Multiple of 8
Round 1: *Knit 6, k2tog, repeat from * around.
Round 2: Knit all even rounds

B. Multiple of 7
Round 1: *Knit 5, k2tog, repeat from * around.
Round 2: Knit all even rounds.

C. Multiple of 6
Round 1: *Knit 4, k2tog, repeat from * around.
Round 2: Knit all even rounds.

D. Multiple of 5
Round 1: *Knit 3, k2tog, repeat from * around.
Round 2: Knit all even rounds.

E. Multiple of 4
Round 1: *Knit 2, k2tog, repeat from * around.
Round 2: Knit all even rounds.

F. Multiple of 3
Round 1: *Knit 1, k2tog, repeat from * around
Round 2: Knit all even round