March of Dimes

More than 460,000 babies are born prematurely each year, some so small they must fight for their lives. In nearly half these cases, no one knows why. You can support March of Dimes by volunteering in the Baby Cap Program.

March of Dimes has over 150 volunteers throughout Chicago knitting and crocheting preemie baby caps, booties, blankets and outfits. Since 2002 to date over 10,000 of these items have distributed to over 40 different hospitals throughout Chicago. This program continues to be a success due to the dedicated efforts of all the wonderful volunteers.

Preemie Hat Basics and Suggestions

Use soft, machine washable yarn. Cast on loosely to avoid a tight edge. Use interesting colors, varigated yarn, seasonal colors, pastels, bright color, etc. Wash items that become soiled when knitting. Use a dye and fragrance free detergent and avoid fabric softeners. Place items in a plastic bag or wrap in tissue to keep it clean. Hats are needed in all sizes fo guage doesn't have to be perfect.

Hat Size Guideline

Full Term: Circ: 10 1/2"; Length: 6" to 6 1/2"
X-Large Preemie: Circ: 9"; Length: 5 1/2"
Large Preemie: Circ: 8"; Length: 4 1/2" to 5"
Medium Preemie: Circ: 7"; Length: 4" to 4 1/2"
Small Preemie: Circ: 6"; Length: 3 1/2 to 4"
X-Small Preemie: Circ: 5 1/2"; Length: 3 1/2"

Use your favorite pattern or the one below:

Seamless Preemie to Full Term Cap Pattern

In fingering and sport weight yarn for XS(S,M,L,XL,Full Term)
Sport weight directions in [ ]

With #3 [#5] dp needles, cast on 44(48,56,60,68,72) [36(44,48,56,60,68] sts evenly divided
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 3(3 1/2,4,4 1/2,5,6)"
Next round: K2tog, P2tog around
Next round: Knit
Next round: K2tog around
Next round: Knit
Next round: K2tog around
Thread needle and draw up rem. sts. End off.

Preemie Baby Items can be sent to:

March of Dimes - Baby Caps Program
111 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60604

For more information, download the March of Dimes flyer on the Baby Cap Program.

To read the flyer, you will need Acrobat Reader. If you do not have the reader, you may download it for free from their website.