35+ Free Knitting Patterns For Preemie Babies
Last updated: July, 2022
It’s Thursday! Which means today we have more wonderful, and more importantly free, knitting patterns to share with you.
Today we have a collection of knitting patterns which are essential for some new mothers: patterns for items and clothes to use for premature babies. An expectant mother never imagines the eventuality that her baby will be born pre-term, and oftentimes new mothers are caught unexpected with no clothes or accessories for their babies. Preemie clothes are also sometimes hard to come by, so these knitting patterns will come in very handy for these precious tiny newborns!
Did you know? These items (especially the hats, which are very sought after) can be knitted and donated to your local hospital, special care baby units and also charities to help new mothers in the future. These are precious patterns, for precious tiny babies!
Enjoy these preemie patterns (our roundup now includes over 50 patterns)!
Our Top 10 Free Premature Baby Knitting Patterns
1. Bernat Preemie Garter Stitch Set
This is a lovely little set which includes everything preemie babies will need to warm up, including a newborn hat, jacket, booties and mittens.
Simply precious, this is a great option to knit up a set of hats in the smallest size possible to ensure those little treasures are kept warm.
3. Itsy Bitsy Santa Hat by DROPS Design
This is a fabulous little Christmas hat, ideal to knit for precious babies born around Christmastime! I’ve you’ve been looking for a premature baby Santa beanie pattern, this is the one to knit up.
4. Bernat King/Queen Baby Hats
You’re truly knitting for royalty when creating these little hats.
5. Coral Barley Booties by DROPS Design
These baby booties are simply precious, with a lovely lace pattern detail that gives them that extra special touch.
A premature baby hat pattern which is easy to knit, and therefore ideal for any beginner knitter to try out as well. Simple, yet a perfect little hat.
7. Baby Pearl Hat by DROPS Design
One of our very favourites, this fabulous hat is knitted in stocking stitch and garter stitch.
8. Bernat Half & Half Preemie Baby Blanket
A hand knit blanket, using two shades of yarn, to create a beautiful hue.
9. Simply Sweet Baby Body by DROPS Design
Another gorgeous pattern! This baby body is knitted in rib and worked top down. It can be created using both circular needles or double pointed needles.
10. Bernat Stay Warm Knit Baby Hat
This set of premature baby topknot beanie patterns is simply too cute and very very easy to knit!
11. Caron Mini Garter Stitch Cap
Another great project for beginners, this little hat is knit in garter stitch and will look great in any colour you choose.
This little hat features lacy detail, which makes it that more lovely!
More Preemie Baby Knits (Free Patterns)
14. Tide Socks by DROPS Design
16. Caron Preemie to Toddler Knit Hat
17. Lavender Socks by DROPS Design
18. Queen of Hearts Preemie/Newborn Hat
19. Double Knit V-neck Raglan Premature Baby Cardigan
20. Warm Clouds Preemie Newborn Afghan Pattern
24. Premature Baby Cardigan, Hat and Bootees Set
25. Preemie Knit Hat with Ears
26. So Soft Preemie Hat Pattern
27. Celestina Socks by DROPS Design
30. Ribbon Edged Preemie Blanket
32. Premature/Low Birth Weight Baby Body Warmer (for N.I.C.U. use)
33. Patriotic Preemie Layette (2)
38. Sweater, Bonnet and Diaper Cover
42. Little Miracle – Premature Cardigan
43. Heather Premature Baby Jacket
45. Preemie With A Twist Blanket
46. Honeycomb Preemie Hat and Booties
49. Top Down Diamonds Preemie Hat
50. Multi-Color Ripple Sweater
51. Scalloped Dress and Bonnet
54. Premature Baby Cardigan, Matching Hat and Booties Set
55. Leggings, Sweater and Beanie Set
56. Cocoon and Slouchy Beanie Set
Please note: Each link points you to the page where you can access the free knitting pattern; again all these have been checked so as to ensure they are totally free of charge at the time of publishing. Some websites might require that you register with them before being able to access the pattern, but this is also free. Every website will also provide all the require information and details needed including yarn weights required, needle size and more. Some links point directly to a PDF download.
Looking for another great pattern to inspire your next project?
If you’ve missed out on previous pattern posts we shared recently here at KnittingWomen.com, here’s a quick roundup of what is available for you to enjoy so far: 33 Baby Blankets, 50 Baby Booties, 30 Chunky Blankets and Afghans, 27 Cushion Covers and 20 Tea Cosies.
If you’re looking for a specific free pattern, then I encourage you to visit our Patterns section, or contact us to request a topic to be covered in one of our next posts.
I love your patterns, they are beautiful!
Thank you for your generosity!!! I love it!!!!
I have knitted about 8 prem baby hats, do you have a list of hospitals which would like them, my usual outlet has closed down.
Many thanks
Susan
After knitting lots of premature baby hats, I have been asked to knit mittens, I can only find one 4ply pattern but would like a double knitting pattern, can anyone help me please, many thanks
Hiya honey x do you have a very easy knitting pattern for a babies beanie hat. Can only do
Garter stitch. . These are for prem babies x
I also need a pattern for preemie mittens. Please tell us where we can get one so we can supply the NICU in neighboring hospital. thank you
I am a governor at our local hospital and have been knitting baby hats and cardigans for the nnu. Have you any patterns that I can purchase as I have done so many of the same pattern that I feel the babies not look individual with hats and cardigans all the same design.
Thank you
Patricia Price.
Hi I like your patterns
I would like to hace some perm patterns please as I do alot of permature knitting
thank you for the free patterns I am knitting for my local hospital an was looking for some more patterns to make a change
Hi everyone, I would like some help!!! I am an amputee and confined to a wheelchair. I lost my leg two years ago which has changed my life. But I am as independent as this will allow, the problem is I get bored but after giving it much thought have decided to knit cardigans and other things for the premature baby unit at my local hospital. When my own children were small (many years ago, hehe) I knitted almost all the clothes babies and children needed. So the help I need is if anyone has patterns, needles and any baby wool they can spare or have left over from your own projects I would be very grateful. Thank you A.T.a
Hello Ann,
l knit and crochet for a group on Facebook called Needles & Hooks Angels & Preemies, it’s a wonderful group of people, we don’t just do things for babies though, we also do stuff for Soldiers Off The Streets and various other causes, like dementia patients and children s homes.
If you’d be interested and have a Facebook page please feel free to find me and friend me, l can then get you into the group……
Much admiration for your persistence, hope to hear from you soon.
Hugs
karen xxx
I make baby item for gifts and also for safe harbor for abused women. And also for the childrens hospital in ICU.
I am from Nairobi, Kenya and am interested in Knitting, these days we buy everything second hand things from baby’s socks to our own sweeter how can you help me. Start knitting. Thank you. Jane
Please help i knitted a cardigan with hood but decided i want to add a collar to my finished article instead of hood could anyone tell me how i would do this or have a simple pattern for a collar to add to the cardigan Thank you
Sadly, I am unable to get into the site for the sock pattern ‘Josie tiny socks’. I again knit for premature babies and the little sock pattern is so different. If anyone has any idea how I can obtain this pattern please email me – many thanks, Barbie
I wood like some patterns for baby’s hats plz
Wonderful site!!
I would like free premiture baby patterns
I have some blankets knitted in garter stitch DK 20 x 20 in pastel colours. I need to find a home for them.
Post on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/knittingwomen, maybe you’ll find someone interested there!
That is want I need as I do charity knitting for premature babies
I would like some free perm knitting patterns thank you
Just came across this site when searching for angel baby knitting patterns. There are so many that I can convert into a smaller size for babies who are born asleep. Thank you so much for a lovely, comprehensive and easy to use website. The links work too!
Why do I have to download a pdf extension to view these patterns?
Some of the patterns are made available in PDF format. Normally all computers, smartphones or tablets have a built-in application that you can use to view these documents. Otherwise you can download a free PDF reader app like Adobe PDF Reader.
I would like to print the the patterns is that possible
Yes it totally is! Simply click on the link for the pattern you wish to knit, and print the pattern on the page that appears next. Hope that helps.