Sweet Nothings Crochet: May 2018

full front view of all the four preemie crochet beanies or caps

PREEMIE CAPS 18

FLOWER CAPS

Thank you for joining me as we make some more preemie baby caps.

I found this absolutely stunning selection of flower caps.. and these were just perfect to make as part of the donation I am working on. I have made four cute little flowers, and there are four different ideas and patterns for the green sepal tops for each.

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These caps have been donated between the Gold Coast Hospitals Foundation charity and the Redland Hospital Charity, Cleveland, Australia.

photo of the caps handed to Redland Hospital charity

Redland Hospital Charity, Cleveland, Australia.

Materials used : Today I’ve used some of our lovely Indian Oswal Cashmilon 4-ply acrylic yarns with a 4 mm crochet hook

For Indians : You could use Anchor , Red ros e ; Red rose metallic or unbranded knitting cotton as well as Vardhaman acrylic yarns

Skill level : Intermediate.

These patterns all use post stitches.

Abbreviations used :

ch : chain ch-sp : chain space

sp : space rep : Repeat

fsc : Foundation single crochet

dc : Double crochet

Stitches used :

Starting slip knot : https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a slip stitch : https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

What is a chain stitch ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps. One sc made. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

Half Double Crochet : Hdc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ;

yo, draw through all 3 lps. One hdc made.

Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8

Front post single crochet : fpsc : Post stitches are stitches worked around the post of a stitch on the row below. Here is an easy video tutorial for the fpsc at https://youtu.be/OQa8YLpkdXs

Back post single crochet : bpsc : Post stitches are stitches worked around the post of a stitch of the row below. Here is an easy video tutorial for the bpsc at https://youtu.be/L1K_MMLl-D4

How to seamlessly crochet in rounds : https://youtu.be/ISBZK7Du7yE

Here is a sizing chart for general head sizing :

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279839058772/ OR

https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279837764548/

Whipstitch to join : https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI

Crab Stitch or Reverse Single Crochet stitch : https://youtu.be/cG3crwyHPnk

Instructions using U.S terminology

full front view of all the four preemie crochet beanie or cap

For my preemie caps I have worked the pattern ensuring I have a total length of 4” and a circumference of 12”. Please check the top of this blog for a sizing chart.

1. Hat circumference = measure around the head just above ears and subtract one inch for a nicely fitted finished hat.

2. Crown width = (this is a flat circular top of the hat) you need to divide hat circumference by 3.14 (pi).

3. Hat height = Head circumference / 10 x 4.

So you need to measure circumference of the head (round head measurement) and keep checking the outer circumference of your work.

There is another trick for measuring circumference (without running your measure tape all around the edge of your circle as you are working).

This works for a cap that you are working top down, from the crown of the head.

It works by dividing your round head measure by pi (3.14).

So say your head measurement is 22, divide 22 by 3.14 = 7.

Remember when calculating diameter, you must account for the stretch of your yarn too.

So once the ‘flat portion’ for the crown (or the first few rounds while you are still increasing) of your cap is 7” diameter, you can stop increases and start increasing just the length (without increasing stitches for the round)

Right then, back to the pattern sheet.

I have worked in hdc all through for all my preemie caps.

In general the pattern I’ve used for my caps is as follows.

Start Round 1 : with a magic circle and 10 hdc in that circle.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (10)

Round 2 : (Increase round ) :

2 hdc in the 1^st hdc and in each hdc all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (20)

Round 3 : (Increase round ) :

hdc in the 1^st hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc ;

*hdc in the next hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (30)

Round 4 : (Increase round ) :

hdc in the 1^st 3 hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc ;

*hdc in the next 3 hdc ; 2 hdc in the next hdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (36)

Check that your hat circumference is about 12” for preemie.

Round 5 : hdc in the 1^st hdc and in each hdc all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (36)

Rep Round 5 till you have a finished length of 4”.

After making all these caps, I found that 36 hdc give me the circumference I need and then I work without any increase till I have about 4 – 4.25” for my preemie babies.

I have been inspired by the pattern link at http://wonderfuldiy.com/wonderful-diy-adorable-crochet-baby-bluebell-hat/.

In case you can read charts, please visit the link now.

What I have done for all my preemie caps, is to check to see if the pattern link works (using my yarn and hook) – if it did not, then I worked my pattern above and then embellished as instructed.

With the embellishments too, if I had to reduce size (as my cap is so tiny), then I reduced my hook size and/or tightened my stitch. I have also opted not to use any poly fill stuffing (as these are for preemies) – but found that tightening the stitch did hold the part up quite well. Hope this works for you too

1. Bluebell & Yellow morning glory caps

full front view of the baby blue preemie crochet beanie or cap

full front view of the yellow preemie crochet beanie or cap

Aren’t these just too beautiful ? I couldn’t help myself.. I just went ahead and made this pattern in four colours. Let's see how you can resist them ;)

Materials used : Oswal Cashmilon 4-ply acrylic yarn with a 3.5 mm & 4mm crochet hook

Skill level : Easy

Here’s the pattern I worked for this cap. You could work the basic pattern that I’ve written at the top as well, but for a slight difference, I’ve worked a round of post stitches – and that helps define the different petals.

I have given ideas and patterns for three different types of sepals (green top). Please check all the way down the blog to see which one you’d like.

Start Round 1: with a magic circle and 12 hdc in that circle.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (12)

In the following round, we will work with post stitches.

As I am working with hdc, I opted to work a front post half double crochet or fphdc.

Front post half double crochet : fphdc : Post stitches are stitches worked around the post of a stitch of the row below. Here is an easy video tutorial for the fphdc at https://youtu.be/R_dVr9FnBkk

Back post half double crochet : bphdc : Post stitches are stitches worked around the post of a stitch of the row below. Here is an easy video tutorial for the bphdc at https://youtu.be/9jJHgDX2MsE

Round 2 : (Increase round ) :

hdc + fphdc in the 1^st hdc and in each hdc all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (24)

Round 3 : (Increase round ) :

2 hdc in the 1^st hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*2 hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (36)

Round 4 : hdc in the 1^st 2 hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next 2 hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (36)

Round 5 : hdc in the 1^st hdc ; ch 1, hdc in the next hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next hdc ; ch 1, hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (36)

In the following round, we will work a “V”-st which is (hdc ; ch 1, hdc) all in the same st or ch-sp.

Round 6 : sl-st into the 1^st ch-1 sp, “V”-st in the same 1^st ch-1 sp ;

fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*“V”-st in the next ch-1 sp ; fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Rep Round 6 till you are about 3 rows away from the full length needed.

How do you know when you are near the full length?

You will need to calculate the length of the stitch and see how many inches you are adding – so yes, you are working a gauge.

Now just for convenience, I am going to continue numbering. You are not on Round 7 as you have worked repeats to get it to the length needed – but you get that, right?

Round 7 : hdc in the 1^st hdc ; hdc in the next ch-1 sp ;

hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next hdc ; hdc in the next ch-1 sp ; hdc in the next hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Round 8 : hdc in the 1^st hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ;

hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ; hdc in the next hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Round 9 : hdc in the 1^st 2 hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ;

hdc in the next 2 hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next 2 hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ; hdc in the next 2 hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

For the stem 1 : For blue flower :

front view detail of the top of the blue flower preemie cap or beanie

(green top bit) of this cap, I worked leaf & stem patterns from the pumpkins (using a 3.5mm crochet hook) as given and it worked right. Check my blog posted yesterday titled Preemie cap 17 (Thanksgiving series) for a look-see.

Scroll down to the end of this blog for the second idea for stem.

1. Orange & Red caps

front view of the full orange crochet flower beanie or cap

front view of the full red crochet preemie flower cap

I have worked the pattern almost similar to the beautiful bluebell cap, but I just changed the “V”-st in the middle.

For the orange cap, I started with 9 hdc.

For the red cap, I started with 7 hdc.

Pattern same for both. See which one works for you.

Start Round 1 : with a magic circle and 9 hdc in that circle.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (9)

Round 2 : (Increase round ) :

hdc + fphdc in the 1^st hdc and in each hdc all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (18)

Round 3 : (Increase round ) :

hdc in the 1^st hdc ; ch 1, hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next hdc ;

ch 1, hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

In the following round, we will work a “V”-st which is (2 hdc ; ch 1, 2 hdc) all in the same st or ch-sp.

Round 4 : sl-st into the 1^st ch-1 sp, “V”-st in the same 1^st ch-1 sp ;

fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*“V”-st in the next ch-1 sp ; fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Rep Round 4 till you are about 3 rows away from the full length needed.

How do you know when you are near the full length?

You will need to calculate the length of the stitch and see how many inches you are adding – so yes, you are working a gauge.

Now just for convenience, I am going to continue numbering.

Again, you are not on Round 4 as you have worked repeats to get it to the length needed – but you get that, right?

Round 5 : hdc in the 1^st hdc ; hdc in the next ch-1 sp ;

hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next hdc ; hdc in the next ch-1 sp ; hdc in the next hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Round 6 : hdc in the 1^st hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ;

hdc in the next hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ; hdc in the next hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Round 7 : hdc in the 1^st 2 hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ;

hdc in the next 2 hdc ; fphdc around the next fphdc ;

*hdc in the next 2 hdc ; 3 dc in the next hdc ; hdc in the next 2 hdc ;

fphdc around the next fphdc* ;

rep *to* all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

For stem 2 : For yellow flower : (Using green)

front view of top of yellow preemie crochet beanie or cap

Let’s not join at the end of each round, but place a marker instead and work in spirals for a seamless neat finish.

Start Round 1 : with a magic circle and 6 hdc in that circle.

Place a marker in the 1^st hdc. (6)

Rounds 2 - 4 : hdc in each hdc all around. (6)

Note : Check the length that you get and decide how long you want this.

Work as many rounds as you want for length (i.e as many rep as you need then carry on to Round 5).

Round 5 : hdc in each hdc all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st hdc. (6)

We will now create the sepals (green top) in a continuous movement. So first we will work the centre ribs of each sepal and then come back and finish each one individually. Got it?

Round 6 : *ch 7. Turn and sl-st in the 2^nd ch from hk,

and in each of the next 5 ch ; sl-st into the base of the ch ;

sl-st in the next hdc* ;

rep *to* 5 times all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st st. (6 long strips)

We have made 6 long strips that are the centre ribs of each sepal. We will work all around these strips individually now.

Round 7 : *sc in the 1^st st ; hdc in the next 2 sts ;

dc in the next 2 sts ; 3 dc in the last st ;

Turn and work around the other side of the strip ;

dc in the next 2 sts ; hdc in the next 2 sts ;

sc in the last st ; sl-st in the base of st from Round 6* ;

rep *to* 5 times all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st st.

Fasten off and leave a long chain to attach onto top of flower.

For stem 3 : For orange flower : (Using green)

top view of the orange flower beanie or cap

detail front view of top for the orange flower preemie beanie or cap

I changed the pattern just in Round 7 to get a slight different shape to the sepal. So work Rounds 1 – 6 first.

Round 7 : sc in the 1^st st ;

(hdc + dc + hdc all in the next st) ;

*[sl-st into the next st ; rep (to) in the next st] ;

rep [to] once ;

sl-st into the next st ;

Turn and work around the other side of the strip ;

rep [to] 3 times ;

sc in the last st ; sl-st in the base of st from Round 6* ;

rep *to* 5 times all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st st.

Fasten off and leave a long chain to attach onto top of flower.

For stem 4 : For red flower : (Using green)

detail front view of top for red flower preemie crochet beanie or cap

I changed the pattern just in Round 7 to get a slight different shape to the sepal. So once again, work Rounds 1 – 6 first.

Round 6 : *ch 6. Turn ; dc in the 2^nd ch from hk ;

dc in the next ch ; dc + hdc in the next ch ;

hdc in the next ch ; sc in the last ch ;

sl-st into the base of this same ch ;

sl-st in the next st* ;

rep *to* 5 times all around.

Join with a sl-st to the 1^st st. (6 long strips)

Fasten off and leave a long chain to attach onto top of flower.

I’ve had such fun creating these lovely hats here and I hope you have enjoyed it too.

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Here are some of my other creations.

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2021/12/faux-cable-beanie.html

https://shyamanivas.blogspot.com/2021/08/easy-reversible-cowl.html