25 Preemie Crochet Hat Patterns for Charity (Free & Updated 2025)

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Crocheting hats for preemies is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. In this collection, you’ll find 25 free crochet preemie hat patterns you can make and donate to hospitals, NICU units, or local charities. Each pattern is designed with tiny babies in mind and works up quickly with soft yarns. Before you begin, always check with your chosen organization for size and yarn guidelines.

25 Free Preemie Crochet Hats for Donation

Below you’ll find 25 free crochet preemie hat patterns. I’ve grouped them into categories to make it easier to find the style you’d like to make. My own designs are listed first, followed by quick and easy hats, textured designs, fun styles, and extras.

My Oombawka Design Preemie Hats

• Simple Double Crochet Hat – [Oombawka Design Crochet] – photo 1
• Basic Half Double Crochet Hat – [Oombawka Design Crochet] – photo 2
• HDC Earflap Hat – [Oombawka Design Crochet] – photo 5
• Sweet Little Hugs Preemie Cap – [Oombawka Design Crochet] – photo 12
• Lightweight Basic Beanie – [Oombawka Design Crochet] – photo 13
• Preemie Cotton Hope Hat – [Oombawka Design Crochet] – photo 14

Quick & Easy Preemie Hats

• Super Speedy Preemie Hat – Moogly – photo 4
• Quick and Simple Chevron Hat – Kayla Pins (loads slowly)
• Quick Little Hat – Crafty Casey’s
• Ribbed Newborn Hat – Michele Gaylor (loads slowly)

Textured & Stylish Hats

• Valerie – Preemie & New Baby Hats – Marianna Lazy Daisy Days – photo 3
• The Elijah Beanie – Myshelle Cole – photo 6
• Sunshine and Hugs Beanie – The Stitchin’ Mommy (Amy Ramnarine) – photo 7
• Elva Beanie – Myshelle Cole – photo 8
• Textured Beanie – The Stitchin’ Mommy (Amy Ramnarine) – photo 10
• Preemie Crochet Hat – Petals to Picots – photo 11
• Precious Preemie Cap – Lisa Naskrent

Fun & Decorative Hats

• Lil’ Bit of Love Hat – Wendy Bickford (loads slowly) photo 9
• Preemie Boys Frog Hat – Cream of the Crop Crochet (loads slowly)
• Baby Flapper-Girl Hat – Anna Virginia (loads slowly)
• Pom Pom Preemie and Newborn Hats – Linda Solaiman
• Scared Silly Monster Hat – Kayla Pins (loads slowly)

Hat Sets & Extras

• Preemie Wrapped With Love Hat – Janaya Chouinard
• Lisha Baby Hats – Linda Solaiman
• Prem Cardi & Hat – Justcrochet Designs

Extra Resources for Crocheting Preemie Hats

Before you begin making preemie hats, these resources can help guide your project and ensure your donations are well received:

• Yarn Suggestions for Preemie Hats – Choose soft, washable yarns labelled as baby or DK/lightweight. If a yarn is Oeko-Tex Certified it is an excellent option for donations. OEKO-TEX certified means that all textile materials are free from toxic chemicals and dyes. Avoid scratchy fibers or bulky textures.
• Sizing Guide for Preemie Hats – Use a NICU sizing chart to match different gestational ages. See my Preemie and Micro Preemie Hat Sizes chart below. Find other popular crochet hat sizes HERE.
• How to Crochet for Charity – Follow these Tips and Tricks to Find a Local Charity. Find tips on yarn care, labeling, and donating.
• Where to Donate Preemie Hats – Reach out to local hospitals, NICU units, or nonprofit organizations. Many share updated lists online with current needs. Our Charity Directory includes information for some donations centres.
• Tutorials to Help You Stitch Faster – Learn stitches like HDC, DC and the magic ring in my free online crochet stitch guide to crochet hats quickly and neatly.
• The Preemie Project has free crochet patterns suitable for Preemies here.

Preemie and Micro Preemie Hat Sizes

Gestation	Weight	Hat Circumference	Hat Height	Head Circumference
29-34 weeks	4 to 5 pounds	10 to 11 inches	4 to 4.5 inches	11 to 12 inches
26-28 weeks	2 to 3 pounds	9 inches	3.5 inches	10 inches
22-25 weeks	1 to 2 pounds	7.5 inches	3.5 inches	8.5 inches
20-22 weeks	10 to15 ounces	6.5 inches	3.25 inches	7.5 inches
16-20 weeks	4 to10 ounces	5 inches	3 inches	6 inches

I hope this roundup inspires you to crochet a few hats and donate them to a cause close to your heart. Each tiny hat makes a big difference for families with premature babies. Be sure to save this post for later and share it with other crocheters who might want to join in. If you’d like more free patterns, tips, and tutorials, subscribe to my Free Pattern Friday newsletter.

You may also enjoy these posts:

• Micro Preemie Caps
• Baby Hugs Micro Preemie Caps
• Angel Babies Crochet Hats

Visit this link to browse through more Free Crochet Pattern Friday Posts.

Happy crocheting!

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