Knitting Pattern for NICU Beanies

Thankyou for considering knitting for our community.

The pictured beanies were knitted using 3.25mm needles and 4 ply 50% cotton 50% acrylic wool and therefore the pattern and overall sizing reflects this. Use of different sized needles will most likely result in a slight difference in overall size. Should you wish to use a slightly varied pattern, or crochet a beanie, the required overall size of these beanie when lying flat (completed and sewn) is approx 9.5cm wide at the base and 9.5cm tall (fits up to approx 1.2kg). You are welcome to experiment with any colours you like!

We also have a more limited need for larger pre-term (2kg-2.5kg) and small newborn (2.5-3.0kg) sized beanies. Knitted or crochet beanies of your own design would be gratefully accepted. (Note: the reason for the gap in sizing between the very small beanies detailed below and the larger sizes required, is that babies in between these two stages are often placed on CPAP, a form of breathing assistance, which covers the babies head and prevents them from wearing a beanie.)  

Completed beanies can be posted to: Tiny Sparks WA, PO Box 1114, West Leederville WA 6901. If you have any questions you many contact us at admin@tinysparkswa.org.au. Thank you very much to those volunteers who are able to assist!

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Girls' Beanie

The girls' beanie pattern contains a chevron style pattern, as pictured to the right. 

Ribbing Step (6 rows)

1. Cast 56 stitches.
2. Alternating Knit 1, Purl 1 for 6 rows.

Chevron Pattern (16 rows)

1. Purl 1 stitch, Knit 3 stitches and repeat for rows 1, 5, 9 and 13.
2. Knit 1 stitch, Purl 5 stitches, Knit 1, Purl 1, and repeat for rows 2, 6, 10 and 14.
3. Knit 2 stitches, Purl 1, Knit 3, Purl 1, Knit 1, and repeat for rows 3, 7, 11 and 15.
4. Purl 2 stitches, Knit 1, Purl 1, Knit 1, Purl 3, and repeat for rows 4, 8, 12 and 16.

Shaping Crown (10 rows)

1. Knit 6 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together (i.e. drop one stitch), repeat.
2. Purl stitch entire row.
3. Knit 5 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
4. Purl stitch entire row.
5. Knit 4 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
6. Purl stitch entire row.
7. Knit 3 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
8. Purl stitch entire row.
9. Knit 2 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
10. Purl stitch entire row.

Completing

1. Cut yarn leaving sufficient length to sew beanie together with.
2. Thread end of yarn through remaining stitches on needle.
3. Draw tightly and fasten off securely.
4. Sew up edges to form beanie.

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Boys' Pattern

The boys' beanie pattern is plainer than the girls' beanie pattern, without the chevron pattern. It is pictured on the right with a coloured stripe however the patten below is for a single coloured beanie and does not detail switching yarn; however you are welcome to do this if you wish.

Ribbing Step (6 rows)

1. Cast on 56 stitches.
2. Alternating Knit 2 stitches, Purl 2 stitches for 6 rows.

Main Body (16 rows)

1. Knit one row.
2. Purl one row.
3. Repeat, alternating.

Shaping Crown (10 rows)

1. Knit 6 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together (i.e. drop one stitch), repeat.
2. Purl stitch entire row.
3. Knit 5 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
4. Purl stitch entire row.
5. Knit 4 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
6. Purl stitch entire row.
7. Knit 3 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
8. Purl stitch entire row.
9. Knit 2 stitches, then Knit 2 stitches together, repeat.
10. Purl stitch entire row.

Completing

1. Cut yarn leaving sufficient length to sew beanie together with.
2. Thread end of yarn through remaining stitches on needle.
3. Draw tightly and fasten off securely.
4. Sew up edges to form beanie.

Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. It will culminate with a global day of giving on December 2, 2014. 

The word cloud below is derived from the emotions parents on our Facebook page shared with regard their feelings going through their high-risk pregnancy or NICU/SCN journey. They are powerful. They are the reason Tiny Sparks WA exists. Families in Western Australia need our support. Please give generously for #GivingTuesday.

Created with Tagul.com

How can you get involved in supporting Tiny Sparks WA and #GivingTuesday?

Give Treasure - Donate to our fundraising page here.

Give Time: Fundraise - Set up your own fundraising page here, nominate Tiny Sparks WA as your charity and join the 'Team Tiny Sparks WA', run a morning tea, get your employer to match donations – it’s up to you to show how you support us.

Give Talent - Register as a volunteer and help out throughout the year here.

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Spread the Word - By spreading the word about #GivingTuesday you’ll be helping to raise awareness of the ways people can give back, and in turn helping Tiny Sparks WA. Share this #GivingTuesday image on social media and tag @TinySparksWA and 5 friends to encourage them to give something back on 2nd December.

Whatever you give this #GivingTuesday, don't forget to use the hashtag #beCAUSEicare and tag @TinySparksWA @EverydayHero to enter the Everyday Hero competition for your chance to go into the draw to win an iPad Mini.

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