Hugs & Kisses Preemie Hat

Inspiration can strike in the most unexpected moments, and this pattern is a heartfelt creation born from the arrival of my sister’s twins, who were born prematurely at just 27 weeks. With a desire to do something special for them and other preemies in the hospital, I designed this adorable pattern that is perfect for tiny heads. Now, my nephew and niece are thriving and getting closer to coming home, and I hope this pattern can help bring warmth to more premature babies.

You are warmly invited to use this pattern to create hats for donation to your local NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), for personal projects, or as thoughtful gifts for families with premature infants. Before you start crafting, please check with your hospital regarding yarn specifications and other necessary guidelines to ensure compliance. It's essential to choose only machine washable yarns since hospitals need to maintain a hygienic environment for these vulnerable newborns while keeping their clothes free from germs.

As you embark on this knitting journey, I encourage you to share your beautiful creations with me on Ravelry and/or on Facebook. Join our community by visiting my Facebook page, titled [Knitting for Sanity][1]. Sharing your pictures not only inspires other knitters but also brightens the spirits of those who receive these lovingly crafted hats.

At the end of this pattern, you will also find detailed instructions on how to dye your hats using Kool-Aid, adding a fun and colorful touch to your projects. Enjoy the process and spread the love as you make these delightful hats for precious little ones.

**Size & Finished Measurements**: Available in sizes small (s), medium (m), and large (l); with finished widths of 4 inches (s), 4.5 inches (m), and 5.5 inches (l) when washed, blocked, and unstretched.

**Yarn Details**: For this project, I used Willow Yarns DK worsted, which is classified as an Aran/10 ply, made from 100% Superwash wool. Each skein contains 218 yards and weighs 100 grams, with recommended yarn amounts of 13 grams for small sizes and 16 grams for medium sizes.

Let’s create something beautiful together to support our tiniest fighters! Happy knitting!