FINGER CROCHET

Last Friday we were joined by our youngest In The Loop member. We watched in amazement as this very talented 4th-grader created this hat without even using a hook or knitting needles. She crocheted it with her fingers, making up the pattern as she went along. For the finishing touch the little pom-pom was made from the thrift shop yarn she and her dad picked up that day.

Hats are not her only specialty. She was wearing a beautifully made shawl, of her own design, and she has made many other projects for herself and her little brother. It was a real pleasure having her in the group and look forward to seeing more of her creations.

CROCHETED PREEMIE CAP

THE SKEIN ATTRACTION’S CROCHETED PREEMIE CAP

We’ve included just the crocheted version here, but if you prefer to knit the cap, we have linked to the complete pattern on The Skein Attraction website.

YARN Valley Plymouth Yarns Encore wool/acrylic 100 yds
NEEDLE G hook
GUAGE
FINISHED SIZE TBD 4-7” tall

Chain 4 and join into ring with a slip stitch

ROUND 1 Work 6 sc into ring

ROUND 2 Work 2 dc into each sc from previous round (12 dc)

ROUND 3 (dc, 2 dc into next dc) rep to end of round (18 dc)

ROUND 4 (dc, dc, 2 dc into next dc) rep to end of round (24 dc)

ROUND 5 (dc, dc, dc, 2 dc into next dc) rep to end of round (30 dc)

ROUND 6 (dc, dc, dc, dc, 2dc into next dc) rep to end of round (36 dc)

For a bigger head, continue working the increase rounds. Otherwise, work dc around cap until piece measures 4-7” from beginning. Fasten off. Fold back brim.

PATTERN USE All patterns on the In the Loop blog are for charitable crafting only. Knitting or crocheting this item for resale is prohibited.

GLOSSARY dc=double chain sc=single chain rep=repeat

KNITTED PREEMIE CAP

The Knitted Preemie Cap from Project Sunshine's Project Knit is easy, quick (it only takes an hour!) and oh so cute . . . Happy Knitting!

YARN Valley Yarns Longmeadow 60% cotton/40% microfiber 117 yards
NEEDLES (circular needle method) US 4 and US 5 12" circular needles
GUAGE 6 stitches equals 1 inch using US 5 needles in stockinette
FINISHED SIZE 8" circumference 4" tall

Using size US 4 circular needles, cast on 48 stitches. Knit one row. Then, place marker and knit in the round. Knit 5 rows. Change to US 5 circular needles and continue until hat (unrolled) measures 3” inches.

Begin decrease . . .
ROW 1 *K6, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 42 sts remain
KNIT ALL EVEN ROWS
ROW 3 *K5, k2tog. Re from * 5 times, 36 sts remain
CHANGE TO DPN
ROW 5 *K4, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 30 sts remain
ROW 7 *K3, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 24 sts remain
ROW 9 *K2, k2tog. Rep from * 5 imes, 18 sts remain
ROW 11 *K1, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 12 sts remain
ROW 13 *K2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 6 sts remain

Begin i-cord . . . Knit 5 rows, pushing stitches to other side of needle after each row.

Break yarn and leaving about 8–10 inches for sewing, thread through remaining stitches. Pull to close i-cord and sew back seam. Weave in ends. Done!

PATTERN USE All patterns on In the Loop blog for charitable crafting only. Knitting or crocheting any item for resale is prohibited.

NOTE We recommend the circular needle method, but if dpn's are your preferred method, you can download the complete pattern from the Project Sunshine website. We will provide color copies of this and other project patterns at all Socials events.

AUTHOR NOTE Gauge is not so important, as preemie heads come in many sizes. However, if you knit very tight, it's better to knit with the next needle size up. The roll brim is good because it is adjustable. If you are worried about the roll moving too much (or not rolling at all), tack it into place in the back with a simple whip stitch when weaving in your cast-on end (Anne-Marie Brule).

GLOSSARY dpn=double pointed needles K=knit P=purl k2tog=knit two together rep=repeat sts=stitches RS=right side WS=wrong side