The tiny little hat and blanket that fit my baby girl so perfectly are so precious to me. Knowing that someone out in the world took the time to knit the tiniest hat that barely fit three fingers across, and someone else crocheted a beautiful white shell stitch with an off center light pink stripe. These two items are the only items my daughter ever wore. She wore them. They had her scent. These kinds of incredible keepsakes are an amazing way the bereaved community can join together to bless the next set of parents walking through the same difficult path.
Below are some links to my favorite patterns & stitches for crochet (knitting and sewing coming soon) and some options of where you can send them to support bereaved parents.
A Few Notes
- Always use soft, cotton or acrylic, yarn. Worsted or baby weight yarn are perfect for most projects. Many organizations/hospitals won't accept animal fiber yarns (wool, alpaca, llama, etc) so be sure to check with the group you are going to work with before using that yarn.
- Always use new, clean yarn. We suggest that you launder every item with unscented gentle detergent before gifting.
- White/cream, pastel baby colors, and neutrals like light gray and beige are the best color options. We don't suggest dark or vibrant/rich colors even in combination with other colors as they can clash.
- Always weave in loose ends, make strong knots, and use the appropriate needle size for the yarn you are using. Big gaps can create catching hazards for babies tiny fingers and toes and a blanket with stitches that are too tight can be stiff and non-flexible.
- All patterns listed below are for personal use and not for commercial use. We don't own the rights to any of these patterns which is why we have linked them directly to the owner's website and we give them great thanks for their contributions (many of these were found via Pinterest)
Crochet Preemie/NICU
- Crochet NICU Octo Teether (similar to the octopus below but much faster/easier)
- Crochet NICU Octopus (Babies grab onto the tentacles instead of their tubes/wires just like they would hold the umbilical cord while still in the womb. They are very soothing)
- Corner-to-Corner Preemie Blanket (great for 1-2lb preemies)
Crochet Baby Blankets
- Country Blues Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts (great for white + any three cordinating colors)
- Classic Baby Blanket by Jo To the World Creations
- Granny Square Baby Blanket by Daisy Cottage Designs
- Vintage Eyelet Baby Blanket by Sarah Blanket
- Flower Stitch Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts
- Catherine's Wheel Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts
Crochet Baby Hats
- Preemie Hat for Beginners by Mel Crochets
- Newborn Red Heart Yarn Double Hat by Oombawka Design Crochet
Crochet Stitches for Blankets (links are to YouTube tutorials whenever possible)
- Star Stitch by Crafting Happiness
- Two Single Crochet Stitch by Nordic Hook
- Basketweave Stitch by Daisy Farm Crafts
- Tulip Stitch by The Unraveled Mitten
- Iris Stitch by The Unraveled Mitten
- Shell Stitch by The Unraveled Mitten
- Jasmine Stitch by Lanas y Ovillos in English
- Almond Ridges by Bella Coco
Crochet References & Very Helpful Cheat Sheets
- Tracking repeating patterns easily
- Make very straight edges
- Crochet abbreviations cheat sheet
- Cheap crochet hook sets
Where to Send Your Creations
- The Still Remembered Project: Stitched with Love (Bethel, PA) (works with NICUs and L&D departments across the country providing amazing resources)
- Preemies of the Carolinas (not specific to bereavement)
- The Mighty Miracles Foundation (not specific to bereavement)
- The Preemie Project Guide (helpful for common sizing)
- Call ahead to your local hospital NICU and ask if they accept donations from the general public (or if they regularly work with a group that donates) and what their specifications are.
- We will gladly accept your creations if they meet the criterias above and we will take care of the rest and get them to a good home