PREEMIE CAP

Using a good quality acrylic baby yarn, and #4 (3.5 mm) needles, cast on 72 stitches. Work 2″ of K2, P2 ribbing, then work 2-1/2″ of stockinette stitch (or stitch of your choice).

Begin decreases:

• Row 1: K4, k2tog, across row.
• Rows 2, 4, 6 and 8: Purl
• Row 3: K3, k2tog, across row.
• Row 5: K2, k2tog, across row.
• Row 7: K2tog, across row.

Cut yarn long enough to sew back seam and run through stitches on needle, pull up tight and sew seam. Add pom-pom if desired.

PREEMIE BOOTIES

With #4 needles, cast on 27 stitches. Knit 1 row.

• Next Row: Increase (inc) in 1st st, k11, inc 1 st., k1, inc 1 st, k11, inc in last st.
• Knit 1 row.
• Next Row: Inc. in 1st st, k11, inc in next st, k5, inc 1 st, k11, inc in last st. (35 sts).
• Knit 3 rows.
• Work 6 rows in stockinette or other simple stitch.
• Next Row: K20, k2tog, (through back of sts), turn, slip 1, p5, p2tog, turn, slip 1, k5, k2tog.
• Continue in this maner on center sts until there are a total of 23 sts.
• Slip 1, k5, k2tog, knit to end, turn, p13, p2tog, p to end. (21 sts).

Work 12 rows in pattern ending with 4 to 6 rows of garter stitch (knit each row). Sew seam.

It is imperative that you use a loose cast off, preferably a sewn cast off so the bootie doesn’t bind around the ankle.