These free baby crochet mittens are designed especially for premature babies, with three sizes, beautiful texture and a simple seamless construction.
The Ellis Preemie Mitts are a quick, stash-friendly crochet project that will help confident beginners practise the sc2tog stitch while making something genuinely useful for a tiny new arrival.

Meet the Ellis Preemie Baby Mitts

There is something particularly special about crocheting for the tiniest of babies, and these Ellis Preemie Baby Mitts are a small project with a very worthwhile purpose.

These little mitts are the newest addition to my Ellis Collection, a collection that features one of my favourite deceptively simple textures. The stitch pattern uses single crochet 2 together (sc2tog) stitches to create a wonderfully squishy, textured fabric. It looks far more complicated than it actually is – always a bonus in my book!

If you are a confident beginner looking for a project that will help you develop your crochet skills, this baby crochet mittens pattern is a great one to try. You will need to be comfortable with the basics of working in the round, and I will introduce you to the sc2tog stitch along the way.

I decided to add the Ellis Preemie Mitts to the collection especially for the 2026 Preemie Crochet Challenge. Over the years we have featured all sorts of wonderful patterns for premature babies, but I realised that I had never designed a pair of preemie mitts for the event.

Clearly, it was time to put that right!

The Inspiration Behind These Baby Crochet Mittens

When I started thinking about what I could add to the Preemie Crochet Challenge this year, I wanted to create something a little different from the patterns I have designed for previous events.

And then it struck me: mittens!

Premature babies can have wires and tubes here, there and everywhere while they receive the care and monitoring they need. Those tiny hands can also be surprisingly good at finding things they perhaps shouldn’t be pulling at!

A pair of soft baby crochet mittens can help to cover those little fingers and may also help prevent babies from accidentally scratching themselves.

And if you have never seen the fingernails on a premature baby before, you may be surprised by just how long and sharp they can be. I certainly was! How something so tiny can grow fingernails quite so efficiently is one of life’s little mysteries.

I wanted these preemie crochet mittens to be practical while still looking beautiful. Using the Ellis texture was an easy decision. The sc2tog-based stitch pattern creates a lovely dense fabric without large gaps, while the subtle texture makes such a simple little project feel extra special.

They are also wonderfully quick to make. That makes them perfect for charity crochet, donation boxes and those times when you have a small amount of yarn left over and are wondering what on earth you can make with it.

Tiny project + scrap yarn + helping a tiny baby? That’s a pretty good combination.

How Are the Ellis Preemie Mitts Constructed?

One of the lovely things about this free baby crochet mittens pattern is that the construction is really quite simple.

The mitts are worked in the round from the bottom upwards, so there is very little finishing to worry about once you have finished crocheting.

You can work them in one colour, use a contrasting colour for part of the mitten or add colour changes wherever you fancy. Have a rummage through those leftovers and see what works together!

Because of the way the mittens are constructed, it is also easy to adjust their length. If you would like your mitts a little shorter or longer for a more customised fit, you can simply adjust the number of rounds worked before beginning the shaping at the top.

A Great Scrap Yarn Crochet Project

The pattern is designed for #3 weight / DK yarn with a 4mm crochet hook, and each pair requires only a small amount of yarn.

You know what that means…

Permission granted to raid the scrap buckets!

Those little balls of DK yarn that aren’t quite enough for another project suddenly have a purpose.

I would recommend choosing a soft yarn that is suitable for delicate baby skin and that can withstand the washing requirements of the hospital, charity or family you are making the mittens for.

If you are donating your baby crochet mittens, always check the individual requirements of your chosen hospital or charity before you begin. Requirements regarding fibres, colours, sizing and laundering can vary.

Can I Get the Ellis Preemie Mitts PDF Pattern?

I have decided not to sell this pattern as an individual pattern… The Ellis Preemie Collection E-Book Is Coming!

At the end of the 2026 Preemie Crochet Challenge, I will be putting the Ellis patterns featured in this year’s event together into one handy e-book.

So, if you love the texture of these mittens, keep an eye out for that! There will be 4 patterns in the e-book for one amazing price with a bonus printable in there too!

The e-book will be available to purchase from my shops, and proceeds from its sales will be donated to a preemie charity of my choosing.

That means you will be able to grab the collection together while helping support a cause that is very close to the heart of the Preemie Crochet Challenge.

Get This Pattern FREE During the Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026!

The Ellis Preemie Baby Mitts are part of the 2026 Preemie Crochet Challenge, which runs throughout September.

As part of the event, you can download the PDF pattern for these baby crochet mittens FREE until September 30th, 2026!

Getting your copy couldn’t be easier.

Simply click the button below. You will be taken to the next page, where you will find your PDF waiting for you at the bottom.

Please remember that the free PDF is an event special and is only available until September 30th, 2026.

After that, don’t worry – the free baby crochet mittens pattern will remain right here on the blog, so you can bookmark this page and come back whenever you’re ready to make them. Or you could purchase the e-book 😛

Ellis Preemie Baby Mitts Pattern Specifics

Before we grab our hooks, let’s go through everything you will need to know.

Skill Level

Confident Beginner

You will need to know the basic crochet stitches and be comfortable working in the round. This pattern is also a lovely introduction to using sc2tog stitches as part of a textured stitch pattern rather than simply thinking of them as a way to decrease.

Sizes

The Ellis Preemie Mitts are available in 3 preemie sizes.

Gauge

10 sts and 10 rows of main texture stitch in 2”

Gauge Swatch:

Row 1 – chain 20, sc2tog in second ch from hook, *ch1, sc2tog over next 2 sts* rep from * to * across.

Rows 2-20 – ch1, turn, hdc in first st, sc2tog BLO across next 2 sts, *ch1, sc2tog BLO over next 2 sts* rep from * to * across.

Gauge is particularly important when making items for premature babies because even a small difference in finished measurements can make quite a difference to the fit.

If your gauge is too tight, try going up a hook size. If it is too loose, try going down a hook size.

Materials

You will need:

• #3 weight / DK yarn
• 5mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker
• Measuring tape

Only small amounts of yarn are required, making the Ellis Mitts a fabulous scrap yarn crochet pattern.

Abbreviations Used

This pattern is written using US crochet terminology.CH(s) – chain(s)

Special Stitch – Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

The sc2tog is usually introduced as a decrease because it allows you to turn two single crochet stitches into one.

But that’s not the only thing it can do!

In the Ellis Collection, I use sc2tog as part of the stitch pattern to create that gorgeous textured fabric.

Sc2tog BLO : This stitch is worked over 2 sts. Insert hook into the BLO of the first st to be worked, YO and pull through (2 loops on hook), insert hook into the BLO of the next st to be worked, YO and pull through (3 loops on hook). YO and pull through all 3 loops on hook. Sc2tog BLO completed.If sc2tog is new to you, don’t be put off. Once you have worked a few, you will soon settle into the rhythm.

I have a very handy blog post all about the sc2tog stitch which you can find here. It includes photo tutorial, written instructions and links to video tutorials for both left and right handed crocheters.

Pattern Notes

• The pattern is written in US crochet terminology.
• The mittens are worked from the bottom upwards in the round.
• The pattern is available in 3 preemie sizes.
• CH1 stitches at the beginning of a round do not count as a st unless otherwise stated. 
• CH1 sts following a sc2tog stitch do count as a st.
• Where pattern is different per size this will be shown as 1-3 lbs / 3-5 lbs / 5-7 lbs.
• Stitch counts are given at the end of each row. 
• We will work from the cuff up on these mitts.
• Please read the pattern and ensure you are comfortable with it before starting your project.
• Use a stitch marker where required to help identify the beginning of your rounds.
• You can add colour changes wherever you would like.
• The length of the mitten can be customised by adding or removing rounds before beginning the top shaping.
• When adjusting the length, remember that this will alter the amount of yarn required.
• Always check the requirements of your chosen hospital or charity before making items for donation.

Free Baby Crochet Mittens Pattern – Ellis Preemie Mitts

This is a free pattern on the Sunflower Cottage Crochet blog. If you are reading this anywhere else it is stolen content. Please do not copy and paste any part of it or print this pattern out. Please bookmark this page and use the website to work up your pattern. This helps my small business greatly as it provides a little bit of ad revenue which will in turn will allow me to continue to create free content for you!

Working the Cuff of the Mitts:

Start your mitts leaving a slightly longer tail which can be used to close the gap on your cuff while weaving in the ends.

Row 1: Ch 19 / 21 / 23, sc in second ch from hook and each ch across. SS to top of first sc to join.

OR

FSC 18 / 20 / 22. SS to top of first FSC to join.  (18, 20, 22)

Row 2: Ch1, sc in first st and each st around. SS to first sc to join. (18, 20, 22)

Row 3: Ch1, dc in first st, ch1, sk1 st, *dc in next st, ch1, sk1 st*. Rep from * to * around. SS to top of first dc to join. (9 / 10/ 11 dc, 9 / 10/ 11 ch1’s)

Working the main body of the mitts:

Round 4: TURN, Ch1 (does not count), sc2tog BLO across the first 2 sts, (you may want to use a stitch marker to mark this st), Ch1 (counts) *sc2tog BLO across next 2 sts, ch1*. Rep from * to * around ending with a ch1. SS to top of first sc2tog BLO to join. 

(9 / 10 / 11 sc2tog BLO, 9 / 10 / 11 ch1’s)

Rounds 5 – 12 (13 / 15): Rep round 4 until your mitt measures 2.75 / 3.25 / 4” tall from the bottom of the cuff to the top of your current round. 

Note: Remember to turn after every round.

Now we will do 2 rounds of decrease – keep an eye on where you sk the ch1 sts in these next 2 rounds!

Decrease Round 1 : TURN, ch1 (does not count), sc2tog BLO across the first 2 sts, (you may want to use a stitch marker to mark this st), Ch1 (counts) *sc2tog BLO, ch1, sc2tog BLO* Rep from first * to * around. 

For size 1-3 lbs work sc2tog across last 2 sts.

Size 3-5 lbs you will end with sc2tog BLO, ch1.

For size 5-7 lbs you will finish with a sc2tog BLO, ch1.

SS to top of first sc2tog BLO to join. (14, 16, 18 sts)

Decrease Round 2 : TURN, ch1, sc2tog BLO across next 2 sts, *sc2tog BLO across next 2 sts.* Rep from * to * around. SS to first sc2tog BLO to join. (7, 8, 9 sc2tog sts)

FO and weave in ends.

Note: At the top of your mitts, turn your mitt inside out and weave your yarn to close the mitt tightly.

To make the ribbon:

Ch 30, 34, 36. (Or as long as needed to make it tie-able without being too long)

FO and weave in ends.

Weave the ribbon through the dc stitches in round 3.

Make a second mitten following the instructions for the same size.

And that’s your pair finished!

Your Ellis Preemie Baby Mitts Are Finished!

Sometimes the smallest crochet projects can have the biggest purpose.

The Ellis Preemie Baby Mitts don’t require lots of yarn or days of crocheting, but they are a lovely way to use your crochet skills to create something useful for a premature baby.

They are also a great little project for building your confidence with single crochet 2 together stitches. If sc2tog was a stitch you previously avoided, hopefully by the end of your second mitten you’ll be wondering what all the fuss was about!

And don’t forget those scraps. Make them in coordinating colours, use a contrasting cuff, make several pairs from leftovers… once you start looking through the yarn stash, I suspect you’ll find quite a few possibilities.

If you make a pair of my Ellis baby crochet mittens, I would absolutely love to see them!

Come and share your finished mitts with me on Sunflower Cottage Crochet on Facebook or tag me on Instagram @sunflower.cottage.crochet.too.

Whether you’re making one pair or filling an entire donation box, thank you for using your crochet skills to help make the world a slightly cosier place for its tiniest arrivals. 🧶💛