Looking for a free crochet preemie hat pattern that is simple, textured and available in several sizes? The Oliver Preemie Hat is an easy-to-follow pattern in 4 premature baby sizes, using DK/#3 weight yarn and a 4 mm crochet hook.

With its gentle texture, simple construction and practical design, this little crochet hat is a lovely project for confident beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Make one for a special tiny arrival, add a few to your donation box, or join us for the Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026 and crochet something that can make a real difference.

Meet the Oliver Preemie Hat

There is something rather special about making tiny crochet hats. They don’t take a huge amount of yarn or time, but when they are made for premature babies, they can mean an awful lot to the families who receive them.

The Oliver Preemie Hat is a simple crochet preemie hat pattern available in 4 sizes, so you have options for babies at different stages of their neonatal journey.

I designed this hat using #3 weight (DK) yarn and a 4 mm crochet hook. The lighter yarn keeps the finished hat soft and comfortable without creating something overly bulky for such a tiny head.

And just look at that texture!

It is interesting enough to make the hat look much more complicated than it really is, while the stitch pattern is still wonderfully approachable. That is one of my favourite combinations in a crochet pattern: looks impressive, doesn’t require three hands and a degree in advanced mathematics to make!

The Oliver Preemie Hat is also part of my new Oliver Collection, which began with the Oliver Blanket. If you enjoyed the texture and simplicity of the blanket, I think you’re going to love seeing the collection grow.

The Inspiration Behind the Oliver Preemie Hat

The Oliver Collection began with the Oliver Blanket, a design created around simple stitches, beautiful texture and practical crochet projects that people will actually use.

Once I had designed the blanket, a little preemie hat seemed like a natural next addition to the collection.

Every year, when I put together the Preemie Crochet Challenge, I am reminded just how useful small projects like hats can be. They are quick enough that you can make several, they’re fantastic for using smaller amounts of yarn, and they are accessible to crocheters who might not have the time—or yarn!—to commit to a whole blanket.

But most importantly, these little hats have a purpose.

Premature babies can have difficulty maintaining their body temperature, so hats are commonly among the handmade items requested by neonatal units and charities. As always, please check the current requirements of the hospital or charity you intend to donate to before you begin, as accepted fibres, sizes, colours and styles can vary.

Having four preemie sizes in this pattern also means you aren’t restricted to making one standard “preemie” size. Premature babies can vary enormously in size, and I wanted this pattern to reflect that.

An Easy Crochet Preemie Hat Pattern with Beautiful Texture

One of the things I love most about the Oliver Hat is that you don’t need complicated crochet techniques to create an interesting finished project.

The stitch combination creates a gorgeous textured fabric while remaining repetitive enough that you can settle into the rhythm of the pattern.

If you’re a confident beginner, this is a lovely opportunity to move beyond plain single or double crochet hats without making a huge leap in difficulty.

And because a preemie hat is such a small project, it is also a great way to practise.

I often recommend smaller projects when you’re learning a new stitch combination or technique. You get enough repetition for your hands to become familiar with what they’re doing, but you’re not staring at another 127 rows wondering why you thought learning something new was such a good idea!

By the time you’ve finished one Oliver Preemie Hat, you may well find yourself reaching for the yarn to make another.

How Is the Oliver Preemie Hat Constructed?

The Oliver Preemie Hat has been designed with simplicity in mind.

Rather than introducing lots of complicated shaping or techniques, the construction allows the textured stitch pattern to do the hard work visually.

The result is a practical little crochet baby hat with plenty of stretch and texture, without large decorative holes or embellishments that aren’t necessary for a premature baby.

Keeping preemie crochet patterns relatively simple also makes them particularly useful for donation projects. There are no buttons, pom poms or other decorative pieces to worry about, and you can easily make several hats in different colours and sizes.

Why Make Preemie Hats in Several Sizes?

“Preemie” covers a much wider range of babies than we sometimes realise.

A baby born extremely prematurely can be considerably smaller than a baby who arrives just a few weeks before their due date. That is why I prefer to offer several sizes wherever practical rather than treating all premature babies as one standard size.

This free crochet preemie hat pattern includes 4 sizes, giving you more flexibility when crocheting for a particular baby or building up a collection of hats to donate.

If you’re making hats for a neonatal unit, hospital or charity, it is worth asking which sizes they currently need most. Their needs can change throughout the year.

Yarn and Hook Choice for the Oliver Preemie Hat

For this pattern I used #3 weight / DK yarn with a 4 mm crochet hook.

DK yarn works beautifully for tiny hats because it creates a fabric that feels warm without being unnecessarily thick or heavy. The 4 mm hook also allows the stitches to retain some softness and flexibility.

When you’re crocheting for premature babies, however, yarn choice matters.

Look for a yarn that is:

• soft against delicate skin
• smooth rather than fluffy or hairy
• easy to wash
• free from sequins, metallic fibres and other embellishments
• suitable for baby garments
• accepted by the hospital or organisation receiving your donation

Acrylic and suitable baby yarns are commonly used for donated hats because they’re practical and washable, but always check the recipient organisation’s guidelines first. Individual neonatal units and charities may have their own requirements.

And don’t feel that you have to stick to traditional pastel baby colours unless your chosen organisation specifically requests them. The four hats pictured here look lovely in cream, pink, teal and a warm neutral shade, but this pattern gives you plenty of opportunity to raid the DK remnants in your stash.

Just make sure you have enough of one yarn to complete your chosen size before playing yarn chicken with a hat intended for a very tiny person!

Oliver Preemie Hat Pattern Information

Here is what you’ll need to know before you start your Oliver Hat.

Pattern level: Confident beginner
Sizes: 4 preemie sizes
Yarn weight: #3 / DK weight yarn
Crochet hook: 4 mm
Terminology: US crochet terms
Construction: Crochet hat worked to create a simple textured fabric from the top down with an optional edging.

Materials

You will need:

• #3 weight / DK yarn
• 4 mm crochet hook
• scissors
• yarn needle for weaving in ends
• stitch markers if you find them helpful

You will also want a tape measure handy so that you can check your gauge and finished measurements.

Gauge

Does not matter as long as tension is consistent. This pattern is designed to work with your gauge and tension

Finished Sizes

This pattern is written for several preemie sizes:

Skills You Will Need

You don’t need to be an advanced crocheter to make the Oliver Preemie Hat.

If you’re comfortable with the basic crochet stitches and following a written pattern, this is a great little project for developing your skills and confidence.

Pattern Notes

• Written in US terms
• Chain 1 does not count as a stitch unless stated otherwise.
• Where the counts differ for each size within the pattern sizing will be indicated as 2lbs (2-3 lbs, 3-5 lbs, 6-8 lbs)
• We will work the crown first. It is more important that your measurements are correct rather than which round you work up to. Measuring the diameter of your crown (end to end through the middle) is important.
• The crown widths are provided according to my gauge from round 2 onwards. These are the diameter measurements. If you cannot / do not meet gauge when working the crown of your hat, take a note of the size it should be from the chart above and stop when you reach the correct size – the pattern will still work for you! 
• The scalloped edging around the brim is optional.

Special Stitches

Magic Ring: I have a blog post with written instructions, photo tutorial and video links on how to work the magic ring (and weave in the ends) at https://sunflowercottagecrochet.com/how-to-crochet-a-magic-ring-easy-step-by-step-guide-for-beginners/ or click the photo below.

Customising Your Crochet Preemie Hat

Simple patterns give you lots of room to play with colour.

You could make your Oliver Hats in traditional baby shades, calming neutrals, cheerful brights or a whole rainbow of colours.

If you’re making them for donation, another idea is to make several hats in each of the four sizes. Pop them into labelled bags according to size before donating them so the organisation can easily find the appropriate hat when it is needed.

You could also coordinate your hat with an Oliver Blanket to create a beautiful matching set for a premature baby.

You can visit the Oliver free crochet baby blanket pattern here or by clicking the photo below.

The Oliver Preemie Hat and the Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026

The Oliver Preemie Hat is one of the patterns featured in my Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026.

This event is very close to my heart because it combines two things I love: crochet and using our skills to help other people. You can read more about why this event means so much to me here.

Throughout September, I am introducing you to crochet patterns specifically suitable for premature babies. Each featured designer offers their PDF pattern as a free download for 24 hours, giving you the opportunity to build a useful collection of preemie crochet patterns.

There is just one little catch—and I think it’s a rather good one!

In return, I ask you to pledge to donate at least one item made from one of the featured patterns to a hospital, charity, neonatal unit or family who needs it.

You don’t need to make all of the patterns. You don’t need to crochet everything during September. And there certainly isn’t a secret crochet police force coming to inspect your WIP pile on October 1st!

The idea is simply to encourage us to use our crochet skills to do some good.

More Free Crochet Preemie Patterns to Try

If you’ve enjoyed making the Oliver Preemie Hat, there are plenty of other preemie crochet patterns here at Sunflower Cottage Crochet that you may enjoy.

The Ellis Preemie Beanie is another free crochet preemie hat pattern available in four sizes. It uses the gorgeous textured stitch combination from the Ellis Collection and is ideal when you want another small, practical donation project.

You could also try the Ellis Preemie Baby Mitts, which were designed especially for the 2026 Preemie Crochet Challenge. They’re a particularly useful little project and give confident beginners an opportunity to practise the single crochet two together (sc2tog) stitch.

For something different, the Ellis Bonding Squares can also double as washcloths, while the Little Dots Preemie Hatand other preemie patterns in my collection give you even more options for building a donation box.

Prefer an Ad-Free PDF?

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

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

So, if you love the texture of these hats, keep an eye out for that! There will be 3 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.

Free Oliver Preemie Crochet Hat Pattern

** 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!**

To work the crown:

Round 1: In MR, hdc 9. SS to first hdc to join. (9) 

OR CH3, ss to first ch to join (creates a ring), Ch1, in the center of the ring hdc 9. 

SS to top of first hdc to join. (9) 

Round 2: Ch1, work 2 hdc in each st around. SS to top of first hdc to join. (18) 

Your crown should now measure 1.25” (see pattern notes above). 

Round 3: Ch1, hdc in first st, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 7 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (27) 

Your crown should now measure 1.75”. 

Round 4: Ch1, hdc in first 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 7 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (36) 

Your crown should now measure 2.25”. 

Round 5: Ch1, hdc in first 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 3 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 7 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (45) 

Your crown should now measure 2.75”. 

Round 6 :

For size 1-2lbs only: Ch1, sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st. Rep from * 7 more times. Sc in the last 2 sts. SS to top of first hdc to join. (54)

For size 1-2 lbs move to the main body of the hat.

 Your crown should now measure 3 ”

All other sizes: Ch1, hdc in first 2 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 4 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 7 more times. Hdc in the last 2 sts. SS to top of first hdc to join. (54)

For size 2-3 lbs move to the main body of the hat. 

Your crown should now measure 3.25”. 

Round 7:  Ch1, hdc in first 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st, *hdc in next 5 sts, 2 hdc in next st. Rep from * 7 more times. SS to top of first hdc to join. (63) 

For Size 3-5 lbs move to round 9. 

Your crown should now measure 3.5”. 

Round 8: Ch1, sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, *sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st. Rep 

from * 7 more times. Sc in the last 3 sts. SS to top of first sc to join. (72) 

Your crown should now measure 3.75”.

To work the main body of the hat:

Round 1: Turn, Ch1 (does not count), *[sc, ch1, dc] in next st, sk2* Rep from * to * around. SS to first sc to join.

Note: for the rest of the main body of the hat we will only be working into the ch1 sps.

Round 2: Turn, ss into first ch1 sp, Ch1 (does not count),* [sc, ch1, dc] in next ch1 sp,* Rep from * to * around. SS to first sc to join.

Rounds 3 – 9 (10, 11, 12): Rep round 2 (remembering to turn on every round) until your hat is the following height (measured from the top of the crown down to the edge of the hat) based on the edging you are working:

Straight edge – 3.75 (4, 4.25, 4.5)” tall

Scalloped edge – 3.25, (3.5, 3.75, 4)” tall

Do not FO.

Adding the Edging:

Note: this border technically has a right side and wrong side – but both sides look great!

Round 1: Turn, ch1, sc in each st & ch1 space around. SS to first st to join.

If you are working a straight edge FO and weave in ends.

For the scalloped edge move to round 2.

Round 2: With right side facing you, Ch1 (doesn’t count), dc in first st, ss into next st, *dc in next st, ss into next st* around. SS to first dc to join.

FO and weave in ends.

Finishing Your Oliver Preemie Hat

Once you’ve completed the final round or row, fasten off and weave your ends in securely.

Take a moment to check the finished measurements against those given in the pattern, particularly if the hat is going to a neonatal unit or charity.

I would not add a pom pom, button, bow or other embellishment to a hat intended for a premature baby unless the recipient organisation has specifically confirmed that these are acceptable. For donation makes, simple really is best.

And that’s it—one tiny hat ready to keep a tiny head warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this crochet preemie hat pattern free?

Yes! The Oliver Preemie Hat is a free crochet preemie hat pattern here on the Sunflower Cottage Crochet blog, and all four preemie sizes are included.

If you prefer an easy-to-print version, you can also purchase the ad-free PDF pattern when it becomes available.

What yarn weight do I need for the Oliver Preemie Hat?

The Oliver Preemie Hat is designed for #3 weight / DK yarn and a 4 mm crochet hook.

I recommend choosing a smooth, soft and washable yarn suitable for delicate skin.

What sizes are included?

The pattern contains four preemie sizes, allowing you to crochet hats for a range of premature baby sizes.

Always use the finished measurements in the pattern to help you select the most appropriate size.

Is the Oliver Preemie Hat suitable for beginners?

I would recommend it for a confident beginner who already understands the basic crochet stitches and is ready to practise following a pattern and creating textured stitches.

Because the project is small, it is a particularly nice way to develop your skills without taking on anything overwhelming.

Can I donate hats made from this pattern?

Absolutely. The Oliver Preemie Hat was designed with donation in mind and is featured in the Preemie Crochet Challenge 2026.

However, please contact the hospital, neonatal unit or charity you want to support before making your donation. Requirements can vary, particularly when it comes to sizing, yarn fibre and accepted colours.

How much yarn does a crochet preemie hat use?

Preemie hats generally require relatively small amounts of yarn, making them useful stash-busting projects.

This pattern uses between 40 and 60 yards of 3 weight yarn.

Can I use a different yarn weight?

I recommend using #3/DK yarn if you want your hat to match the sizing given in the pattern.

Changing yarn weight will change the finished size and fabric, even if you use a different hook to compensate. This is especially important for preemie items, where accurate sizing matters.

Can I make the Oliver Hat for a full-term baby?

This particular free pattern has been designed specifically in four preemie sizes.

A Little Hat That Can Make a Big Difference

The Oliver Preemie Hat may be a quick crochet project, but that doesn’t make it insignificant.

One ball of yarn, your 4 mm hook and a little of your time can create something practical for a premature baby and, perhaps, offer a small reminder to their family that somebody out there was thinking of them.

And if you’ve never crocheted for donation before, this is a lovely place to start.

Choose one of the four sizes, pick out a soft DK yarn and make one little hat.

Then perhaps another.

You know how crochet works. Before long there will be seventeen of them sitting in a bag and you’ll have absolutely no idea how that happened.

But as crochet problems go, I think that’s a pretty good one to have. 🧶💛