Grace Tinley Preemie Beanie – Free Crochet Pattern | Easy Granny Stitch Preemie Beanie Pattern in 3 Sizes

This is a free crochet pattern and video tutorial showing how to crochet the Grace Tinley Preemie Beanie, an easy crochet beanie pattern worked in simple double crochet stitches and the classic granny stitch pattern. Available in 3 sizes.

Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a printer-friendly, ad-free PDF on Ravelry by clicking here.

This post contains affiliate links for WeCrochet, LoveCrafts, Etsy and Lion Brand. If you make a purchase by clicking on them, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

In a hurry? Pin this for later when you have more time.

Many years ago, I was inspired by an organization called The Preemie Project to make this beanie pattern, well, a combination of this organization and the 2017 GrannySpiration Challenge that I once hosted. The Preemie Project is no longer active, but they used to accept preemie hat donations, among other things, and put together items to donate to different NICUs.

Please make sure to stop by our other co-host and see what they’ve been working on too. In the image above, you’ll find their projects (and mine) from last month’s challenge.

Marjan from Atelier Marie-Lucienne

Sandra from Hakelfieber Austria (in German)

Sigrid from Kat Kat Katoen (no longer active as of 01/09/24)

Jenny from Crochet is the Way

Rhelena from Crochet n Crafts

Rachel from The Philosopher’s Wife

This hat pattern was originally called the Chunky-Like Preemie Granny Square Beanie being that worsted weight yarn is pretty much equal to chunky weight on a teeny preemie. In this 2024 update, it’s gotten a new name to follow my Grace Tinley series [you’ll also find more accessories from this series on my Cre8tion Crochet blog], which features the classic granny stitch pattern (a favorite of mine!), which is created by skipping a few stitches, and then working double crochet clusters into that skipped space as well as a video tutorial.

What is the best yarn to use to crochet a beanie?

I love WeCrochet Swish Yarn. It’s 100% superwash merino wool, but it’s so soft, not itchy, and it’s so cozy, it feels like it’s giving you a big hug. Lion Brand Wool Ease (wool and acrylic blend), Berroco Vintage (wool and acrylic blend) and Emma’s Yarn Washable Worsted (superwash merino wool) are similar, and also make lovely, soft, squishy and cozy beanies. All of them hold up well to wear and tear and machine washing and drying.

Wools and wool blends are better for keeping warm against the wind, but if you’re donating this beanie, I recommend looking up the requirements from the organization. Some say not to use wool yarn due to allergies. Some say not to use Red Heart Super Saver (though I think this is a great yarn that really softens nicely after washing, and wears and washes so well). Some request the beanies to be washed prior to donating. Each has it’s own set of guidelines so you’ll want to check with the organization first.

If you’re looking for an acrylic yarn, and can’t use Red Heart Super Saver, or want to try something different, I have heard some great things about WeCrochet Brava yarn, though I haven’t tried it yet myself. Red Heart Soft is also a nice option – that’s what I used for these beanies – as is Premier Yarns Everyday Soft.

Interested in instructions for other sizes of an easy granny stitch beanie?

The Grace Tinley Beanie is available with 7 sizes from Newborn through Adult Large, and also has a video tutorial available.

Interested in crocheting another easy preemie beanie?

The Dylan Claire Preemie Beanies are worked in simple double crochet stitches, and there is a video tutorial available for it as well.

Interested in an easy granny square afghan to match the beanies?

The Gia Afghan is worked in worked weight yarn, comes in 8 sizes and has a video tutorial.

Ad-Free, Printer Friendly PDF:

If you would like a PDF version of this post, you may get one through either my Etsy Shop, Ravelry Shop or LoveCrafts Shop for a small fee. This fee is to compensate for the views lost when you no longer need to return to the blog to for the information, as you will have your own copy. In a hurry? Pin this for later when you have more time!

Save this to Your Favorites On: AllFreeCrochet, FaveCrafts, Crochet Pattern Bonanza, Cheap Thrifty Living, DIYideaCenter, AllFreeHolidayCrafts

Materials:

• 18 (22, 35) Yards of Worsted Weight #4 Yarn – I used Red Heart’s Soft Yarn in Really Red, White, and Rosy Blush
• I9/5.5mm Crochet Hook – I love my ergonomic hooks from SiennasBowtique on Etsy
• Tapestry Needle
• Soft Tape Measure (gauge is essential)

Material Notes:

Yarn Alternatives: Lion Brand Wool Ease, Berroco Vintage; Non-Wool: WeCrochet Brava, Premier Yarn Everyday Soft

If you happen to be a tight crocheter, you may want to work the final round of single crochet only in an I9/5.5mm crochet hook to help keep a looser round so there is no restriction in the final beanie.

Time Spent:

I had the 1-1 1/2 lb and 2-3 lb sizes done in just under 15 minutes each, and the 3-5 lb done in just under 20 minutes. That’s less than an hour for all three!

Measurements:

The 1 – 1 1/2 lb size has a crown of 2 1/2″ in diameter, a circumference of nearly 7 7/8″ to fit a head size of 8″ – 9 1/4″, and is 3 1/8″ in length.

The 2 – 3 lb size has a crown of 3 1/4″ in diameter, a circumference of nearly 10 1/4″ to fit a head size of 9 3/4″ – 11″, and is also 3 1/2″ in length.

The 3 – 5 lb size has a crown of 3 1/2″ in diameter, a circumference of nearly 11″ to fit a head size of 11 1/4″ – 12 3/4″, and is 4 1/2″ in length.

If you are concerned with the size (or want to make a different size), take your tape measure out and measure around the head just above your eyebrows. The distance around is the circumference. You will need to use this equation to figure out what size diameter you will need: Your Circumference – 1” / 3.14 (pi) = crown diameter. Typically, we do account for -2” of ease with double crochet beanies (for the amount of stretch in acrylic, wool & similar), but many organizations request preemie sizes to be -1” of ease.

Gauge (Essential), in the round in pattern starting with:

• 9 DC. Round 3 = 3 1/4″
• 11 DC. Round 2 = 2 1/2″

Abbreviations (US Terms):

• DC – Double Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
• SC – Single Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
• BLO – Back Loop Only (Photo Tutorial)

Pattern Notes:

Beginning chain 2 does not count as a stitch in the crown, but does in the body of the hat. Beginning chain 1 in the last round does not count as a stitch.

I work my crown and body differently than most to help keep my seam straight, and that is that the first stitch from the first set of increases is done in the first stitch of the round, which will appear just to left of the beginning chain, then the round will be worked as normal, and the final stitch of the round will be the second stitch of the first set of increases, and it will be worked into the same stitch as the first, and appear just to the right of the beginning chain. I have a photo of this technique in my How to Keep a Straight Seam post, and also a photo at the end of this PDF. You can work in your preferred increase method as long as we end up with the same stitches at the end of the round.

Slip stitch join to the first stitch of each round, except in the last round of the granny stitch pattern (as instructed).

If you happen to be a tight crocheter, you may want to work the final round of single crochet only in an I9/5.5mm crochet hook to help keep a looser round so there is no restriction in the final beanie.

Through 01/17/24 at 11:59pm EST, you can grab a free copy of the PDF for the Grace Tinley Preemie Beanie on Ravelry using code FREECROCHET202402. I earn my income from the number of pageviews my blog sees, so please do not share the code, but instead share the link to this post so others can find it. Thank you!

Grace Tinley Preemie Beanie Video Tutorial:

Grace Tinley Preemie Beanie Written Pattern:

1 – 1 1/2 lb Size:

Chain 5. Join to form a ring. Chain 2. 11 DC into the ring. Join. (11 DC)

R2: Chain 2, and turn. DC into the first stitch, 2 DC into each of the next 10 DC. Join. (21 DC)

Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 2 1/2″.

R3: Chain 2. 2 DC into the first DC, skip each of the next two DC, (3 DC into the next DC, skip each of the next two DC) 6x. Join. (7 clusters)

R4 – 5: Slip stitch over into the next DC, and then into the next space. Chain 2. 2 DC into the same space, (3 DC into the next space) 6x. Join. (7 clusters)

R6: Slip stitch over into the next DC, and then into the next space. Chain 2. 2 DC into the same space, (3 DC into the next space) 6x. Join to the beginning chain 2. (7 clusters)

*The next round of single crochet can be worked as normal, or into the back loop only. I prefer the back loop only to give a beautiful, clean finish, but have done both ways.

R7: Chain 1. SC into the 1st DC, and each DC around. Join. (21 SC)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

2 – 3 lb Size:

Chain 3. Work 9 DC into the 1st chain (skipped chains do not count as a stitch). Join. (9 DC)

R2: Chain 2, and turn. DC into the first stitch, 2 DC into each of the next 8 DC, DC into the same stitch as the first. Join. (18 DC)

R3: Chain 2, and turn. DC into the first two stitches, (2 DC into the next DC, 1 DC into the next DC) 8x, DC into the last stitch. Join. (27 DC)

Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 3 1/4″.

R4: Chain 2. 2 DC into the first DC, skip the next two DC, (3 DC into the next DC, skip the next two DC) 8x. Join. (9 clusters)

R5 – 6: Slip stitch over into the next DC, and then into the next space. Chain 2. 2 DC into the same space, (3 DC into the next space) 8x. Join. (9 clusters)

R7: Slip stitch over into the next DC, and then into the next space. Chain 2. 2 DC into the same space, (3 DC into the next space) 8x. Join to the beginning chain 2. (9 clusters)

*The next round of single crochet can be worked as normal, or into the back loop only. I prefer the back loop only to give a beautiful, clean finish, but have done both ways.

R8: Chain 1. SC into the 1st DC, and each DC around. Join. (27 SC)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

3 – 5 lb Size:

Chain 5. Join to form a ring. Chain 2. 11 DC into the ring. Join. (11 DC)

R2: Chain 2, and turn. DC into the first stitch, 2 DC into each of the next 10 DC, DC into the same stitch as the first. Join. (22 DC)

R3: Chain 2, and turn. DC into the first 2 stitches, (2 DC into the next DC, 1 DC into the next stitch) 10x, DC into the same stitch as the first. Join. (33 DC)  

Checkpoint: Stop here, and measure the diameter to ensure the finished beanie will fit correctly. You’ll want your diameter to measure 3 1/2″.

R4: Chain 2. 2 DC into the first DC, skip the next two DC, (3 DC into the next DC, skip the next two DC) 10x. Join. (11 clusters)

R5 – 8: Slip stitch over into the next DC, and then into the next space. Chain 2. 2 DC into the same space, (3 DC into the next space) 10x. Join. (11 clusters)

R9: Slip stitch over into the next DC, and then into the next space. Chain 2. 2 DC into the same space, (3 DC into the next space) 10x. Join to the beginning chain 2. (11 clusters)

*The next round of single crochet can be worked as normal, or into the back loop only. I prefer the back loop only to give a beautiful, clean finish, but have done both ways.

R10: Chain 1. SC into the 1st DC, and each DC around. Join. (33 SC)

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Please feel free to make and sell your own items made using this pattern, but keep in mind, this written pattern and my photos are protected by copyright. Please DO NOT claim this pattern as your own nor should you sell my pattern. DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, link to it instead so other’s can visit. Making videos providing instructions how to make my projects on any social media platform is also not permitted.

Join one of our awesome Facebook groups to share your creations, and see what others are up to!
– Yarn Crafts & Coffee Community
– DIY Home On Rockwood Lane
– Alexandra Lane Lifestyle

Linked Up To…
February 2017 Sharing Time – Raising Memories
Link Your Stuff! – Annemarie’s Haakblog
6 Valentine Treats & Inspiration Monday – Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
The Creative Corner Link Up Party – Curly Crafty Mom
Show and Tell Link Party – Flamingo Toes, Sugar Bee Crafts
From Dream to Reality #253 – The DIY Dreamer
The Linky Ladies – The Community Link Party #90 – The Purple Poncho
TOO Cute Tuesday Link Par-Tay #323 – Funky Polkadot Giraffe
{Wow Me} Wednesday #285 – Ginger Snap Crafts
Hookin’ on Hump Day #136 – Petals to Picots, Moogly Blog
Your Whims Wednesday #293 – My Girlish Whims
Simple Home Decor to Love, I’m Lovin It – Tidy Mom
Best Friday Features – the 36th Avenue, Tatertots and Jello

Link Up Party Time

The three most viewed projects from last month’s challenge can be found in the image above. From left to right, top to bottom: Poncho for Joanie from Linda’s Crafty Corner, Purple Granny Square Afghan from In and Around My House, and Scarf Month/sjaal van de maand from Kruissteekmieke

In this January 2024 update, I’m removing the details for the link up party since it no longer exists, and to avoid needing to click to another page to view the entries, I’ll include them below for you in the form of a round up.

Carousel Blanket from Haekelfieber Austria

Granny Square Diaper and Wipes Organizer from Rhelena

Granny Talk from Luova Tyttö

Granny Heart Tote from Crochet is the Way

Floral Granny Stitch Wall Hanging from Atelier Marie-Lucienne

Baby Blanket from Hip en Kleurig

Filet Flower Granny Square from Joanita Theron Designs

Bears from Joy Jonne

Granny Square Halter from Life Away from the Office Chair

Granny Square Shrug from Life Away from the Office Chair

Unforgettable Tote from love. life. yarn.

Hip to be Square Wrist Warmers from Goddess Crochet

Alternative Dream Catcher from Howling at the Moon

Neutral Granny Square Scarf from Over the Apple Tree