Cozy Ribbed Preemie Baby Hat — Easy Knitting Pattern & I‑Cord Tie

This cozy, ribbed preemie baby hat is a quick, practical knit created to keep a tiny head warm while remaining soft and stretchy for delicate skin. The classic 2x2 rib gives a snug fit and charming texture. Below you'll find the full materials list, stitch abbreviations, step-by-step pattern and a short i‑cord method for the tie.

Hand-knit ribbed preemie baby hat in a soft merino blend — simple, stretchy and snug for tiny heads.

Knitting materials and tools:

• DPN or 16 ” circular knitting needles 4 mm (US 6 / UK 8) – for the hat. 3 mm (US 2.5 / UK11) for the tie.
• Looks & Threads, Cozy Wool Merino (3) – 45% acrylic, 55% superwash merino.
• Yarn needle.

Common abbreviations of knit stitches:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• pm – place marker

Knit ribbed preemie hat size:

Preemie /Newborn baby

Gauge: 21-22 sts –10 cm (4 inches).

Ribbed preemie hat knitting pattern:

Using the long tail method, cast on 64 sts (multiple of 4). Place stitch marker and join to knit in the round.

Round 1: [k2, p2] – knit around.

Repeat Round 1 until the length of the hat measures 17-19 cm (7 -7.5 in).

Bind off all stitches in pattern (ribbing): Knit 2, pass the first stitch over the second. Purl 1, pass the previous stitch over. Purl 1, pass the previous stitch over. Knit 1, pass the previous stitch over. Continue binding off in ribbing until all stitches are bound off.

Use a yarn needle to join the first and last stitch neatly.

Tie: You can create the tie by crocheting a simple chain or knitting an i-cord. If you’re using DK or lighter yarn, an i-cord works well. However, with heavier yarn, it’s better to crochet a chain to keep the tie from becoming too bulky.

To knit an i-cord, I used 3 mm dpn. Cast on 3 sts, slide them to the right side of the needle so the working yarn is coming from the left. Knit 3, slide to the right, and repeat until the i-cord measures about 43 cm (16.5–17 inches).

Tie the cord together at the top of the hat—and your knit preemie hat is ready!

Tips:

• To adjust fit, change needle size or work fewer/more rounds for a smaller or larger crown length.
• Follow the yarn label for washing and care; the listed yarn contains superwash merino, which is generally more durable and often machine-washable on a gentle cycle, but always check the specific yarn instructions.
• For a neater finish at the top, pull the tail through remaining stitches and cinch before securing with a knot and weaving in ends.