Make a preemie project for World Prematurity Day

Published on September 8, 2026

With 15 million babies born prematurely worldwide, World Prematurity Day on the 17th November 2019, is a great chance for us to gather as a knitting and crochet community and support the families who unexpectedly find themselves in the neonatal ward.

Preemie babies are often at high risk and need extra medical support and monitoring. For families going through this stressful and challenging time, it means a lot to know they’ve got a supportive and caring community behind them.

Premature births occur all year round and can happen to anyone. Heartbreakingly, around the world prematurity is the number one cause of death for children under five. World Prematurity Day is a time for us to come together in a unified movement to open conversation and support families hands-on.

Premature babies often need extra warmth which is where the knitting and crochet community can get involved! Handmade knitted or crocheted preemie hats, garments and blankets are a thoughtful and practical way to help. Designed to fit these precious and delicate little ones, preemie hats can be gifted to a family you know or even donated to your local hospital ward. There are plenty of nationwide charities to help you get involved, from wearing purple with the Born Too Soon campaign by Action, to Bliss' #WishIdKnown campaign.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite FREE preemie hats

Preemie Hats for Charity

Perfect Preemie Baby Hat

Knit Preemie Hat in Bernat Softee Baby Solids - Downloadable PDF

Precious Preemie Hats

More FREE preemie projects to try

Butterfly Pocket Wrap for Preemies

Preemie Blanket in Multiple Sizes and Yarns

Olivia Preemie Booties

Half & Half Preemie Baby Blanket in Bernat Baby Sport

Preemie Garter Stitch Set in Bernat Baby Coordinates Solids

Discover More Preemie Projects

Baby soft yarns for your preemie project

Paintbox Yarns Baby DK

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

Stylecraft Bambino

More ways to get involved!

Make a difference and knit for charity

Knit by bit: the perfect preemie baby hat

You should make a FREE charity pattern!

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