Tulip Preemie Pattern

 
Ever since posting the picture of my "Tulip" looking preemie caps I crocheted for the "Caps to the Capital" campaign my email has been flooded with requests for the pattern.  The pattern is basically the Lacy Chemo Cap pattern I created a little over a year ago and featured here in my journal.  I've decided to post the pattern today including some slight pattern changes because they are, if I do say so myself, pretty cute preemie hats! 

I've also been asked how long, on average, it takes me to "whip these" up.  Please note that all crocheters create their stitches at different rates.  As you become familiar with the pattern, the easier it becomes to create the little "tulips."  It takes me, on average, about half an hour to create one little cap.  It might take you longer, or if you're like Lisa Gentry or Lily Chin, the Queens of Crochet Speed, it might take you a minute or two. {{bg}} The key is not speed, but rather taking time to create a little "tulip" that will help save a baby's life.  Go ahead, give it a try!  And if you decide to crochet up a little "tulip" and are a blogger or have an online photo album, post a picture & send me the link -- I'd love to see it!

Tulip Preemie Pattern (aka the Lacy Chemo Cap):
Yarn Weight:2 strands of #1 or #2 (sport, baby, dk, light worsted) held together
1 Size "G" crochet hook  (those that tend to crochet loosely, use an "F" or "D" hook)
1 Tapestry needle

Chain 4, join with a sl st.  Note that there is no turning involved with this pattern!
Rnd 1: Ch 1, *sc, ch 2, 2 dc, repeat from * 3 more times, join with a sl st.
Rnd 2: Ch 1,  (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) twice in each of the ch-2 spaces around, join with a sl st.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, *(sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) twice in next ch-2 sp, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.
Rnd 4:  Ch 1, *(sc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp and in next, (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) twice in next ch-2 sp, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.
Rnd 5-10:  Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, 2 dc) around in each ch-2 sp, join with a slip st.
Edging: Ch3, 3 dc in ch-2 sp, *sc in next ch-2 sp, 5 dc in next ch-2 sp, repeat from * around, dc in same ch-2sp as beg ch3, join with sl st.  Finish off.

Copyright © 2005, 2006, Dee Stanziano  ~  Pattern is for personal/charity  use only.
Tags: crochet, free pattern, tulip, caps to the capital, fastest crocheter, charity