HELLO


Hi there, welcome to my blog! and thankyou for stopping by. I have designed this blog to share with you knitting patterns that are my favourites and, i'll be trying out some new ones along the way. I also hope to help knitters new and old (i don't mean your age LOL) by sharing information, handy hints and tips, answering quieries and helping solve your knitting problems. Before you go, please help me by making a comment and suggest any knitting project you'd like to see.

Thanks again. Have a nice day!


Dianne

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Knitting For A Premature Baby



A premature baby, or preemie, is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature birth occurs in between 8 percent to 10 percent of all pregnancies. Because they are born too early, preemies weigh much less than full-term babies. They may have health problems because their organs did not have enough time to develop. Preemies need special medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU. They stay there until their organ systems can work on their own. Premature babies are amazing – they can grow and thrive despite huge obstacles, and catch up to full-term babies in both size and development.

When I get question from people who are looking for premature baby knitting patterns to knit for an early baby, often they don't know what they are looking for. Usually they want to know whether the clothes  for a Baby doll are suitable to knit as garments for the tiny premature child. To help i have put a selection of preemie baby clothes together in an e booklet you can download it here:http://dianne-jones.blogspot.com/2012/05/thoughful-thursday-lily-love-in.html .or please leave you email address and i will be happy to send you a free copy.


A premature baby has very delicate skin so make sure you use baby soft yarn. Sometimes premature babies are allergic to wool, so it's best to steer clear of using wool mix. You can use cotton and acrylic yarn. 100% Egyptian cotton is very soft, a fantastic soft yarn for delicate skin, warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm.


  Don't put too much emphasis on trying to perfect the size of a preemie garment. There is a great variation between premature baby sizes that an item of any size should be suitable for at least one baby. As a general guide premature babies head circumference is approximately the same as their chest circumference. The average prem baby's chest measurements are 8"-14". However clothes of all sizes are required for preemies, so no matter how big or small your item is it will most likely fit at least one baby.




Plain flat half-inch buttons are best to use for fastening. Avoid nylon and metal fastenings, as they get very hot under the incubator heaters. Do not use Velcro as a fastening, it is very scratchy on the hook side and also damages knitted garments when they are laundered. Ease of dressing is vital for preemies and as a general rule it is best not to use ribbon as a fastening as ribbon can often be fussy to tie on a garment so small.

Knitting items for premature babies can be very rewarding and is definitely appreciated by the charities and the families who receive them. If you are excited by the prospect of getting your knitting needles working for charity please see 'Knit for Lisa's Stars' and 'Knitting with Loving Hands' earlier posts on this blog.





For Free E Booklet 'Knitting For Premmies' please leave your email address in the comment box at the base of this blog. I promise to respect your privacy and will not pass your details on to anyone else.

130 comments:

  1. CanNOT find box "at base" for---
    For Free E Booklet 'Knitting For Premmies' please leave your email address in the box at the base of this blog. I promise to respect your privacy and will not pass your details on to anyone else

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi my email address is thilagavenipillay@gmail.com

      Delete
    2. Hi my email is dianag1968@gmail.com

      I would like a copy plz

      Delete
    3. lduncan644@gmail.com please send the free booklet

      Delete
  2. Sorry but it is there. Maybe there was some network problem when you tried. Hope its ok if you try again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Only "box" I find leads to subscribing to Knitting Galore---to which I am already subscribed.
    Nothing leads to the "Knitting for Preemies" booklet which is what I want.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you.. Please do email the free knitting for premmies
    sunitawahi@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. a.e.burgess@live.co.uk please send me the prem knitting pattern, thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  6. elaine_kempton@hotmail.co.uk please send me e booklet of knitting patterns for preemies
    Thanks
    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  7. i am knitting for my local prem baby unit but am running out of patterns could you please send me some to print off.

    derval17@hotmail.co.uk
    thank-you

    ReplyDelete
  8. xenawarrior2@hotmail.co.uk
    Please could you send me patterns for prem babies for me to knit for my local hosp

    ReplyDelete
  9. bpinchin@globalnet.co.uk
    I would like patterns for prem babies please - I knit for a local unit
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  10. sara.lewis@midyorks.nhs.uk
    Please would you send me the patterns for the prem babies Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  11. Please may I have a copy of prem baby pattern. Thanks. allisonhope@live.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello Dianne,

    I would be greatful if you could please e-mail me a copy of the booklet.

    Thank you.

    becky_dukes@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  13. thanking you in advance for a copy of your e-book

    gillsb@live.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  14. Would love a copy of the e-book too
    Thanks
    gdkfor@netspace.net.au

    ReplyDelete
  15. Please send the free booklet
    Mjames7704@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  16. Please send me the "Free E Booklet 'Knitting For Premmies'" - Thank you! payezmenu@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. merja1311@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. joanlaw109@sky.com please send knitting for premature babies free e patterns

    ReplyDelete
  19. shichris@comcast.net. Please send knitting for premature babies free e patterns

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have been knitting for preemies and would like to try your patterns. Thank you.
    parksix@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. I have a huge amount of baby yarns that i would love to knit up for Mothers Union in Australia & would love to try your lovely premie patterns.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love knitting small clothing items and plan on giving some of these much needed premie items to our local hospitals and maybe even get my church group involved. Thanks for sharing and God bless. Shirl

    ReplyDelete
  23. Please send me the premie ppatternbooklet. Thank you so much.
    nbrosius1013@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Please send me your preemie pattern book. Thank you.
    tmpetway@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Please send your pattern book for preemies. Thank you.
    tmpetway@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. janebriffett@yahoo.co.uk
    Please send your pattern book. Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  27. hi Dianne
    can you send me a copy of your e booklet for preemies as I have done some things for bonnie babies and would love to do somethings for you also
    cheers Edna ednarussell56@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  28. my email address as follows sonshine69c@yahoo.co.nz

    ReplyDelete
  29. please send me a copy to shazzablueeyes@hotmail.co.uk thank you. xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Please send your pattern book. Thank you
    sharron.bushy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Please send your free ebooklet 'Knitting For Premmies" to preijonen@aol.com Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi, please send a copy of the eBook to round again a yahoo.com. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  33. Please send me a copy of your free booklet "Knitting for Premmies". Thank you so much for your generosity!

    cameronj@aapt.net.au

    ReplyDelete
  34. Please send me your free booklet "Knitting for Premmies". Thank you so much alexiah@mweb.cp.za

    ReplyDelete
  35. Please send me your free booklet "Knitting for Premmies", daughter having twins Thanks so much guv123@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Jccurtis@nb.sympatico.ca -thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Please can you send me a copy of your patterns thank you very much not sure what I done wrong last time I sent message vannessawhite@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I knit crochet and sew for our local preemie units in uk could I please I have a copy of your booklet thank you carol234@live.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  39. Could I please I have a copy of your booklet.
    Thank you annissa.mcmaster@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Please send to kay_mckenna @hotmail.com.au
    Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello, can you please send me the pattern for the pink socks and jacket and hat featured in your article. thanks
    anne.lane@talk21.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Please send to barb.roberts26@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. etozer@cfl.rr.com
    God bless you for your tiny patterns...

    ReplyDelete
  44. Please send to gillian.caulkin@btopenworld.com thank you

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you, I would love a copy. Please send to me at gr8scotman@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. gill.perring@xtra.co.nz thanks
    Gill

    ReplyDelete
  47. Would appreciate a copy at puddleduck1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Would appreciate a copy at puddleduck1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Please send a copy of your Knitting for Preemies. bunnifer@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. A copy would be lovely, thank you denisebowdler@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  51. louise.britt@gregmc.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  52. Please send a copy to stephanierowe@btinternet.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. I would love a copy of the patterbs...email address is

    jackierobb555@aol.com

    Thanks xx

    ReplyDelete
  54. Would love a copy of your preemie patterns. Thank you
    irenemcintyre@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  55. petromuller@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Diane
    I am knotting for a prem baby charity could you please send me a copy of your booklet
    many thanks
    Anne. anne.akers@sky.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Please could you send me a copy of your booklet. Thank you. ann_marie_lamb@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Could you please send me a booklet

    ReplyDelete
  59. Renachisholm@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  60. the.woodys@xtra.co.nz

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hello from Queensland.
    I'd love the e-book for my sister, who is knitting for preemies and would love some new patterns.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I would love the ebook as I have started knitting for our local maternity and children's hospitals! Thanking you in advance! Elaine Robinson elainerobo1954@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I would love the e-book because i work for norfolk knitters

    ReplyDelete
  64. Could I have a copy of the e book please.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  65. Could I have a copy of the e book please.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  66. Please send the ebook.
    valjones@shaw.ca

    ReplyDelete
  67. Beautiful. Would love to have it for the premies in our area.
    Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  68. lenore@internode.on.net.would love to try your patterns please.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Would appreciate your patterns. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  70. My god-daughter has just had twins at 30 weeks. I cannot wait to get the e-book so I can start knitting for her as she cannot find anything to fit her little angels.
    Sheree

    ReplyDelete
  71. Please can i have a copy.
    linda-ann08@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  72. i would love copy of this as i want to knit for two local hospitals and can't find many patterns thanks
    thethreeharveys@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I would love to have the patterns if you don't mind. Beckywlms@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I would love to have the patterns if you don't mind. Beckywlms@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I would love your patterns I knitted for babies that arrive early and also for the angel babies in the local hospital. bluejpo@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  76. Please could I have book glanvillelynn80@msn.com xx

    ReplyDelete
  77. Catterallcarol@gmail.com please can you email the booklet. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  78. Edna.
    Please could you Send me a copy of your e book for preemie baby's thank you
    Ednarussell56@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  79. Edna.
    Please could you Send me a copy of your e book for preemie baby's thank you
    Ednarussell56@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  80. Edna, I am currentlyknitting for Angel Babies here in Australia, and would find a copy of your premmie baby patterns a beautiful change from the variety I have been using, could you email me at Ninjanan54@hotmail.com thank you and admire your work,

    ReplyDelete
  81. Can you send me this ebook please karenj42@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Please send me the "Free E Booklet 'Knitting For Premmies'" - Thank you moggy41@hotmail.co.uk or wwww.ella@hotmail.co.uk thank you

    ReplyDelete
  83. Can I please have the pattern, i'm knitting for the IWK children hospital in Halifax NovaScotia annielouise1972@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Could I please have the pattern as I'm knitting for NICU in Christchurch, New Zealand pamorpwood@hotmail.com

    Thank you - its people like you that help people like us help others.
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  85. I would love the pattern. I'm knitting for Miracle Babies here in Australia.
    rglass@optusnet.com.au
    Thank you so much!
    Renee

    ReplyDelete
  86. hi there.
    Could I please I have a copy of your booklet.
    petrowolm@gmail.com
    thanks Petro
    South Africa

    ReplyDelete
  87. Hi if you are still issuing the preemie booklet woukd you please send to my email address. Thank you in advance
    Pinkbunny23@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  88. Can you please send me a copy my email is atigers19@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. Can you please send me a copy my email is atigers19@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hi can you send me some prem patterns for the babies that i knit for. Big Big thanks Averill
    kowecat@xtra.co.nz
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  91. Can you please send me a copy my email is sharonloadsman@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. May I please have an emailed copy too? Our local hospital is asking for knitting for premature babies. Many thanks Sheila
    alleycatsnz@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I would like a copy of this pattern and any other patterns you can supply for preemie babies. I would like to supply our local hospitals. Much appreciated Thanks Lillian
    lvkennel72@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. Hi could I please have a copy of this pattern I would also like to knit for my local hospital thanks avrilnorrie9@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Hi, could I have a copy of your booklet please. craftykarendesigns@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. Hi can you please send me a copy my email address is suemorgan1322@talktalk.net

    ReplyDelete
  97. Hi can I please this baby preemie pattern. My email address is grumpyjewell@xtra.co.nz thanks

    ReplyDelete
  98. Hi can I please this baby preemie pattern. My email address is grumpyjewell@xtra.co.nz thanks

    ReplyDelete
  99. Patsmith931@gmail.com
    I knit hats for donation to the hospital for all babies. Any patterns for hats are appreciated and welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Could you please send me patterns
    kim.pedersen11@optusnet.com.au
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  101. gime.b@hotmail.com
    I have just had a wee prem grandson born..all prem clothes are to big for him..but he's slowly growing into some stuff..would love some prem patterns..thanks from nz

    ReplyDelete
  102. Please could I have a copy of your patterns. My granddaughter was 7 weeks early and weighs 4lb. Thank you. aadraper@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I would love to receive a copy of the preemie knitting pattern

    ReplyDelete
  104. May I please have a copy of your patterns? I love to knit and donate to the hospital for the babies. momsy47@hotmail.com Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  105. Please could you send the patterns to debbi.r@mail.com
    thank you

    ReplyDelete
  106. Please send me the patterns:

    salgorgorsal@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. Please send me the pattern

    ReplyDelete
  108. thanks to share this page and share your information on the site.feeling glad to read about this artical ..

    ReplyDelete
  109. Debbiechiles@yahoo.co.uk. pattern please including pink set. Thank you xx

    ReplyDelete
  110. Please could you send me the patterns.
    katatude11@hotmail.com
    Thank you x

    ReplyDelete
  111. please can you send me the patterns
    sallygoldsmith50@yahoo.co.uk
    thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  112. Please can I have the preemie book,I knit for our local maternity hop and could do with some new ideas..

    ReplyDelete
  113. Can i please receive a coupl patterns

    ReplyDelete
  114. Could you please send me your e- booklet knitting for preemies.Our first grandchild is due soon and will be small possibly premature and running out of ideas for patterns.
    jan.calvin56@googlemail.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. thomslisa20@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  116. rosie.pritchard@sky.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. hagan114@hotmail.co.ul

    ReplyDelete
  118. hagan114@hotmail.co.uk

    ReplyDelete