Preemie Hat and Booties - Standard Gauge
First printed in our August, 1997 newsletter - author unknown
HAT: 2 strands 2/24; Tension #6 for 2x2 rib
Cast on 82 stitches following your manual for 2x2 rib. Knit 46 rows. Decrease the tension by 1 dot every 2 rows until you reach row 60. Do a picot row by transferring every other stitch to the adjacent needle. Knit one row. Thread double eyed needle with tail of yarn and pull through each stitch to gather the crown. Reinforce this area by stitching through the same area again and finish the side seam.
A little pompom or tassle can be added to the top but has to be sewn on tightly in order not to fall off in the washer or dryer.
BOOTIES: 2 strands 2/24; Tension 4/4
Size: Small (0-3 mos); Medium ( 3-6 mos) given in parentheses.
Cast on 29(35) stitches. Knit 34 (39) rows in 1X1 rib. Transfer stitches from ribber (front bed) to main bed (back bed) and increase 1 st to make 30 (36) sts.
Tension 4. Knit 5 (5) rows. HEEL: Place all sts left of "0" in hold and short-row sts to right of "0", both sides, until 5 sts remain. Remember to wrap. Put sts back into working position, 1 st every row. Knit 20 (24) rows over all sts.
TOE: Decrease tension 1 dot every other row 7 times to reduce sts. Transfer every other st to the next needle and knit 1 row. Thread a doubld-eyed needle with tail of yarn and pull through each st to gather toe area. Reinforce again and stitch side seam.
Start all over again and make the other one.