Premature Baby Patterns

It took some time for me to track down some premature baby patterns that I liked, there are some fairly basic ones on internet sites (see links) and one or two standard patterns will go down to 16" which is the larger size for premature; but otherwise I found it quite a job to find anything I liked. I have it in mind that the knits don't have to be boring and plain just because a baby is premature and often very small although I realise that practicability must be taken into account especially if you are knitting for babies that are still in hospital. Premature babies are mostly unexpected therefore parents aren't always prepared and may well have a huge collection of average sized garments awaiting the arrival home of their little one but these are not yet going to fit so a bundle of lovely suitable handknitted items in the appropriate premature size could well be appreciated.
I am knitting mine to make into little packs of each size which will go to a charitable cause such as the local SCBU unit.

In my search for such patterns I came across several that were quite suitably just the ticket and a series of books that made the whole effort worthwhile.

The books I write of above are called Early Arrivals and are published by Sirdar. I've managed to get hold of the Early Arrivals Book No.2 (no.301). The knits in this book are as delightful as the babes modelling them and pattern sizes start at 10" (25cm) through to 20" (51cm/6 to 12 months) and using from 1 ball upwards of Snuggly 4 ply and DK yarn. A blanket, hats and bootees are included too.

An excerpt from the book states:

"Designs have been included to suit a range of abilities. Easy knits which are suitable for the more inexperienced knitter, being strongly featured".



If you want a copy and are having trouble finding one, contact Sirdar on the links posted below:-

Sirdar

e-mail: knittting-helpline@sirdar.co.uk