Crochet Adorable Apple Preemie Hat Free Pattern

Introduction

This sweet apple-themed preemie hat is made for the tiniest heads — a quick, cheerful project for a newborn in the NICU or a preemie gift. The bright red body, little brown stem, and fresh green leaf give it that unmistakable "apple" look while keeping the construction simple and beginner-friendly. Worked in worsted weight yarn with basic single crochet, it comes together in an afternoon and feels soft, stretchy, and cozy against delicate skin. Whether you're new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a fast, meaningful gift, this hat is a joy to stitch.

Materials Needed

• Worsted weight yarn (medium, size 4), acrylic or soft cotton blend: about 60–70 yards red (main color), small amounts (about 5 yards each) brown and green
• Crochet hook size G / 4.00 mm
• Yarn needle
• Scissors
• Stitch marker (optional, for marking the start of the round)
• Finished size: approximately 12 inches (30 cm) circumference, fitting a preemie head of about 11–13 inches

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• st / sts – stitch / stitches
• inc – increase (work 2 single crochet into one stitch)
• sl st – slip stitch
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet

Gauge

Gauge is 4 single crochet stitches and 4 rounds = 1 inch (2.5 cm). Work a small swatch in the round and measure across the middle to check your tension before starting.

Tips Before You Start

• Work the hat body in a continuous spiral and use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place.
• Keep your tension even but not tight — preemie skin is delicate, and a slightly looser fabric stays soft and stretchy.
• Count your stitches at the end of each increase round; the counts below keep the crown flat and the hat the right size.
• Leave generous tails on the stem and leaf so you can sew them securely and hide the ends inside the hat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Hat Body (Red)

Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc in next st] around (18 sts).

Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st] around (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st] around (30 sts).

Rnd 6: [Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st] around (36 sts).

Rnd 7: [Sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st] around (42 sts).

Rnds 8–17: Sc in each st around (42 sts).

Finishing: Fasten off and weave in ends.

Stem (Brown)

Row 1: Ch 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (5 sts).

Rows 2–4: Turn, sc in each st across (5 sts).

Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the stem to the top center of the hat.

Leaf (Green)

Row 1: Ch 7, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch.

Row 2: Rotate to work along the other side of the starting chain: sc in first ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch.

Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew the leaf next to the stem on the hat.

Assembly and Finishing

Use the long tails to sew the stem to the top center of the hat, then attach the leaf right beside it, angling it slightly for a natural look. Make a few small, secure stitches and pass the needle through the hat layers so the pieces sit flat. Weave in all remaining ends on the inside of the hat, splitting the yarn through a few stitches to lock them in place. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping over a small bowl or form; let it dry completely before gifting.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the red for green and the leaf for a small red one to make a "green apple" version.
• Add a single crochet border in a contrasting color around the brim for extra stretch and a finished edge.
• Use a soft cotton-blend yarn for warmer climates, or a cozy acrylic for extra warmth in cooler months.