Little Dottie Newborn & Premature Baby Hats

 

Little Dottie Baby Hats - Newborn and Premature 

A very sweet design for a new baby !  

 

Little Dottie ~ Newborn and Premature Baby Hats               

 

Small  Premature Baby –  7 ʺ circumference,  3½ ʺ high        

 

Using 4mm needles & DK yarn, cast on 37sts

1^st Row:         S1, knit to end of row

Repeat this row 3 times more

5^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

6^th Row:        S1, p2, * k1, p3, repeat from * to last 2sts, k2

7^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

8^th Row:        S1, k1, * p3, k1, repeat from * to last 3sts, p2, k1

Repeat the last 4 rows three times more

21^st Row:       S1, knit to end of row

22^nd Row:      S1, purl to last 2sts, k2tog                                (36sts)

 

Shape Top ~

Next Row:      *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (29sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (22sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (15sts)

Next Row:      S1, * p2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1              (8sts)                    

 

Cut the yarn leaving a ‘tail’.

With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops and secure

Sew up side seam and weave in ends.

 

 

 

Medium Premature Baby –  8½ʺ circumference, 4ʺ high    

 

Using 4mm needles & DK yarn, cast on 45sts

1^st Row:         S1, knit to end of row

Repeat this row 3 times more

5^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

6^th Row:        S1, p2, * k1, p3, repeat from * to last 2sts, k2

7^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

8^th Row:        S1, k1, * p3, k1, repeat from * to last 3sts, p2, k1

Repeat the last 4 rows four times more

25^th Row:       S1, knit to end

26^th Row:       Kfb, purl to last st, k1                                       (46sts)

 

Shape Top ~

Next Row:      *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (37sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (28sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (19sts)

Next Row:      S1, * p2tog, repeat from * to end                       (10sts)                                                                               

Cut the yarn leaving a ‘tail’.

With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops and secure

Sew up side seam and weave in ends.

 

         

 

Large  Premature Baby –  10½ʺ circumference, 5¼ʺ high      

 

Using 4mm needles & DK yarn, cast on 53sts

1^st Row:         S1, knit to end of row

Repeat this row 3 times more

5^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

6^th Row:        S1, p2, * k1, p3, repeat from * to last 2sts, k2

7^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

8^th Row:        S1, k1, * p3, k1, repeat from * to last 3sts, p2, k1

Repeat the last 4 rows five times more

29^th Row:       S1, knit to end of row

30^th Row:       K2tog, purl to last 2sts, k2tog                            (51sts)

 

Shape Top ~

Next Row:      *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (41sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (31sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (21sts)

Next Row:      S1, knit to end of row

Next Row:      S1, * k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1              (11sts)         

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1         

                   

Cut the yarn leaving a ‘tail’.

With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops and secure

Sew up side seam and weave in ends.

 

 

Newborn Baby –  11½ʺ circumference, 5¾ʺ high

 

Using 4mm needles & DK yarn, cast on 61sts

1^st Row:         S1, knit to end of row

Repeat this row 5 times more

7^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

8^th Row:        S1, p2, * k1, p3, repeat from * to last 2sts, k2

9^th Row:        S1, knit to end of row

10^th Row:       S1, k1, * p3, k1, repeat from * to last 3sts, p2, k1

Repeat the last 4 rows five times more

31^st Row:       S1, knit to end of row

32^nd Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

33^rd Row:       S1, knit to end of row

34^th Row:       S1, purl to last st, k1

 

Shape Top ~

Next Row:      *K4, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (51sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (41sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (31sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1               (21sts)

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1

Next Row:      S1, * k2tog, repeat from * to last st, k1              (11sts)         

Next Row:      S1, purl to last st, k1                             

 

Cut the yarn leaving a ‘tail’.

With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops and secure

Sew up side seam and weave in ends.

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, 

reproduced or republished on any webpage or website 

Soft Ball / Stress Ball - Knitted

 

Soft Ball / Stress Ball 

Soft Ball /  Stress Ball

 

Requirements:

DK yarn

3.5mm (or 3.25mm) needles

Polyester stuffing

 

Instructions:              Circumference around 8½”

Cast on 6sts

Row 1:          Kfb in first 5sts, k1             (11sts)

Row 2:          Purl

Row 3:          (K1, kfb) 5 times, k1          (16sts)

Row 4:          Purl

Row 5:          (K2, kfb) 5 times, k1          (21sts)

Row 6:          Purl

Row 7:          (K3, kfb) 5 times, k1          (26sts)

Row 8:          Purl

Row 9:          (K4, kfb) 5 times, k1          (31sts)

Row 10:        Purl

Row 11:         (K5, kfb) 5 times, k1          (36sts)

Row 12:        Purl

Row 13:         (K6, kfb) 5 times, k1          (41sts)

Row 14:        Purl

Row 15:         (K7, kfb) 5 times, k1          (46sts)

Row 16:        Purl

Row 17:         Knit

Row 18:        Purl

Repeat the last 2 rows once more

Row 21:        (K7, k2tog) 5 times, k1       (41sts)

Row 22:        Purl

Row 23:        (K6, k2tog) 5 times, k1       (36sts)

Row 24:        Purl

Row 25:        (K5, k2tog) 5 times, k1       (31sts)

Row 26:        Purl

Row 27:        (K4, k2tog) 5 times, k1       (26sts)

Row 28:        Purl

Row 29:        (K3, k2tog) 5 times, k1       (21sts)

Row 30:        Purl

Row 31:        (K2, k2tog) 5 times, k1       (16sts)

Row 32:        Purl

Row 33:        (K1, k2tog) 5 times, k1       (11sts)

Row 34:        Purl

Row 35:        (K2tog) 5 times, k1             (6sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a ‘tail’  to use for joining

Thread the tail into a sewing needle, pull it through all remaining stitches and gather together

Fasten off securely.

Join side seam most of the way – leaving an opening. Fill with polyester stuffing. Sew the rest of the seam closed. Gather the cast on stitches together, and fasten off securely.

Darn away ends.

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, 

reproduced or republished on any webpage or website 

Soft Ball / Stress Ball - Crochet

 

Soft Play Ball and Small Soft Ball / Stress Ball

These soft balls are great for play - the smaller size is also perfect for a Stress Ball.

Small Soft Ball / Stress Ball       Circumference around 8½”

Small Soft Ball / Stress Ball

This pattern uses UK terminology

dc = double crochet

increase = make 2 dc in dc on previous round

decrease = dc 2 together (dc2tog)

This ball is worked in the round, so it may be easier to use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of every round.

It may also be helpful to count the stitches after each round, to make sure the stitch count is correct.

 

Requirements:

DK yarn

3.5mm hook

Polyester stuffing

 

Instructions:

Make a magic ring or chain 3 and join with a slip stitch to make a ring

Round 1:  Ch1, make 5dc into ring, slip stitch to join (6sts)

Round 2:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch, 2dc in each stitch all around, join with slip stitch   (12sts)

Round 3:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next stitch, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch (18sts)

Round 4:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (24sts)

Round 5:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 3 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (30sts)

Round 6:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 4 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (36sts)

Round 7:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 5 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (42sts)

Rounds 8 - 14:  Ch1, 1dc in each stitch all around, join with slip stitch                     (42sts)

Round 15:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 5 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (36sts)

Round 16:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 4 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (30sts)

Round 17:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 3 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (24sts)

Round 18:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (18sts)

Pause here - If the starting ring is loose – use the tail to weave around the stitches of the first round and pull it tight. Stuff the ball with polyester stuffing

Round 19:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next stitch, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch    (12sts)

Round 20:  dc2tog all around (6sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Pull the tail through the last 6 stitches and pull tight to close, Fasten securely and darn away ends.

 

Soft Play Ball                    Circumference around 13”

Soft Play Ball

This pattern uses UK terminology

dc = double crochet

increase = make 2 dc in dc on previous round

decrease = dc 2 together (dc2tog)

This ball is worked in the round, so it may be easier to use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of every round.

It may also be helpful to count the stitches after each round, to make sure the stitch count is correct.

 

Requirements:

DK yarn

3.5mm hook

Polyester stuffing

 

Instructions:

Make a magic ring or chain 3 and join with a slip stitch to make a ring

Round 1:  Ch1, make 5dc into ring, slip stitch to join (6sts)

Round 2:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch, 2dc in each stitch all around, join with slip stitch   (12sts)

Round 3:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next stitch, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch (18sts)

Round 4:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (24sts)

Round 5:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 3 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (30sts)

Round 6:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 4 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (36sts)

Round 7:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 5 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (42sts)

Round 8:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 6 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (48sts)

Round 9:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 7 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (54sts)

Round 10:  Ch1 then 1dc in same stitch,  * 1dc in next 8 stitches, 2dc in next stitch repeat from * all around,  join with slip stitch              (60sts)

Rounds 11-21:  Ch1, 1dc in each stitch all around, join with slip stitch                     (60sts)

Round 22:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 8 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (54sts)

Round 23:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 7 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (48sts)

Round 24:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 6 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (42sts)

Round 25:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 5 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (36sts)

Round 26:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 4 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (30sts)

Round 27:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 3 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (24sts)

Round 28:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next 2 stitches, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch         (18sts)

Pause here - If the starting ring is loose – use the tail to weave around the stitches of the first round and pull it tight. Stuff the ball with polyester stuffing

Round 29:  Ch1, * dc2tog, 1dc in next stitch, repeat from * all around, join with a slip stitch    (12sts)

Round 30:  dc2tog all around (6sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the last 6 stitches and pull tight to close, Fasten securely and darn away ends.

I am happy for you to use my patterns for your own use or for charity donations.  

In addition:  You can gift or sell any finished items you make from my patterns.  

However, please do not copy my patterns

Copyright © 2026      ‘made by marianna’       All Rights Reserved

This pattern (the information and photos) may not be copied, shared, 

reproduced or republished on any webpage or website