This gown is ideal for both hospital dressing and going home situations for the larger preemies. For comfort and convenience for hospital use especially turn so ties are in front. You may use crocheted ties or ribbon.
This pattern may also be used for a burial outfit. If using a BABY weight yarn such as Caron Cuddlesoft or Jamie, use a G hook. If using BABY SPORT weight or SPORT yarn use an F Hook.
Just make sure your yarn is soft and your item is not "Cast Iron". If using for burial, always use very soft yarn, pastel colors and the hook you need or your size as these items need to be very soft and pretty as these babies are very delicate.
You will also need 1/8" ribbon of color choice. The 3-4lb pattern takes about 1oz or less of yarn depending on type. Pastel colors preferred for burial. If this pattern is used for burial, turn so that the openings are in the back and use about 8" (or amount needed for size of gown) of ribbon for ties in the back. Place one set of ties at neck through second row down, second stitch over; one set in the center of back of gown, second stitch over.
If used for burial, use about 12" (depending on size of gown) of ribbon for a bow in front (solid side) in the center of garment three rows down from neck.
Special Stitches Used: Shell= (dc, ch1, dc) in indicated stitch.
To fit a 1-2lb (Small) preemie use Jamie, Cuddlesoft, or fingering yarn (or very fine baby yarn) and a D or E hook. Chain 30
To fit a 2-3lb (Medium) preemie use Jamie or Cuddlesoft or similar weight 3 ply baby yarn (NOT baby sport weight) and and E or F hook. Chain 40
To fit a 4-5lb (lg) preemie use Jamie or Cuddlesoft or similar weight 3 ply baby yarn and an F hook. Chain 50
To fit a 5-6lb (small newborn) use baby weight or baby sport and an F or G hook. Chain 40
Note: Pattern written for Small preemie (1-2lb) with changes for Med., Lg, and Sm. NB in parenthesis.
Row 1: DC in 3rd ch from hook (counts as first dc now and throughout) and in the next 2 (4,6,4) st. Shell in next st, dc in next 5 (7, 9, 6) st, shell in next st, dc in next 9 (11, 13, 10) st, shell in next st, dc in next 5 (7, 9, 7) st, shell in next st, dc in last 3 (5, 7, 5) st.
Rows 2-5: Ch 2, turn. Dc to ch-1 sp, shell in ch-1 sp, Dc across to next ch-1 sp, shell in ch-1 sp, dc across to next ch-1 sp, shell in ch-1 sp, dc across to next ch-1 sp shell in ch-1 sp, dc in remaining sp.
FOR SMALL NEWBORN SIZE (5-6LBS) REPEAT ROW 5, THEN CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THE PATTERN.
Row 6: Ch 2, turn. Dc to first ch-1 sp, fold garment in thirds and connect first and second ch-1 spaces with a dc. Dc across to next ch-1 sp, fold Garment in thirds again, connect 3rd and 4th ch-1 spaces with a dc. Dc across to end.
Rows 7: Ch 2, turn. DC in each DC across.
Repeat Row 7 until pattern measures 9 (11, 13, 15) inches from the neck. You may leave the gown open at the bottom or add an extra three or four inches at the bottom and weave a ribbon through, gather and tie in a bow (most often used when using for burial on tiny babies). I prefer to leave mine open and add a blanket or booties when possible.
Fasten off and tie in indicated spots with ribbon.
