Each year, approximately 15 million infants are born prematurely
worldwide. Many require specialized medical care and support to regulate
their body temperature. Soft, hand-crafted garments—such as hats,
booties, and blankets, made with natural fibers, plays a vital role in
providing warmth and comfort. In response, volunteer initiatives around
the world support neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) with knitted and
crocheted items.
One such effort is the Amanda Project , a Norwegian
initiative founded in memory of Amanda,
a premature infant
who lived only briefly. The project encourages the creation of handmade
items that serve both a practical purpose and offer emotional support to
families during a profoundly difficult time.
If you would like to contribute, contact your nearest NICU!
Remember to wash all items before donating!
For more information and knitting patterns click the links below:
Gauge: Approx. 28 sts = 10 cm in stockinette stitch
Finished chest circumference: 38 cm (measured flat: 19 cm)
Notions: 4 small buttons, stitch markers, tapestry needle Body (Back
and Front)
Cast on 112 stitches, including 12 stitches for button bands: 6 sts in
garter stitch on the right front (buttonhole band) 6 sts in garter
stitch on the left front Work 1 cm of ribbing (k1, p1). Continue in
stockinette stitch, maintaining 6 sts in garter stitch at each edge for
button bands, until piece measures 12 cm. Add 4 buttonholes on the right
band, evenly spaced. Work each as: yo, k2tog. Begin first buttonhole
approx. 1 cm from the cast-on edge. Sleeves (Make 2) Cast on 34
stitches. Work 1 cm of ribbing (k1, p1). Switch to stockinette stitch.
Place a marker at the center of the sleeve (17 sts on each side).
Increase 1 stitch on each side of the marker every 5th row, 6 times = 12
increased stitches total. You will have 46 stitches at the end. Continue
until sleeve measures approx. 12 cm. Yoke and Finishing Join body and
sleeves on one circular needle in this order: Right front – sleeve –
back – sleeve – left front Place markers at each join for raglan
shaping. On every right-side row, decrease 1 stitch on each side of each
marker (8 stitches decreased per RS row): Before marker: k2tog After
marker: ssk Continue until yoke measures 5–6 cm or until neckline is the
desired size. Work a few rows in garter stitch for the neck edge. Bind
off loosely, weave in ends, sew underarm seams, and attach buttons.
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Page built by Henriette Aamodt
Preemie baby pants with german short rows
Size 40-44
Yarn: Sandnes Baby Lanett
Needles: 2.5 mm circular needles (used flat)
Gauge: Approx. 28 sts = 10 cm in stockinette stitch
Waist circumference: approx. 36 – 38 cm
Leg lenght: approx. 12 cm (adjustable)
Cast on 112 sts (adjust for your gauge). Join to work in the round.
Work 3.5 cm of ribbing (k1, p1). Continue in stockinette stitch for
approx. 2 cm.
German Short Rows – Back Rise
Place a marker at the center back. Knit to 10 sts past the marker.
Turn and make a double stitch (german short row). Purl back to 10 sts
past the center marker on the other side. Turn, make another double
stitch, and knit to 8 sts past the previous turn. Repeat this process,
reducing by 2 sts each time, until you have about 3–4 turns on each
side. Knit one full round, knitting the double stitches as one.
Separate for Legs
Divide work into two equal parts (72 sts for each leg). Work one leg
at a time.
Knit in stockinette until leg measures approx. 8.5 cm, or desired
length minus ribbing. Work 3.5 cm of ribbing (k1, p1).
Make another leg
Bind off loosely using a stretchy bind-off.
Finishing
Weave in all ends.
Optional: fold down the waistband and sew a casing for elastic.
