This sweet little knitting pattern is for a tiny premature baby’s first Christmas Santa knit set, just 10 inch chest, using soft double knitting (UK) yarn. I created it because I wanted to make tiny baby clothes that were a more natural fit for premature babies. Since the coat is for such a tiny little premature baby, the sleeves have been made wide to enable the baby to be dressed as easily as possible. The back and fronts are knitted in one piece to the armholes to minimise uncomfortable seams. The design is knitted in stocking stitch with garter stitch borders and belt. It closes neatly with 3 small buttons to the front.

The hat is a simple beanie which features a ribbit stitch border and stocking stitch. It is knitted flat on 2 needles.

Included in the pattern is an NICU Santa toy with long thin legs - ideal for a preemie to grip for comfort. The pattern includes instructions for knitting for boys and girls.

This design uses a high quality acrylic (UK) double knit yarn which is soft to the skin as well as machine washable. 3mm, 3.25mm and 3.75mm and 2 x 3mm dpns (for icord legs) knitting needles are required. All items are knitted flat using 2 needles and the instructions are written using English terms.

Size: Coat - size: 10 inch, actual size 11 3/4 inch or 4-5lb baby
Hat - 11 1/2 inch circumference
NICU toy - 11in long

The pattern is 11 pages long.

This design would make a lovely set to donate to your local NICU unit for the festive season.

Note: My patterns cannot be copied in any format without my permission but I am very happy for people to knit up items to sell. A message on a tag crediting me as the designer would be appreciated, thank you.