Preemie Patterns

[NJMo]

I have TONS of preemie patterns and would be glad to share with anybody needing patterns for the smallest people, ranging from 2 pounds to 12 pounds. I'm in a group that makes clothing and blankets for intensive care units, low-income facilities, general hospitals, shelters, clinics, police, family services, etc., (and unfortunately for burial purposes, too). The overall intent of the group is to make sure no baby goes unclothed and all babies have warm clothing/blankets. The projects are little and easy but look so cute if embroidered. If anyone would like to use a pattern, just email me. I have them all scanned in and can shoot you a quick email.

[artsiegirl]

Thanks NJMo. I'm sewing and embroidering for my sister's upcoming baby, and I really hope we won't need preemie clothes for her. I would love to stitch some up for needy families though.

[NJMo]

Any preference? I have dresses, rompers, sleepers, pants/shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, blanket dimensions based on baby weight, etc.

[artsiegirl]

Any preference? I have dresses, rompers, sleepers, pants/shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, blanket dimensions based on baby weight, etc.

The rompers sound like fun to begin with. Thanks.

[windwillow]

What organization are you with, I would like to know more about it, maybe I could make some little things and help as well. I have been making baby quilts for our preemie unit at one of the local hospitals.
I do it as just donations and really would like to be a part of a group.

[NJMo]

Go to www.warmheartswarmbabies.org. It's a great group. No charge to anyone for anything we make and give. Last year we gave away more than 77,000 things.

Thanks for asking.

[craftmama]

what a wonderful organization. I love the idea of donating for preemies. The parents of preemies have enough to worry about. What a wonderful way to let them know someone is thinking about them.

[Leslie]

I donate to Newborns in Need, they do a nationwide distribution. They used to be in MO, now they are in SC. Their website is www.newbornsinneed.com. I make preemie shirts, burp cloths and baby blankets. I do not have patterns based on weight - what a GREAT idea - and would love the patterns for dresses and shirts.

[ccdoster]

What kind of fabric do you use for the clothes? Just wondering if you need to stick to soft like flannel or if you have to use something that breathes a little better.

[StitchinGrandma]

You really need to be careful with preemies because their skin is especially sensitive to things moreso than a regular newborn. I'd use 100% cotton interlock fabrics because they wash up so soft. The babies in need chapters also say things from flannel and fleece and the softer baby knits you can find.

[NJMo]

My group makes items from cottons, flannels and fleece. We make all sorts of items, including blankets, clothes and toys. One thing we really stress is to make sure any hook-and-loop tape is baby soft. Another thing is to watch polyester products as they can create static and that can cause a whole set of problems for hospitalized babies. Inpatients patterns are made of cotton only and we have patterns for IV shirts, monitor shirts and "butterfly" shirts that are used in intensive care nurseries.

[Leslie]

On the preemie shirts I use 100% cotton for the inside of the shirt that will be against the baby's skin, and flannel on the outside in a baby print. Stay clear of predominately yellow and blue colors. The yellow will accent jaundice and the blue will accent the oxygen deprived. I raid the remnant bins for big cuts of fleece in baby prints and trim the edges with a wave blade in my rotary cutter. You can cut small blankets for preemies and larger blankets for the bigger babies. An even smaller cut can be used as a "bankie".