For a 1-2 lb preemie
using 4 ply yarn in white and a small amount of a contrast colour (that’s UK 4 ply) 3mm crochet hook (larger if your stitches are not soft and drapey) and a Tunisian hook size 8mm (I think, it’s not marked up but that’s what it feels closest to compared with my other hooks) You don’t absolutely need to use a Tunisian hook but the stitches will be very squashed on a normal one.
Bodice
Using white yarn and the 3mm hook chain 30 + 3 (chaining up for next row)
Row 1 – Working in half trebles (US half doubles) start with 3rd chain from hook,
work 4 stitches, work 1 htr, 1ch, 1htr into next stitch to turn corner,
work next 5 stitches then 1 htr, 1ch, 1htr into next stitch to turn corner
Work next 8 stitches then 1 htr, 1ch, 1htr into next stitch to turn corner
work next 5 stitches then 1 htr, 1ch, 1htr into next stitch to turn corner
work remaining 4 stitches
that’s the fiddly row done now, the rest is more straightforward honestly!
row 2 to 4 – chain up and turn, work in htr in each stitch, repeated the (1 htr, 1ch, 1htr ) in the centre of the previous row’s turning cluster. At the end of row 4 break yarn
Make Sleeves
If you lay out your piece you will see that there is a back (the 2 very short pieces will form the back as this gown opens at the back), front and 2 sides. Choose a side and,with the right side facing you, use your 3mm hook to draw 2 loops up from each stitch onto your Tunisian hook (you need to use the smaller hook, the Tunisian hook won’t fit!)
Work 4 rows in basic Tunisian stitch then break yarn. you don’t need to do any “cast off” row, that comes next.
Do not sew up the sleeve seams, they are left open to allow easy dressing.
Using contrast yarn and the 3mm hook, start at the beginning of the sleeve edge (where it joins the bodice) and slip stitch up one side of the work to the last sleeve row, work a gather across the “cuff” by catching 2 front posts with each slip stitch across the cuff then continue down the other side of the sleeve.
Turn, *ch 3, ss into next st* repeat all the way round for a picot edging (optional, you could leave this row off or just work 1 row in a stitch you like back round)
Repeat for the other side.
Complete bodice
Rejoin white yarn at the back of the bodice, with right side facing you, work in htr to sleeve, ch2, fold bodice and sleeve then continue to work stitches across the front of the gown, ch 2 under second sleeve and work to end.
Ch2 and turn, work back round, placing 2 htr into ch 2 space under armholes
Skirt
Using 3mm hook, with right side of work facing you, pull up 2 loops from each stitch onto Tunisian hook
Work for 12″ and break yarn.
Starting at the back of the neck, work round entire garment in slip stitch using contrast colour, working through the front post of the last row of your skirt. Work back in ch3, slip stitch as for sleeves or other decorative stitch if you prefer.
finishing
Thread ribbon or crocheted chains through the sleeves just before the cuffs to allow the sleeves to be closed once the gown is on. Sew ribbons or crochet chains back of the gown at the neck, waist and 1 or 2 places down the skirt.
Bonnet
Chain 32 using 3mm hook and white. Slip last stitch onto Tunisian hook and use the 3mm hook to assist you working the 1st row (this gives a nice neat “cast on” row)
Work 8 rows then begin decrease
dec row 1 pick up loops as normal but when working back, *work 4, work next 2 loops together* across row
row 2, pick up loops as normal but when working back, *work 3, work next 2 loops together* across row
row 3, pick up loops as normal but when working back, *work 2, work next 2 loops together* across row
row 4, pick up loops as normal but when working back, *work 1, work next 2 loops together* across row
row 5, pick up loops as normal but when working back, * work 2 loops together* across row
row 6, use 3mm hook to pick up loops instead of Tunisian hook, draw thread through all loops on hook in 1 sweep, pull snug and fasten off leaving a long tail.
Use tail to sew up back of bonnet to first decrease row.
Trim with contrast yarn as for gown pattern and sew on crochet chains or ribbons at the front to fasten.
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