A friend of mine just became a first time Grandma. Baby is very premature and weighs less than a pound. She is doing better than the doctors expected. I was thinking of sending a small quilt for her. Does anyone have any suggestions on what size I would make it or any special do's or don't s for something like this? Any suggestions and prayers welcome!

Preemies still grow up so make it bigger than you think.
36 x 36 will probably be just fine or there abouts.

When they are that small, and if you are making one for her in the hospital, I would call the ICU and ask them what size would be best for her isolette. They are usually considerably smaller. :D:D:D
OR ask if they would allow you to make an isolette cover. It really makes for a bright spot in her ICU area. They can tell you what size is needed for that also. For my grands, it was a oblong shaped quilt :D:D:D

Also, make sure it is heavily quilted, it will get lots of washes. Sew the binding down so that there isn't a lip on the edge. I like to blanket stitch them down, this is to keep the IV lines and clips on them from catching on the binding.
Wash the quilt with a non-fragrant laundry soap, same with fabric softener, little preemies can't tolerate scents very well.

I was told to make the preemie quilt 18x18, to have no stitchng on the inside that would touch the babies skin as their skin is so fragile. that was for making donation quilts for the neonatal unit. Our prayers are with the little baby and family,,

When I was in a quild, we made these for the local hospitals. We wouldn't do anything bigger than a 24x24. Also, used low loft batting.

I agree, they need to be made small.

Be sure you contact the hospital. There are special rules pertaining to items that go into the ICU's. I don't really know what and each hospital may be different. My grandson was in the NICU and the ICU many times and when he was older they let him have his favorite blanket most of time.

Also, don't use "invisible" thread, the nylon fishing line stuff. It will cut the baby.

I would go with 36 or 38 inch square. They use this size to cover the isolette that the baby is in.

This website is project linus: It is dedicated to projects donated to the hospitals to help with preemies. I have made several for a preemie and the patterns are great.

http://www.projectlinus.org/links.html

Thank you all for your help!!

When my oldest DGS came home he weighed 4.5 pds. He was very premature. I made him blankets out of left over polar fleece. Most were about 18 x 20. I put blanket binding on the edges. This was great because they were lite, warm (premies need help staying warm) and had no seems. At 12 he still loves polar fleece.

For our preemie quilts, I've been told 24 by 24. I'm using flannel for backing and only cotton thread.

I'm keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

First, my prayers are with this family. My grandson was a preemie and I made his quilt 24"X24". I agree with others that most hospitals have certain requirements for anything for the baby (size, type of fabric, sewing, etc). Project Linus has wonderful suggestions. I also made a a few quilts for others in the unit, it makes the area look brighter and the parents appreciate it. Take care

Prayers going out to this new little one.

Quilts for kids gives the size 36 X 36 for the preemie quilts.

Use soft cloth like flannel. What a nice idea!!