Simple Knit Baby Bonnet
Original worsted-weight pattern · Approximately 12–18 months
A classic little bonnet with a ribbed face border, a smooth stockinette body, and a softly rounded back. Knit flat, then seam the center-back panel to the sides and finish with a garter-stitch neckline and two I-cord ties.
This is the original worsted-weight version. For the upcoming tutorial, I’ll be using Lion Brand Tom Daley Made With Love The Cottony One.
Size & gauge
Size: approximately 12–18 months, for a head circumference of approximately 18–19 inches (46–48 cm). Measure the child and check the fit as you work; age is a guide.
Pattern gauge: 18 stitches × 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch, after washing and drying the swatch as you will care for the bonnet.
The yarn label lists 17 stitches × 24 rows over 4 inches on US 8 (5 mm) needles. That is slightly looser than this pattern’s gauge. Start with US 8 needles, swatch, and change needle size as needed to reach 18 stitches. A looser gauge will make a larger bonnet.
Yarn for the tutorial
Lion Brand Tom Daley Made With Love The Cottony One
Weight: #4 Medium / Worsted
Fiber: 60% cotton, 40% acrylic
Ball size: 185 yards (169 m) / 3.5 oz (100 g)
Amount: approximately 100–130 yards (91–119 m) for the bonnet. One ball contains more than the estimated project yardage; allow extra for your gauge swatch and any changes to depth or tie length.
Shop The Cottony One at Michaels →
View yarn specifications at Lion Brand →
Materials
100–130 yards of worsted-weight yarn, plus yarn for swatching
US 8 (5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge; straight needles or a circular needle used for flat knitting
Optional US 7 (4.5 mm) needles for a firmer ribbed face border
Two double-pointed needles or a circular needle for the I-cord ties
2 stitch markers, tapestry needle, and scissors
Abbreviations
CO: cast on · BO: bind off · K: knit · P: purl · st(s): stitch(es) · RS: right side · WS: wrong side
Free knitting pattern
1. Cast on & knit the face border
CO 61 stitches. The cast-on edge will frame the face, running from one jawline, over the forehead, to the opposite jawline.
Row 1 (RS): Repeat (K1, P1) to the last stitch, K1.
Row 2 (WS): Repeat (P1, K1) to the last stitch, P1.
Repeat these two rows until the ribbing measures approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm), ending after a WS row. If you used smaller needles for the border, change to your main needles now.
2. Work the bonnet body
Continue in stockinette stitch: knit every RS row and purl every WS row.
Work until the piece measures 4½ inches (11.5 cm) from the cast-on edge, including the ribbed border. End after a WS row. For a deeper bonnet, work closer to 5 inches (12.5 cm), checking the fit before shaping the back.
3. Shape the center back
The 61 stitches are divided into 20 side stitches, 21 center stitches, and 20 side stitches. Bind off the side sections over the next two rows:
Next row (RS): BO 20 stitches, then knit to the end. 41 stitches remain, including the stitch already on the right needle after binding off.
Next row (WS): BO 20 stitches purlwise, then purl to the end. 21 stitches remain, including the stitch already on the right needle after binding off.
You will now work only the 21 center stitches. This two-row bind-off sequence keeps the center stitches intact.
4. Knit the center-back panel
Continue in stockinette over the 21 center stitches: knit RS rows and purl WS rows.
Work until the panel measures approximately 4¼ inches (11 cm) from the side bind-offs. BO all 21 stitches. The flat piece will be roughly T-shaped.
5. Seam the bonnet
Fold the center panel toward the back of the bonnet. Match each long edge of the panel to one of the 20-stitch side bind-off edges.
Using mattress stitch or your preferred neat seam, sew one panel edge to the left side, then sew the other edge to the right side. Distribute the stitches evenly and avoid pulling the seams tight. Weave in the ends.
6. Add the neck edging
With the RS facing, pick up approximately 45–50 stitches evenly along the lower edge of the bonnet. Pick up enough stitches for the fabric to lie smoothly, without stretching or gathering.
Rows 1–4: knit every stitch. BO loosely to finish the garter-stitch neckline.
7. Make the I-cord ties
Make two 3-stitch I-cords, each approximately 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) long.
CO 3 stitches on a double-pointed or circular needle. K3, but do not turn. Slide the stitches to the opposite end of the needle, bring the working yarn behind the stitches, and K3 again. Repeat until the tie reaches the required length. BO and weave in the ends.
Make a second tie. Sew one securely to each lower front corner of the bonnet.
8. Finish
Lightly wet-block and gently shape the bonnet. Let it dry completely. The ribbed edge frames the face and the garter-stitch band follows the back of the neck. Follow the yarn label’s care instructions.
Wearing the bonnet
Use only with adult supervision. Remove the bonnet for naps, nighttime sleep, car-seat sleep, or any situation where the ties could catch on something.