Baby Bonnet Hat Knitting Pattern

Baby Bonnet in Blue Sky Fibers Royal Petites

What is Being Made

This is a sweet baby bonnet designed as part of the Traveler's Series collection by designer Wendy Bernard. The bonnet is a classic hat style for infants, featuring a structured crown that ties at the neck with an attached neckband. The pattern is available in two sizes to accommodate different baby ages and head measurements.

Pattern Construction and Techniques

The Baby Bonnet is constructed in two main components: the bonnet crown and the neckband. The bonnet begins with a flat panel worked back and forth in rows, then transitions to circular knitting using the magic loop or double pointed needle technique. The neckband is a separate piece that is sewn to the bonnet opening after completion.

The bonnet crown starts with a cast-on of 92 or 102 stitches depending on size. The piece begins with ribbing worked over multiple rows to create a finished edge. The body of the bonnet is then worked in the Royal Dash stitch pattern, which repeats over 16 rows. This decorative pattern alternates between stockinette sections and textured purl stitches, creating visual interest across the fabric.

After the flat panel reaches the appropriate length (approximately 6 to 7 inches from the cast-on edge), the knitter performs strategic decreases and then distributes stitches across double pointed needles to join for working in the round. The crown shaping is accomplished through a series of paired decreases worked at marked intervals in each round, gradually reducing the stitch count until only 8 stitches remain. These final stitches are drawn closed with the yarn tail to complete the bonnet crown.

The neckband is worked separately using a slip-stitch edge technique that creates a neat selvage. This band is worked in a reversible knit-purl pattern and measures 24 to 26 inches depending on size. The neckband is then folded in half and attached to the bonnet opening, with the center point positioned where the bonnet transitions to circular knitting.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch: The foundation stitch used throughout the bonnet and neckband
• Purl stitch: Used in ribbing, stockinette sections, and the Royal Dash pattern
• Ribbing: Knit 1, purl 1 alternating pattern for the initial edge and neckband
• Royal Dash pattern: A 16-row repeat combining knit and purl stitches in specific sequences to create a textured, decorative surface
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for crown shaping and edge decreases
• Slip stitch: Used at the beginning of neckband rows to create a finished edge

Materials and Tools

The bonnet is knitted using Blue Sky Alpacas Royal Petites yarn, a luxury fiber blend. The pattern requires 2 balls of this yarn, with each ball containing 35 grams and 100 yards of yardage. This yarn choice creates a soft, gentle fabric suitable for delicate baby skin.

The needles required include a Size 2 (2.75mm) 16-inch circular needle for the initial flat panel and neckband work, and Size 2 (2.75mm) double pointed needles for the crown shaping worked in the round. Both needle sizes should be selected to obtain the specified gauge.

Additional notions include stitch markers in contrasting colors to mark the decrease points during crown shaping, and a tapestry needle for seaming the neckband to the bonnet and weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 28 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches when worked in the Royal Dash pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and sizing of the finished bonnet.