Kate Atherley Heirloom Baby Bonnet Hat Knitting Pattern

Kate Atherley Heirloom Baby Bonnet - With Ears

What Is Being Made

This is a charming knitted baby bonnet designed by Kate Atherley, featuring distinctive ears and a fitted face opening. The bonnet is crafted as a classic heirloom-quality baby gift suitable for newborns through 2-year-olds, with five graduated sizes ranging from 3 months to 2 years. The finished face opening circumferences range from 12 inches (30.5 cm) for the smallest size up to 18 inches (46 cm) for the largest size, ensuring a proper fit as babies grow.

Techniques Used

This bonnet is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning you begin at the front edge and work toward the back. The design is worked flat on straight or short circular needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters who prefer flat knitting. The pattern incorporates seaming to join pieces together, requiring some finishing work beyond basic knitting. Additionally, the bonnet features a picked-up edging, which involves picking up stitches along an existing edge to create a finished border. This combination of techniques makes the bonnet suitable for knitters with some experience rather than absolute beginners.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the bonnet is stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which creates the smooth, classic fabric that forms the body of the bonnet. The pattern employs several shaping techniques worked within stocking stitch: kfb (knit front and back) increases are used to create the crown shaping and ear increases, allowing the bonnet to expand in specific areas. K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) decreases are used during the back piece shaping to taper the bonnet as it's completed. Basic knit and purl stitches form the foundation, with stitch markers used to track increase points for the ear shaping.

Materials

The bonnet is knitted in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, a luxuriously soft yarn blend containing 55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre, and 10% Cashmere. This premium fiber combination provides exceptional softness appropriate for delicate baby skin. The yardage required varies by size: 1 ball for the 3-month size, 1 ball for the 6-month size, and 2 balls for the 9-month, 12-month, and 2-year sizes. Each ball contains 125 meters and weighs 50 grams.

The pattern calls for 3.5mm needles (or whatever size is needed to achieve proper gauge), with the option of using either straight needles or short circular needles. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers to track the ear increases, a stitch holder or spare needle for holding stitches, and a ½ inch (1 cm) button for fastening.

Gauge

The bonnet is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) square in stocking stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the bonnet fits correctly across the five size options.