Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
There’s something truly magical about capturing the fleeting moments of a newborn’s early days. As a photographer and avid knitter, I’m always on the lookout for new and unique props that can enhance these precious photos. Recently, I stumbled upon a knitting project that has quickly become one of my favorites: the Nehemiah Bonnet.
A Charming Newborn Photo Prop
The Nehemiah Bonnet is more than just a simple hat; it’s a delicate, charming piece that adds a touch of timeless elegance to any newborn photo session. What sets this bonnet apart is its wide knit ties and the beautifully crafted slip stitch purl border that frames the face perfectly. The design is both classic and contemporary, making it a versatile addition to my collection of props.
I first heard about the Nehemiah Bonnet pattern through a knitting community I’m part of. The name intrigued me, and after seeing a few photos of completed bonnets, I knew I had to try it out for myself. The pattern is designed for DK single ply yarn, and I decided to use hand-dyed yarn to give it a unique, personalized touch.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn
One of the joys of knitting is selecting the yarn, and for the Nehemiah Bonnet, the choice of yarn is crucial. I opted for a hand-dyed DK single ply yarn in a soft, muted shade of lavender. The subtle color variations in hand-dyed yarn add depth and character to the finished piece, making it stand out in photographs.
Working with DK single ply yarn is a delightful experience. It’s soft and smooth, gliding effortlessly through my fingers as I knit. The single ply structure gives the yarn a slightly rustic texture, which complements the delicate design of the bonnet beautifully. As I knit, I can see the intricate details of the pattern come to life, each stitch contributing to the overall elegance of the piece.
Knitting the Nehemiah Bonnet
The pattern itself is straightforward yet detailed enough to keep things interesting. It starts with the slip stitch purl border, which frames the face and adds a lovely textured edge to the bonnet. This border not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides a neat, polished look to the finished piece.
Next come the wide knit ties, which are both practical and decorative. They ensure the bonnet stays securely on the baby’s head while adding a charming, vintage-inspired touch. I enjoyed knitting these ties, as their simplicity contrasts beautifully with the more intricate border.
One of the highlights of this project is seeing the bonnet take shape. As I worked through each section, I found myself eagerly anticipating the final product. The combination of the hand-dyed yarn and the thoughtfully designed pattern resulted in a bonnet that exceeded my expectations.
Using the Nehemiah Bonnet in Newborn Photography
Once the knitting was complete, I couldn’t wait to use the Nehemiah Bonnet in a newborn photo session. The bonnet’s design is perfect for highlighting a baby’s delicate features, with the slip stitch purl border providing a gentle frame around the face. The wide knit ties add a touch of whimsy and can be styled in various ways to suit different photo setups.
During the photo session, I was thrilled with how well the bonnet complemented the baby’s features. The soft lavender color of the hand-dyed yarn looked stunning against the baby’s skin, creating a serene and ethereal effect. The bonnet stayed securely in place thanks to the wide ties, allowing me to capture a variety of poses without needing to constantly adjust it.
Parents were equally enchanted by the bonnet, often commenting on its unique design and the quality of the yarn. Many of them asked if they could keep the bonnet as a keepsake, which is always the highest compliment to any knitter. Knowing that something I’ve made with my own hands will be treasured by a family is a truly heartwarming experience.
Reflections on the Nehemiah Bonnet
As I reflect on the Nehemiah Bonnet, I’m reminded of the joy that comes from creating something beautiful and functional. Knitting is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way to express creativity and bring joy to others. The Nehemiah Bonnet is a testament to the power of handmade items, combining artistry and practicality in a way that enhances the special moments of a newborn’s first days.
For fellow knitters looking to try this pattern, I highly recommend it. The Nehemiah Bonnet is suitable for knitters of all skill levels, with clear instructions and a manageable project size. It’s also an excellent opportunity to experiment with hand-dyed yarns, as the bonnet’s design allows the unique qualities of the yarn to shine.
In conclusion, the Nehemiah Bonnet has quickly become one of my go-to newborn photo props. Its timeless design, coupled with the personal touch of hand-dyed yarn, makes it a standout piece in any photo session. Whether you’re a photographer, a knitter, or both, this bonnet is a wonderful addition to your repertoire. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create and share something so special, and I look forward to knitting many more Nehemiah Bonnets in the future.
If you’re inspired to knit your own Nehemiah Bonnet, I encourage you to give it a try. The process is rewarding, and the end result is a beautiful, handmade item that will be cherished for years to come. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
MATERIALS: appx 80-160yds of dk (3) yarn (I used madelintosh DK), Size 6 (4mm) needles, stitch markers, yarn needle
Gauge: appx 5sts/inch Gauge is very important!
Sizes (appx finished head circumference)[appx finished measurements not including ties] : newborn (13ins) [5X5ins], 0-3mths (14 ins) [5.5×5.5ins], 3-6mths (15ins) [6x6ins], 6-12mths (16ins) [6.5×6.5ins], 1-3yrs (17ins) [7x7ins]
Stitch Key
K – knit
p – purl
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together
k3togtbl – knit 3 together through back loop
Wyib – with yarn in back
sl – slip stitch
Yo – yarn over
sm – slip marker
Pm – place marker remove marker
Nehemiah Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 175
Note: This seems like a lot but your ties are in this cast on. You will bind off to finish your ties on row 8.
Row 1 – p60, pm, p55, pm, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k3, [(k1, yo, k1) in next st, k1] repeat [to] to last 4 sts before marker (k1, yo, k1) in next sts, k3, sm, k60 (225sts)
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, [k3togtbl, sl wyib] repeat [to] until last 6sts, k3togtbl, p3, sm, p60 (175sts)
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off 60, rm, k55, rm, bind off 60 (55sts) cut yarn
Join yarn with wrong side (purl row) facing.
Row 9 – k3, p49, k3
Row 10 – k55
Repeat rows 9 and 10 until your work measures appx 4ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side (purl row). Place stitch markers on either end of this last row. These will mark were to sew the crown seam to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (46sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (37sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (28sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (19sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in ends and block as necessary.
0-3 MONTHS
Cast on 181
Note: This seems like a lot but your ties are in this cast on. You will bind off to finish your ties on row 8.
Row 1 – p60, pm, p61, pm, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k3, [(k1, yo, k1) in next st, k1] repeat [to] to last 4 sts before marker (k1, yo, k1) in next sts, k3, sm, k60 (237sts)
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, [k3togtbl, sl wyib] repeat [to] until last 6sts, k3togtbl, p3, sm, p60 (181sts)
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off 60, rm, k61, rm, bind off 60 (61sts) cut yarn
Join yarn with wrong side (purl row) facing.
Row 9 – k3, p55, k3
Row 10 – k61
Repeat rows 9 and 10 until your work measures appx 4.5ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side (purl row). Place stitch markers on either end of this last row. These will mark were to sew the crown seam to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (51sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (41sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (31sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (21sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in ends and block as necessary.
3-6 MONTHS
Cast on 187
Note: This seems like a lot but your ties are in this cast on. You will bind off to finish your ties on row 8.
Row 1 – p60, pm, p67, pm, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k3, [(k1, yo, k1) in next st, k1] repeat [to] to last 4 sts before marker (k1, yo, k1) in next sts, k3, sm, k60 (249sts)
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, [k3togtbl, sl wyib] repeat [to] until last 6sts, k3togtbl, p3, sm, p60 (187sts)
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off 60, rm, k67, rm, bind off 60 (61sts) cut yarn
Join yarn with wrong side (purl row) facing.
Row 9 – k3, p61, k3
Row 10 – k67
Repeat rows 9 and 10 until your work measures appx 5ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side (purl row). Place stitch markers on either end of this last row. These will mark were to sew the crown seam to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (56st)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (45st)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (34st)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (23st)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across (12st)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in ends and block as necessary.
6-12 MONTHS
Cast on 193
Note: This seems like a lot but your ties are in this cast on. You will bind off to finish your ties on row 8.
Row 1 – p60, pm, p73, pm, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k3, [(k1, yo, k1) in next st, k1] repeat [to] to last 4 sts before marker (k1, yo, k1) in next sts, k3, sm, k60 (261sts)
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, [k3togtbl, sl wyib] repeat [to] until last 6sts, k3togtbl, p3, sm, p60 (193sts)
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off 60, rm, k73, rm, bind off 60 (61sts) cut yarn
Join yarn with wrong side (purl row) facing.
Row 9 – k3, p67, k3
Row 10 – k73
Repeat rows 9 and 10 until your work measures appx 5.5ins from cast on edge. End after completing a right side (knit) row. Place a marker on either side of your work here. These will mark were to sew the crown seam to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p70sts, p2tog, p1 (72sts)
Row 2 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (62st)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (52st)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (42st)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (32st)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (22st)
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (12st)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in ends and block as necessary.
TODDLER (1-3YRS)
Cast on 199
Note: This seems like a lot but your ties are in this cast on. You will bind off to finish your ties on row 8.
Row 1 – p60, pm, p79, pm, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k3, [(k1, yo, k1) in next st, k1] repeat [to] to last 4 sts before marker (k1, yo, k1) in next sts, k3, sm, k60 (273sts)
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, [k3togtbl, sl wyib] repeat [to] until last 6sts, k3togtbl, p3, sm, p60 (199sts)
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off 60, rm, k79, rm, bind off 60 (61sts) cut yarn
Join yarn with wrong side (purl row) facing.
Row 9 – k3, p73, k3
Row 10 – k79
Repeat rows 9 and 10 until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side (purl row). Place stitch markers on either end of this last row. These will mark were to sew the crown seam to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (68st)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (57st)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (46st)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (35st)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (24st)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (13st)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in ends and block as necessary.
Nehemiah Bonnet PDF
