Looking for a knit feather and fan bonnet pattern? Find sweet designs on my hat pattern page—Ocean Bonnet is below!
When I first sat down to design a knit feather and fan bonnet pattern, I knew I wanted something that felt classic but had a little splash (pun totally intended). I mean, I love a good heirloom-style knit, especially when it pairs beautifully with a toddler-sized matching skirt. That’s how the Ocean Bonnet came to life—a delicate mix of texture, movement, and just enough flair to make it fun to knit and even more fun to style.
And yes, the matching Child Ocean Skirt is every bit as dreamy. You can dress up your little one in the full set for spring pictures, special occasions, or just because it’s a Tuesday and you want them to look extra cute. No judgment here.
What Makes This Knit Feather and Fan Bonnet Pattern So Special?
Let’s talk details. This knit feather and fan bonnet pattern is worked flat (my favorite for bonnets, honestly). The star of the show is a gentle feather and fan-style edging that creates a soft wave right across the face framing edge. It’s a delicate riff on the classic stitch pattern, and it adds just the right amount of visual interest without being fussy.
To keep things tidy, I added a picot hem along the bottom for that sweet, polished look. And of course, no bonnet is complete without i-cord ties! If you’ve never knit i-cords before, don’t worry—I’ve got a tutorial that’ll walk you through it.
The Ocean Bonnet pattern includes instructions for newborns all the way up through toddler/child sizes, so you can knit one for your brand new baby and then size up as they grow. And trust me, once you see it on your little one, you will want to make another.
The Yarn I Used: KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link)
For this version of the knit feather and fan bonnet pattern, I used KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link), and oh my goodness—it was love at first stitch. This yarn is soft, easy to work with, and has a gentle heathered tone that gives the finished bonnet that extra bit of depth.
Heatherly Sport (affiliate link) is a great choice for baby and toddler knits because it’s soft enough for sensitive skin but still holds its shape well through wear and wash. I’ve knit with it a bunch of times now, and it continues to be one of my go-to sport-weight yarns.
Why Feather and Fan?
I know there are tons of bonnet patterns out there, but the thing about feather and fan is that it gives such beautiful movement and texture with minimal effort. It’s one of those stitch patterns that looks way more complicated than it is. So if you’ve been nervous to try a lace edge, this knit feather and fan bonnet pattern is a great place to start.
And because the rest of the bonnet is knit flat in stockinette with just a little shaping, it’s a relaxing project that feels rewarding. Plus, I don’t know about you, but anytime I get to pair texture and function, I’m all in.
Matching the Ocean Bonnet to the Child Ocean Skirt
If you love putting together sibling sets or just adore the look of coordinating outfits, the Ocean Bonnet was made for the Child Ocean Skirt. Both pieces share that flowing, wavy vibe and work up beautifully in Heatherly Sport (affiliate link). The texture of the feather and fan edge plays so nicely with the movement in the skirt’s hemline, making this duo a total win for photos or gift-giving.
So if you’re looking for a full outfit to knit that has heirloom charm without a ton of complexity, this is it.
Other Knit Feather and Fan Bonnet Pattern Favorites
Over on my free hat pattern page, you’ll find more sweet bonnets and beanies to try. Some include classic stitches like ribbing and cables, while others branch into lace or textured fabric. But if you’re on the hunt specifically for a knit feather and fan bonnet pattern, the Ocean Bonnet is your girl.
That said, I’m always adding new designs, so keep checking back! There’s something about baby hats that just keeps calling me back to the drawing board.
Sizing and Fit for the Ocean Bonnet
This knit feather and fan bonnet pattern includes:
- Newborn
- Baby
- Toddler/Child
Each size has just the right amount of ease to gently cup the head without being too snug. I’ve knit this bonnet in several sizes now, and it grows well with the child, especially when paired with a stretchy i-cord tie.
And because it’s worked flat and seamed at the end, it’s also super easy to customize the fit if needed. Want to make it a little deeper or shallower? Just tweak your row count before starting the feather and fan edging.
Tips for Knitting the Ocean Bonnet
- Use a long-tail cast-on for a tidy edge.
- Steam block the feather and fan edge lightly to open up the waves.
- Knit the i-cords a bit longer for toddlers so they can tie a bow under the chin.
- Choose a heathered or tonal yarn like Heatherly Sport (affiliate link) to enhance the feather and fan texture.
Oh—and if you’re knitting this as a gift, pair it with the Child Ocean Skirt for major wow factor. I can’t tell you how many “where did you get that?” questions I’ve gotten when little ones wear the full set out and about.
Ready to Knit?
You can grab the Ocean Bonnet knit feather and fan bonnet pattern at the bottom of this post. It’s free, easy to follow, and designed with both beginners and experienced knitters in mind. Whether you’re making it for a newborn photo shoot, a spring outfit, or just to stash away for gifts, it’s one of those patterns you’ll return to again and again.
And don’t forget to check out the rest of the free hat patterns over on this page. You might just find your next favorite project while you’re there.
Ocean Bonnet Pattern
MATERIALS & INFO
Materials – appx 65-150yds sport weight (size 3) yarn (I used KnitPicks Heatherly Sport 328yd, 100g), size 5 (3.75mm) straight AND dpns, 2 stitch markers, yarn needle
Gauge -6sts/in
Sizes – newborn, baby, toddler/child
Appx Finished Measurements – (measurements are for bonnet when laid flat)
Newborn 5x5ins or 12.5×12.5cms
baby 6.5×6.5ins or 16x16cms
toddler/child 7.5×7.5ins 19x19cms
Ocean Bonnet is a classic styled bonnet with a ripple and picot edge.
I chose to use a soft wool blend yarn to make it a new-mom friendly bonnet.
Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
Cast on 57, 75, 93 sts using long tail cast on
Row 1 – Purl across
Row 2 – Knit across
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 (picot row) – K2 [k2tog, yo] repeat [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 5 – Purl across
Row 6 – Knit across
Row 7 – Purl across
Row 8 – fold cast on edge with wrong sides together, knitting 1stitch from cast on edge together with the corresponding stitch on your needles across (this creates a folded picot hem)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k2 [k2tog 3 times, yo, (k1, yo) 5 times, ssk 3 times, k1] across to last st, k1
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – knit across
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k2 [k2tog 3 times, yo, (k1, yo) 5 times, ssk 3 times, k1] across to last st, k1
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – knit across
Row 17 – purl across
Row 18 – k2 [k2tog 3 times, yo, (k1, yo) 5 times, ssk 3 times, k1] across to last st, k1
Work in stockinette stitch until your work measures 4, 5.25, 6.25ins or 10, 13, 15.5cms from the picot row. End after completing a purl row. Place a marker on either end of this last row. This will be where your seam ends to form the crown.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k2, [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (51, 67, 83sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k2, [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (45, 59, 73sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k2, [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (39, 51, 63sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k2, [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (33, 43, 53sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k2, [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (27, 35, 43sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k2, [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (21, 27, 33sts)
Row 12 – p1 [p1, p2tog] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, p2 (15, 19, 23sts)
Row 13 – k2 [k2tog] across (9, 11, 13sts)
Baby and toddler/Child sizes only. Newborn size skips row 14.
Row 14 – p1 [p2tog] across to last 2sts, p2 (x, 7, 8sts)
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). Sew your hemmed edge folding it on the picot row. I do a simple whip stitch here. This is a great video for this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRIFVhfOKTU Pick up 3sts along the front corner of your bonnet and work an i-cord for 12ins. Do the same on the opposite front corner. Weave in ends and block
ABBREVIATIONS
k – knit
P – purl
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
p2tog – purl 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
yo – yarn over
st – stitch
sts – stitches
Affiliate Disclaimer:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I truly use and love!