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 incredibly special about knitting for a new baby, especially when that baby is your own. The anticipation of meeting your little one, the joy of creating something unique and handmade, and the love stitched into every row – it all combines to make baby knitting projects truly magical. Today, I want to share the story behind the Asher Bonnet and Baby Blanket, a design I created specifically for our precious little peanut, who was born in September 2014.
When I found out I was expecting, my mind immediately began to swirl with ideas for baby knits. I imagined all the tiny hats, cozy blankets, and adorable booties I could create. As someone who has always loved knitting, it felt natural to express my excitement and love through my craft. Plus, there’s something about newborn photo props that just tugs at my heartstrings – they’re the perfect way to capture those fleeting moments when your baby is so small and new.
The Inspiration Behind the Design
The Asher Bonnet and Baby Blanket set was inspired by the thought of having a little boy. We didn’t know the gender of our baby until birth, but I wanted to be prepared with something special just in case. I envisioned a classic, timeless set that would be both practical and beautiful. The bonnet needed to be snug and warm, perfect for those early autumn days. The blanket had to be soft and cozy, a comforting wrap for our new bundle of joy.
I chose KnitPicks Comfy Fingering yarn for the bonnet and KnitPicks Comfy Worsted for the blanket. This yarn is a delightful blend of cotton and acrylic, making it incredibly soft against a baby’s delicate skin. It’s also machine washable, which is a huge plus for anything baby-related. The colors available were perfect for my vision – soft, muted tones that would look great in photos and complement any newborn outfit.
Knitting the Bonnet
The Asher Bonnet is knit flat until the decreases on the crown, which makes it an ideal project for both beginner and experienced knitters. I wanted to create a pattern that was straightforward but still had a bit of interest. The bonnet starts with a simple garter stitch border, which provides a nice stretchy edge. Then, it transitions into Eleyet faux cable stitch for the main body. This combination of stitches gives the bonnet a clean, classic look.
As I knit each row, I imagined our baby wearing the bonnet, snug and warm. I thought about how it would frame his tiny face and how the soft yarn would feel against his skin. Each stitch was filled with anticipation and love. When I reached the crown, the decreases formed a neat, rounded shape that fit perfectly. I finished the bonnet with ties to keep it securely in place, ensuring it would stay on even the wiggliest of babies.
Creating the Baby Blanket
The Asher Baby Blanket was a joy to knit. I wanted it to be large enough to wrap around our baby but not so big that it would be cumbersome. I decided on a simple yet elegant design, focusing on texture to add interest. The blanket features a combination of garter stitch and a subtle lace pattern, which gives it a lovely texture without being too fussy.
Knitting the blanket was a meditative process. I loved watching the rows grow and the pattern emerge. The garter stitch sections added a nice squishy texture, perfect for snuggling. The lace pattern was simple enough to knit while watching TV but added just the right amount of detail to make the blanket special.
The Finished Set
When the Asher Bonnet and Baby Blanket were complete, I couldn’t wait to use them. Our baby arrived in September 2014, a beautiful little boy who fit perfectly into the items I had made. Seeing him wrapped in the blanket and wearing the bonnet was a moment of pure joy. The soft colors and textures complemented his delicate features, and the photos we took will always be cherished memories.
The bonnet fit snugly, keeping him warm during those early days. The blanket was perfect for wrapping him up for naps and outings. Knowing that these items were made with love and care made them even more special. They weren’t just practical – they were a tangible expression of my excitement and love for our new baby.
Sharing the Pattern
After receiving so many compliments on the set and seeing how well it worked for our little one, I decided to share the pattern with others. Knitting has always been a way for me to connect with other crafters, and I love the idea of other babies being wrapped in cozy handmade items created from my designs.
The Asher Bonnet and Baby Blanket pattern is now available for free, and I’ve been thrilled to see how many people have enjoyed knitting it. Each time someone shares a photo of their finished set, it brings back all the wonderful memories of those early days with our baby boy.
Final Thoughts
Knitting for a new baby is one of the most rewarding experiences. The Asher Bonnet and Baby Blanket set is not just a pattern – it’s a piece of our family’s story. It represents the excitement, love, and anticipation of welcoming a new life into our home. Every stitch holds a memory, every row a hope for the future.
I hope that by sharing this pattern, others can experience the same joy and connection that I felt while creating it. Whether you’re knitting for your own little one or for a friend’s baby, the Asher Bonnet and Baby Blanket set is a beautiful way to welcome a new life into the world. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Asher Bonnet
Materials: KnitPicks Comfy Fingering yarn, size 3 (3.25mm) straight and dpn needles, size f crochet hook
Gauge: 7sts/in – in pattern (rows 1-6) ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Stitch Key:
st – stitch co – cast on
k – knit k2tog – knit 2 together
yo – yarn over psso – pass slipped stitch over
sl – slip stitch
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins)
Asher Baby Blanket
Materials: 200/440/620yds of worsted weight yarn (I used Knitpicks Comfy Worsted), Size 8 (5mm) needles
Gauge: 4sts/in in stockinette stitch
Finished Blanket Sizes:
Mini Blanket – 18ins x 18ins
Car Seat/Stroller Blanket – 22ins x 27ins
Crib Blanket – 26ins x 32ins
Stitch Key:
st – stitch co – cast on
k – knit k2tog – knit 2 together
yo – yarn over psso – pass slipped stitch over
sl – slip stitch
Asher Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Provisional cast on 71sts (links provided at the end of the pattern) with straight pattern.
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – k1 [p3, yo]repeat across to last st, k1
Row 3 – k1 [yo, drop the next loop (the increase from previous row), sl1, k2, psso both sts] repeat across to last st, k1
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – knit across
Row 6 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-6 until your work measures 4ins from cast on edge ending after working an odd numbered row (front side). Slip all stitches to your dpn. You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – k2tog, k around (70sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (60sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k4] repeat around (50sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (40sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (30sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (20sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern). Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of i-cord you have already worked. Once all of the sts have been bound off work an additional 8ins of i-cord. Weave in ends.
0-3mths
Provisional cast on 77sts (links provided at the end of the pattern) with straight pattern.
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – k1 [p3, yo]repeat across to last st, k1
Row 3 – k1 [yo, drop the next loop (the increase from previous row), sl1, k2,psso both sts] repeat across to last st, k1
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – knit across
Row 6 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-6 until your work measures 4.5ins from cast on edge ending after working an odd numbered row (front side). Slip all stitches to your dpn. You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (66sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3– [k2tog, k4] repeat around (55sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (44sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (33sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (22sts)
Round 10 – [k2tog] repeat around (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 11sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern). Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of i-cord you have already worked. Once all of the sts have been bound off work an additional 8ins of i-cord. Weave in ends.
3-6mths
Provisional cast on 86sts (links provided at the end of the pattern) with straight pattern.
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – k1 [p3, yo]repeat across to last st, k1
Row 3 – k1 [yo, drop the next loop (the increase from previous row), sl1, k2,psso both sts] repeat across to last st, k1
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – knit across
Row 6 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-6 until your work measures 5ins from cast on edge ending after working an odd numbered row (front side). Slip all stitches to your dpn. You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k41] repeat around (84sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (72sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4– [k2tog, k4] repeat around (60sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (48sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (36sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (24sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat around (12sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 12sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern). Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of i-cord you have already worked. Once all of the sts have been bound off work anadditional 8ins ofi-cord. Weave in ends.
6-12mths
Provisional cast on 98sts (links provided at the end of the pattern) with straight pattern.
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – k1 [p3, yo]repeat across to last st, k1
Row 3 – k1 [yo, drop the next loop (the increase from previous row), sl1, k2,psso both sts] repeat across to last st, k1
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – knit across
Row 6 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-6 until your work measures 5.5ins from cast on edge ending after working an odd numbered row (front side). Slip all stitches to your dpn. You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (84sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3– [k2tog, k4] repeat around (70sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (56sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (42sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (28sts)
Round 10 – [k2tog] repeat around (14sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 14sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern). Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of i-cord you have already worked. Once all of the sts have been bound off work an additional 8ins ofi-cord. Weave in ends.
Asher Baby Blanket Pattern
Mini Blanket
Cast on 75sts.
Rows 1-6- knit across
Row 7 – k3 [p3, yo]repeat across to last st, k3
Row 8 – k3 [yo, drop the next loop (the increase from previous row), sl1, k2, psso both sts] repeat across to last st, k3
Row 9 – k3,purl across to last 3sts, k3
Row 10 – knit across
Row 11 – k3,purl across to last 3sts, k3
Row 12 – knit across
Repeat rows 7-12 until your work measures 17ins from cast on edge. For best results end after working a row 8 repeat.
Knit for 5 rows and cast off.
Car Seat/Stroller
Cast on 83sts.
Rows 1-8- knit across
Row 9 – k4 [p3, yo]repeat across to last st, k4
Row 10 – k4 [yo, drop the next loop (the increase from previous row), sl1, k2, psso both sts] repeat across to last st, k4
Row 11 – k4,purl across to last 3sts, k4
Row 12 – knit across
Row 13 – k4,purl across to last 3sts, k4
Row 14 – knit across
Repeat rows 9-14 until your work measures 24.5ins from cast on edge. For best results end after working a row 10 repeat.
Knit for 7 rows and cast off.
Crib Blanket
Cast on 103sts.
Rows 1-10- knit across
Row 11 – k5 [p3, yo]repeat across to last st, k5
Row 12 – k5 [yo, drop the next loop (the increase from previous row), sl1, k2, psso both sts] repeat across to last st, k5
Row 13 – k5,purl across to last 5sts, k5
Row 14 – knit across
Row 15 – k5,purl across to last 5sts, k5
Row 16 – knit across
Repeat rows 11-16 until your work measures 31.5ins from cast on edge. For best results end after working a row 12 repeat.
Knit for 9 rows and cast off.
Asher Bonnet and Baby Blanket PDF
