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As a passionate knitter and a mom, creating beautiful and functional pieces for newborns is one of my greatest joys. Today, I want to share two of my favorite knitting patterns that are perfect for newborn photo props: the Broken Rib Bonnet and Pixie Bonnet. These patterns are not only adorable but also timeless, adding a touch of classic charm to any newborn’s wardrobe. Both bonnets are crafted using KnitPicks Muse Aran, a delightful yarn that offers both softness and durability.
Why I Love These Patterns
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about knitting for newborns. The process itself feels meditative, and knowing that the finished product will keep a tiny head warm and cozy makes it all the more special. The Broken Rib Bonnet and Pixie Bonnet are particularly dear to me because they embody a sweet, traditional aesthetic while featuring a simple, textured pattern that’s enjoyable to knit.
The Charm of the Broken Rib Bonnet
The Broken Rib Bonnet is a classic piece that never goes out of style. Its design is straightforward yet elegant, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced knitters. The texture created by the broken rib pattern adds a subtle sophistication, perfect for those precious first photos of a newborn.
One of the aspects I love most about the Broken Rib Bonnet is its versatility. The pattern includes instructions for creating both a rounded back bonnet and a pixie style bonnet, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your little one. The rounded back version gives a traditional look, hugging the baby’s head and framing their face beautifully. On the other hand, the pixie style offers a whimsical touch, with its pointed shape adding a bit of playful character.
The Enchantment of the Pixie Bonnet
The Pixie Bonnet is equally delightful, offering a slightly different take on the traditional bonnet. Its pixie shape is perfect for those who want to add a bit of fairy-tale magic to their newborn’s wardrobe. This bonnet features the same charming broken rib texture, creating a cohesive look if you decide to knit both styles.
What makes the Pixie Bonnet stand out is its enchanting shape. The pointed top gives it a unique and whimsical appearance, making it an ideal choice for themed photo shoots or simply to add a touch of fun to everyday wear. Like the Broken Rib Bonnet, the Pixie Bonnet is designed to fit snugly, ensuring that it stays in place while keeping the baby warm and comfortable.
Working with KnitPicks Muse Aran Yarn
Choosing the right yarn is crucial when knitting for newborns, and KnitPicks Muse Aran is one of my top choices. This yarn is not only incredibly soft, making it gentle on delicate skin, but it also has the perfect amount of stretch and durability. This ensures that the bonnets maintain their shape while providing a comfortable fit.
Muse Aran comes in a variety of beautiful, rich colors, allowing you to customize your bonnets to suit your personal style or the theme of your photo shoot. Whether you prefer classic neutrals or vibrant hues, there’s a shade for every preference.
My Personal Knitting Experience
Knitting these bonnets has become a cherished tradition in my household. I remember the first time I knit the Broken Rib Bonnet; I was expecting my third child and wanted something special for her newborn photos. The process was so enjoyable that I found myself knitting several more for friends and family members.
The Pixie Bonnet was a delightful discovery later on. I was looking for something a bit different for a friend’s baby shower gift and stumbled upon the pattern. The whimsical shape immediately caught my eye, and I knew it would be perfect. Since then, I’ve knit it multiple times, and it never fails to bring a smile to the faces of new parents.
Tips for Knitting the Perfect Bonnet
To help you create the perfect bonnet, here are a few tips based on my experience:
- Swatch First: Always knit a swatch to check your gauge. This ensures that your bonnet will fit correctly.
- Choose the Right Needles: Using the recommended needle size for Muse Aran yarn will help you achieve the correct tension. I’ve found that bamboo needles work wonderfully with this yarn, offering a good grip and smooth knitting experience.
- Keep It Relaxed: Maintain a relaxed tension while knitting, especially when working the broken rib pattern. This will help the texture stand out and ensure a comfortable fit.
- Customize with Colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors. KnitPicks Muse Aran offers a fantastic range of shades, so you can create bonnets that match any theme or personal preference.
- Finishing Touches: Block your finished bonnet to give it a polished look. This will help the stitches settle and the texture to pop. For the ties, I prefer using I-cord for a neat and durable finish.
A Thoughtful Gift for New Parents
Hand-knitted bonnets make incredibly thoughtful gifts for new parents. They’re not only practical but also carry the warmth and love that comes with a handmade item. Every stitch is a testament to the care and effort put into creating something special for a new life. The Broken Rib Bonnet and Pixie Bonnet are patterns that I return to time and time again, knowing that they will be cherished by those who receive them.
Conclusion
In the world of knitting, few things are as rewarding as creating beautiful, functional pieces for newborns. The Broken Rib Bonnet and Pixie Bonnet are two patterns that stand out for their sweet, traditional charm and delightful textures. Using KnitPicks Muse Aran yarn adds an extra touch of luxury, making these bonnets perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.
Whether you’re knitting for your own little one or as a gift, these bonnets are sure to bring joy and warmth. I hope you find as much pleasure in knitting them as I have and that they become a beloved part of your knitting repertoire. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: appx 45-145yd worsted weight yarn each (I used knitpicks muse), size 8 (5mm) straight needles or (size needed to obtain gauge) and dpn needles, yarn needle
Gauge: appx 4.5sts/inch Gauge is very important!
Sizes (appx finished head circumference) [appx finished measurement laid flat]: 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
Broken Rib Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 45 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 3.5ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a row 2.
You will now start working in the round. Place all your stitches evenly distributed on 3 dpn needles and join in the round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k13] repeat [to] around (42sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (35sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (28sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (21sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (14sts)
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
0-3 Month
Cast on 49 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 4ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a row 2.
You will now start working in the round. Place all your stitches evenly distributed on 3 dpn needles and join in the round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (42sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (35sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (28sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (21sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (14sts)
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
3-6 Month
Cast on 55 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 4.5ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a row 2.
You will now start working in the round. Place all your stitches evenly distributed on 3 dpn needles and join in the round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – k2tog, knit around (54sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (45sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (36sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (27sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (18sts)
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
6-12 Month
Cast on 59 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 5ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a row 2.
You will now start working in the round. Place all your stitches evenly distributed on 3 dpn needles and join in the round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – k2tog,18, k2tog, k18, k2tog, k17 (56sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (48sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (40sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (32sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (24sts)
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (16sts)
Round 12 – knit around
Round 13 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
1-3yrs
Cast on 65 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 5.5ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a row 2.
You will now start working in the round. Place all your stitches evenly distributed on 3 dpn needles and join in the round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – k2tog,30, k2tog, k31 (63sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (54sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (45sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (36sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (27sts)
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (18sts)
Round 12 – knit around
Round 13 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
Broken Rib Pixie
Newborn
Cast on 45 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge.
Finish after completing a row 1.
Three needle bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
0-3 Month
Cast on 49 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge.
Finish after completing a row 1.
Three needle bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
3-6 Months
Cast on 55 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge.
Finish after completing a row 1.
Three needle bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
6-12 Months
Cast on 59 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 6.5ins from cast on edge.
Finish after completing a row 1.
Three needle bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
1-3 Years
Cast on 65 (I use long tail cast on)
Row 1 (wrong side) – p1 [k1, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 – knit across
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your work measures appx 7ins from cast on edge.
Finish after completing a row 1.
Three needle bind off. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 28ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
