This free cable pixie bonnet pattern is just one of the sweet photo prop designs featured on my Photo Prop Pattern Page—you’ll find this one at the bottom!
There’s something so perfectly nostalgic about a pixie-style bonnet, and when you throw a cable down the middle? Instant charm. I’m thrilled to share my latest obsession: this free cable pixie bonnet pattern—a sweet and simple newborn photo prop with just the right touch of texture and whimsy. It’s got all the cozy vibes a tiny head could want, and I had an absolute blast knitting it.
This free cable pixie bonnet pattern lives at the bottom of this post, but if you’re on the hunt for more adorable photo prop ideas, definitely take a peek at the full collection on my Photo Prop Pattern Page!
The Inspiration Behind This Free Cable Pixie Bonnet Pattern
This one started with a craving for cables. Not the complicated kind that makes you question your life choices—but a clean, central cable that adds just enough detail to feel special. I’ve always loved how cables elevate a simple shape. Pair that with the playful structure of a pixie bonnet and you’ve got a free cable pixie bonnet pattern that’s both elegant and adorable.
I wanted something that felt timeless but was also easy to knit. Something any knitter could confidently cast on with a cup of tea and a baby shower deadline. Mission accomplished.
Yarn Picks: KnitPicks Reverie and Hobbii Fluffy Day
Now, let’s talk yarn because it really makes or breaks a photo prop. I knit mine up in two yarns I can’t stop talking about—KnitPicks Reverie (affiliate link) and Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link). Both are dreamy, lightweight, and perfect for that soft baby fluff look.
KnitPicks Reverie (affiliate link) is a baby alpaca blend with a light halo that gives the bonnet a gentle, ethereal finish. It feels like knitting with a cloud—ideal for those snuggly newborn shoots.
On the flip side, Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link) is a great budget-friendly option with tons of color choices. It’s an acrylic-nylon blend that still gives you that same softness and fluffiness without the higher price point. Win-win.
No matter which you choose, you’ll get the soft texture and light warmth that makes this free cable pixie bonnet pattern perfect for baby skin and camera lenses alike.
Knitting the Bonnet: My Step-by-Step Experience
Let me walk you through how I made this little bonnet using the free cable pixie bonnet pattern. Spoiler: it was so fun I may have made more than one.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Here’s what you’ll need for this free cable pixie bonnet pattern:
- About 100g of KnitPicks Reverie (affiliate link) or Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link)
- US size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
- A cable needle
- A few stitch markers
- Tapestry needle for finishing
Simple tools for a sweet knit.
Step 2: Cast On and Ribbing
I started by casting on stitches for the brim. The 1×1 ribbing keeps the fit snug but stretchy, which is perfect for a newborn who might actually want to wear it without fussing. The ribbing section worked up quickly and gave me a little bit of “I’m being productive” joy right off the bat.
Step 3: That Glorious Cable
Let’s be honest—this is the real star of the free cable pixie bonnet pattern. The central cable adds so much personality without being fussy. It’s the kind of cable you can do while watching a show (or in my case, refereeing sibling squabbles).
I used a simple 6-stitch cable repeated at intervals to create a braid-like twist that runs straight down the top of the bonnet. And seeing it come together row by row? So satisfying.
Step 4: Shaping the Pixie Point
This is the part that gives the free cable pixie bonnet pattern its signature silhouette. The gradual decreases create that cute little point at the back, and the shaping is super intuitive.
Pixie bonnets just have that extra flair that makes newborns look like storybook characters, and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Step 5: The Finishing Touches
Once the knitting was done, I used mattress stitch to seam up the back. If you haven’t tried mattress stitch before, it’s perfect for projects like this—nearly invisible and super clean.
A few quick weaves of the ends, and voilà! The free cable pixie bonnet pattern was ready to wear (well, for someone much smaller than me).
Why I Love Knitting Newborn Photo Props
There’s something extra special about knitting for newborns. These tiny pieces are quick, packed with love, and become keepsakes in a way that few other projects do.
With the free cable pixie bonnet pattern, I knew I was making more than just a cute hat—I was creating something that could be part of a family’s very first photos. And let’s be real, it’s kind of amazing that two needles and some yarn can turn into something that meaningful.
Pro Tips for Your Own Free Cable Pixie Bonnet Pattern
If you’re planning to knit this bonnet, here are a few things I learned along the way:
Have fun with colors: Fluffy Day (affiliate link) especially comes in so many gorgeous shades—it doesn’t have to be pastel!
Use soft yarns: Your best bet is KnitPicks Reverie (affiliate link) or Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link)—both are lightweight, fuzzy, and baby-friendly.
Don’t skip the swatch: Especially if you’ve never worked with haloed yarn before. Gauge matters for that snug pixie fit.
Master the cable: Practice it a few times on a swatch to get your tension even. It really is a simple one!
Block it lightly: A little steam blocking helps bring out the cable definition without flattening the fluff.
Wrapping It Up (with Yarn, of Course)
So that’s the story behind my free cable pixie bonnet pattern. A sweet little knit that brings together texture, whimsy, and newborn coziness in the best way. Whether you’re making it for your own baby, a photography prop stash, or a heartfelt gift, this bonnet is a fast favorite.
And don’t forget—this free cable pixie bonnet pattern is just one of many photo props I’ve shared. You can find the full collection right here on my photo prop pattern page, and this exact pattern is waiting for you at the bottom of that page.
Can’t wait to see how yours turns out—be sure to tag me if you share it on social! Let’s keep knitting beautiful things together.
Materials and Info
Materials – 60-125yds of worsted weight (4) yarn (I used KnitPicks Reverie and Hobbii Fluffy Day), size 8 (5mm) straight needles and 1 spare in the same size for bind off.
Gauge – 4sts/inch *Gauge is very important!*
Sizes (appx head circumference) – newborn (13in), 0-3mth (14in), 3-6mth (15in), 6-12mth (16in)
Three needle bind-off: With right sides together, separate your work evenly onto 2 needles, hold the two pieces of knitting together with the points facing to the right. Insert the third needle into the first stitch on each of the needles knitwise, starting with the front needle. Work a knit stitch, pulling the loop through both of the stitches you’ve inserted the third needle through. After you’ve pulled the loop through, slip the first stitch off of each of the needles. This takes two stitches (one from the front needle and one from the back) and joins them to make one finished stitch on the third needle (held in your right hand). Repeat this motion, inserting your needle into one stitch on the front and back needles, knitting them together and slipping them off of the needles. Each time you complete a second stitch, pass the first finished stitch over the second and off of the needle (as you would in a traditional bind-off). Repeat until all the stitches have been worked.
Stitch Key
cb4- sl the next 2 sts onto you cable needle, hold in back, k the next 2 sts, k the 2 sts on your cable needle cf4- sl the next 2 sts onto you cable needle, hold in front, k the next 2 sts, k the 2 sts on your cable needle
Cable Hood Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 46 sts.
Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Row 1 – k18, p1, k8, p1, k18
Row 2 and all even (wrong side) rows – p18, k1, p8, k1, p18
Row 3 – k18, p1, cb4, cf4, p1, k18
Row 5, 7 – k18, p1, k8, p1, k18
Repeat rows 3-8 until your work measures 5ins from cast on edge.
3-needle bind off.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)
0-3mths
Cast on 50 sts.
Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Row 1 – k20, p1, k8, p1, k20
Row 2 and all even (wrong side) rows – p20, k1, p8, k1, p20
Row 3 – k20, p1, cb4, cf4, p1, k20
Row 5, 7 – k20, p1, k8, p1, k20
Repeat rows 3-8 until your work measures 5.5ins from cast on edge.
3-needle bind off.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)
3-6mths
Cast on 54 sts.
Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Row 1 – k22, p1, k8, p1, k22
Row 2 and all even (wrong side) rows – p22, k1, p8, k1, p22
Row 3 – k22, p1, cb4, cf4, p1, k22
Row 5, 7 – k22, p1, k8, p1, k22
Repeat rows 3-8 until your work measures 6ins from cast on edge.
3-needle bind off.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)
6-12mths
Cast on 58 sts.
Always slip the first st of the row purlwise for a neat edge.
Row 1 – k24, p1, k8, p1, k24
Row 2 and all even (wrong side) rows – p24, k1, p8, k1, p24
Row 3 – k24, p1, cb4, cf4, p1, k24 Row 5, 7 – k24, p1, k8, p1, k24
Repeat rows 3-8 until your work measures 6.5ins from cast on edge.
3-needle bind off.
Cut 3 pieces of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and secure. Now braid loosely to desired length. Clip ends. Repeat on the other side. Block so edges lay flat. (see instructions at the end of the pattern if you don’t know how to do this)
Blocking your work
To make sure your project lays flat you may want to block it. This will work better if you are using a natural fiber (wool, cotton, etc) over a synthetic (acrylics).
Wet your project with cool water.
Gently squeeze excess water out. Doing this too vigorously could felt wool so be very gentle.
Pin your project with stainless steel or rust proof pins as pictured. I like to use one of the “puzzle tiles” that are for a child’s playroom floor.
Cable Hood PDF
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