Looking for a vintage inspired bonnet pattern? Visit my photo prop pattern page—this one’s at the bottom!
There’s something undeniably timeless about a bonnet—especially one with a delicate lace motif and a story rooted in nature. If you’re on the hunt for a vintage inspired bonnet pattern, let me take you behind the scenes of one of my all-time favorite designs: the Clover Bonnet. This baby bonnet was born from a quiet moment in my yard, surrounded by clover, with the warm sun and the joyful sounds of my kids playing in the background. It’s the kind of knitting project that not only looks beautiful but also carries a little piece of real-life inspiration in every stitch.
And yes, this vintage inspired bonnet pattern is right at the bottom of this post. But if you’re looking for more photo prop treasures, check out my full collection of free photo prop patterns. There’s something for every vibe and season.
Inspiration Behind This Vintage Inspired Bonnet Pattern
The idea for this vintage inspired bonnet pattern bloomed (literally) in my backyard. I was watching my little ones run barefoot through the grass when I noticed how the clover leaves caught the sunlight—just the softest glint, like nature’s lace. Right then, I knew I wanted to knit something that felt just as delicate and special.
Clover has always been one of those small-but-mighty details in nature that gets me every time. It’s humble, it’s soft, and it’s wildly underrated. I wanted this vintage inspired bonnet pattern to mirror that—elegant without being over-the-top, detailed without being fussy.
Yarn Matters: Why I Chose KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link)
When I started swatching for this project, I knew the yarn had to pull its weight—both in texture and softness. I went with KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link), and honestly, it was the perfect call.
This yarn is a merino wool and cashmere blend that delivers all the cozy feels without sacrificing stitch definition. That little cashmere sheen? Chef’s kiss. And with the lace motif in this vintage inspired bonnet pattern, you really want the yarn to catch the light and show off the detail.
Plus, for something that’s going on a newborn’s head, comfort is key. KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) is soft enough to cuddle with, but still knits up with beautiful structure.
Designing the Clover Lace Motif
I wanted the lace to hint at the clover shapes without being cartoonish. It needed to say “vintage elegance” more than “St. Patrick’s Day party.” Designing a lace panel for a vintage inspired bonnet pattern that walks that line was tricky—but totally worth it.
After more sketches and swatches than I care to admit, I landed on a pattern of gentle curves and tiny open spaces that remind me of clover leaves without spelling it out too literally. It’s just enough to make you do a double take, and it gives this vintage inspired bonnet pattern that extra something special.
Knitting the Clover Bonnet
This vintage inspired bonnet pattern is knit in one piece, which always makes my heart happy. There’s something soothing about watching it take shape without any major assembly.
The pattern starts at the back of the head and works its way forward, incorporating the lace motif right into the body of the bonnet. I’d call it intermediate-level—nothing too wild, but it does require a bit of attention, especially during the lace sections.
Once you get the rhythm, though? Oh, it’s bliss. I’ve knit this vintage inspired bonnet pattern more times than I can count, and it never gets old.
Color Options for Every Season
One of my favorite things about a good vintage inspired bonnet pattern is how easily it shifts with the seasons. I knit my original Clover Bonnet in a soft, leafy green, but I’ve also tried it in ivory, dusty rose, and even a warm mustard yellow.
KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) comes in a great range of colors, so it’s easy to match the vibe you’re going for. Want something springy? Go for a light green or cream. Fall session coming up? Burgundy or gold are dreamy.
And no matter what shade you choose, the lace design in this vintage inspired bonnet pattern will shine through.
A Perfect Prop for Newborn Photography
If you’ve been around here long, you know I love a good photo prop. This vintage inspired bonnet pattern is a dream for newborn photographers—soft texture, delicate lace, and that old-fashioned charm that photographs beautifully.
I love how the lace provides just a hint of lightness and breathability. That way, baby stays comfortable, but the bonnet still frames their sweet little face like a halo. Pair it with a floral wrap or a simple onesie, and boom—instant photo magic.
(And yep, I used KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) for all of those photos you see in the post. It just glows in the camera light.)
Bringing a Personal Touch to Every Stitch
What really makes this vintage inspired bonnet pattern feel special to me is how personal it is. Every time I knit it, I’m brought back to that sunny afternoon with my kids, surrounded by clover and joy. That moment of stillness and gratitude is now stitched into every row.
And I love knowing that when you knit this bonnet, you’re adding your own story to it—whether it’s for a grandbaby, a customer, or your own little bundle.
Knitting this vintage inspired bonnet pattern is like bottling up a peaceful moment and tying it with a bow.
Want More Like This?
The Clover Bonnet isn’t the only gem in my collection. You can find more patterns like this on my free photo prop pattern page. Whether you love lace, texture, or sweet vintage touches, there’s plenty to explore.
But if it’s this vintage inspired bonnet pattern you’re after, scroll to the bottom of the post to grab it. I’ve made it super easy for you to cast on and get stitching.
Final Thoughts on the Clover Bonnet
This vintage inspired bonnet pattern has become one of my favorites—not just because it’s beautiful, but because it captures a feeling. There’s something so grounding about taking a quiet moment in nature and turning it into something tangible and wearable.
With KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link), a few hours, and a little inspiration, you can create a lace bonnet that brings softness, elegance, and a little bit of clover charm into the world.
So whether you’re knitting for your next newborn session or just need a project that feels peaceful and pretty, I hope this vintage inspired bonnet pattern becomes a favorite of yours too.
Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: appx 60-120yd dk weight yarn (I used knitpicks capra), size 6 (4mm) straight needles and double pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge), 4mm crochet hook for provisional cast on
Gauge: appx 5sts/inch Gauge is very important!
Sizes (appx finished head circumference) : newborn (13ins), 0-3mths (14 ins), 3-6mths (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins), 1-3yrs (17ins)
Notes: In this pattern there is a provisional cast on and an Icord bind off.
I-cord instructions – To make an i-cord cast on 3 sts on double pointed needles. Slide these sts to the right of your needle. Knit the row. Slide the sts to the right of the needle. Knit the row and slide the sts to the right of the needle. Continue in this manner until you reach your desired length, occasionally giving the resulting cord a gentle tug.
Clover Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Provisional cast on 55sts
Row 1 (wrong side)– purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k2, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, yo, k2
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k2, k2tog, yo, [k6, k2tog, yo] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k3
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – knit across
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k6, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 6 sts, yo, k6
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k6, [k2tog, yo, k6] repeat [to] across to last st, k1
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 4ins ending after a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: k2tog k3 around (44sts)
rd 2: knit around
rd 3: k2tog k2 around (33sts)
rd 4: knit around
rd 5: k2tog k1 around (22sts)
rd 6: knit around
rd 7: k2tog (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain 11sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord. 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 all of your ends.
0-3mths
Provisional cast on 60sts
Row 1 (wrong side)– purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k4, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 5 sts, yo, k5
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k4, k2tog, yo, [k6, k2tog, yo] repeat [to] across to last 6 sts, k6
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – knit across
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k8, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 9 sts, yo, k9
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k8, [k2tog, yo, k6] repeat [to] across to last 4 sts, k4
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 4.5ins ending after completing a right side row.
rd 1: k2tog k3 around (48sts)
rd 2: knit around
rd 3: k2tog k2 around (36sts)
rd 4: knit around
rd 5: k2tog k1 around (24sts)
rd 6: knit around
rd 7: k2tog (12sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain 12sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord. 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 all of your ends.
3-6mths
Provisional cast on 66sts
Row 1 (wrong side)– purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 4 sts, yo, k4
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k3, k2tog, yo, [k6, k2tog, yo] repeat [to] across to last 5 sts, k5
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – knit across
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k7, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 8
sts, yo, k8
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k7, [k2tog, yo, k6] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k3
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 5ins ending after completing a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: k2tog k4 around (55 sts)
rd 2: knit around
rd 3: k2tog k3 around (44sts)
rd 4: knit around
rd 5: k2tog k2 around (33sts)
rd 6: knit around
rd 7: k2tog k1 around (22sts)
rd 8: k2tog (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain 11sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8-9ins of i-cord. 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 8-9ins of i-cord.
Weave in all of your ends.
6-12mths
Provisional cast on 72sts
Row 1 (wrong side)– purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, yo, k2
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k3, k2tog, yo, [k6, k2tog, yo] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k3
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – knit across
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k7, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 6 sts, yo, k6
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k7, [k2tog, yo, k6] repeat [to] across to last 1 sts , k1
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 5.5ins ending after completing a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: k2tog k4 around (60 sts)
rd 2: knit around
rd 3: k2tog k3 around (48sts)
rd 4: knit around
rd 5: k2tog k2 around (36sts)
rd 6: knit around
rd 7: k2tog k1 around (24sts)
rd 8: k2tog (12sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain 12sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8-9ins of i-cord. 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 8-9ins of i-cord.
Weave in all of your ends.
1-3yrs
Provisional cast on 79sts
Row 1 (wrong side)– purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k2, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, yo, k2
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k2, k2tog, yo, [k6, k2tog, yo] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k3
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – knit across
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k6, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [yo, k5, yo,sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] across to last 6 sts, yo, k6
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k6, [k2tog, yo, k6] repeat [to] across to last st, k1
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 6ins ending after completing a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: k2tog k37 k2tog k36 (77sts)
rd 2: k2tog k5 around (66sts)
rd 3: knit around
rd 4: k2tog k4 around (55sts)
rd 5: knit around
rd 6: k2tog k3 around (44sts)
rd 7: knit around
rd 8: k2tog k2 around (33sts)
rd 9: knit around
rd 10: k2tog k1 around (22sts)
rd 11: k2tog (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain 11sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8-9ins of i-cord. 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 8-9ins of i-cord.
Weave in all of your ends.
Clover Bonnet PDF
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