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As I sit in my yard, surrounded by a sea of clover, I can’t help but marvel at the beauty of these humble little plants. Their delicate, three-leafed shapes and soft, velvety texture have always fascinated me. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so breathtaking. It was in one of these moments of quiet reflection that the inspiration for my latest knitting project, the Clover Bonnet, was born.

The Clover Bonnet is a newborn photo prop that captures the essence of the clover-filled yard I cherish. I wanted to create a bonnet that was not only beautiful but also evoked the gentle elegance of the clover plant. The result is a charming, lace motif bonnet that is perfect for capturing those precious first photos of a newborn.

Inspiration from Nature

The idea for the Clover Bonnet came to me one sunny afternoon as I watched my children play in the yard. The clover was in full bloom, its tiny white flowers dotting the green expanse like little stars. The way the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting intricate shadows on the ground, was mesmerizing. I knew I wanted to translate that beauty into a knitting pattern.

Clover, to me, symbolizes simplicity and grace. It’s a reminder of the small, often overlooked wonders that surround us every day. In designing the Clover Bonnet, I aimed to encapsulate that sense of wonder and bring a touch of nature’s elegance into my knitting.

The Yarn: KnitPicks Capra

Choosing the right yarn for the Clover Bonnet was crucial. I wanted something that would not only showcase the intricate lace motif but also feel soft and gentle against a newborn’s delicate skin. After much consideration, I decided on KnitPicks Capra.

KnitPicks Capra is a luxurious blend of merino wool and cashmere. The merino wool provides warmth and elasticity, while the cashmere adds an unparalleled softness and a slight sheen that highlights the lace pattern beautifully. The yarn is available in a range of lovely colors, but for this project, I opted for a soft, natural shade that mimics the fresh, green hue of clover leaves.

Designing the Lace Motif

The lace motif in the Clover Bonnet is designed to resemble the shape of clover leaves. Creating a lace pattern that was both simple and elegant was a challenge, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I wanted the motif to be recognizable as clover, yet subtle enough to maintain the overall delicate aesthetic of the bonnet.

I started by sketching out a few designs, experimenting with different combinations of yarn overs and decreases to create the clover shapes. Once I had a design I was happy with, I swatched it to see how it would look in the chosen yarn. The first few attempts were not quite right, but with some adjustments, I finally achieved the look I was aiming for.

The finished lace motif is a series of small, interconnected clover shapes that flow seamlessly across the bonnet. The openwork pattern adds a light, airy feel to the bonnet, making it perfect for spring and summer photo shoots.

Knitting the Clover Bonnet

Knitting the Clover Bonnet is a joy. The pattern is simple enough for intermediate knitters, yet the lace motif adds an element of challenge that keeps it interesting. The bonnet is knit in one piece, starting at the back and working towards the front, with the lace motif incorporated into the main body of the bonnet.

The lace pattern requires a bit of concentration, but once you get into the rhythm of the stitches, it becomes almost meditative. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching the clover shapes emerge from your needles, row by row.

One of the things I love most about this pattern is its versatility. By changing the yarn color, you can create bonnets that evoke different moods and seasons. A soft green captures the fresh, new growth of spring, while a deeper shade of green or even a rich burgundy can give the bonnet a more autumnal feel.

Perfect for Newborn Photos

The Clover Bonnet makes a wonderful addition to any newborn photographer’s collection of props. Its delicate lace motif and soft, luxurious yarn create a beautiful, timeless look that enhances the natural beauty of a newborn.

When it comes to newborn photography, the right props can make all the difference. The Clover Bonnet adds a touch of elegance and charm to any photo session, whether you’re capturing the first few days of a baby’s life or creating a series of milestone photos throughout the first year.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the bonnet is also practical. The lace pattern provides just the right amount of ventilation, ensuring that the baby stays comfortable during the photo session. The softness of the KnitPicks Capra yarn ensures that the bonnet won’t irritate delicate skin, making it a perfect choice for those early, sensitive days.

A Personal Touch

For me, knitting the Clover Bonnet is more than just creating a beautiful photo prop. It’s a way to connect with nature and bring a piece of the outside world into my craft. Each stitch is a reminder of the clover-filled yard that inspired the design, and the simple beauty of the natural world.

Sharing the Clover Bonnet pattern with others is a way to spread that inspiration. I hope that those who knit this bonnet will feel the same sense of wonder and appreciation for the small, beautiful things in life that I do. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, I encourage you to give this pattern a try and see where your own inspiration takes you.

Conclusion

The Clover Bonnet is a celebration of nature’s elegance and simplicity. Inspired by the clover-filled yard that I cherish, this newborn photo prop captures the delicate beauty of clover leaves in a soft, luxurious lace motif. Knit with KnitPicks Capra yarn, the bonnet is not only beautiful but also gentle on a newborn’s delicate skin.

Knitting the Clover Bonnet is a joyful experience, a chance to bring a touch of nature’s grace into your craft. I hope that this pattern inspires you to look at the world around you with fresh eyes and find beauty in the simple, everyday wonders. 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