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As a dedicated knitter and a passionate photographer specializing in newborn photography props, I always seek to create pieces that exude charm and elegance while capturing the innocence of a newborn. Today, I am thrilled to share my latest creation: the Coral Bonnet and Romper set. This delightful ensemble is crafted using KnitPicks Aloft yarn, renowned for its luxurious softness and beautiful halo effect, making it an ideal choice for delicate baby knits.
Inspiration Behind the Design
The inspiration for the Coral Bonnet and Romper set came from my desire to create a timeless piece that combines vintage charm with modern elegance. The bonnet and romper feature a stunning lace pattern that adds an element of sophistication and texture, perfect for those precious newborn photos. The lace pattern is intricate yet easy to follow, creating a delicate and airy look that beautifully complements a newborn’s soft features.
Choosing the Yarn
Selecting the right yarn for this project was crucial. I wanted something that would feel gentle against a newborn’s sensitive skin while providing a lovely drape and texture to highlight the lace pattern. KnitPicks Aloft yarn was the perfect choice. This lace-weight yarn is a blend of super kid mohair and silk, offering a soft and airy feel with a subtle sheen that enhances the overall look of the finished pieces. The yarn’s lightness and warmth ensure the baby stays comfortable during photoshoots, adding to its appeal as a newborn photo prop.
Crafting the Bonnet
The bonnet is often the highlight of a newborn photo shoot, framing the baby’s face and drawing attention to their delicate features. The Coral Bonnet features an all-over lace pattern that is both visually appealing and functional. The lace allows for breathability, ensuring the baby remains comfortable even if the photoshoot takes a bit longer than anticipated.
I started the bonnet with a provisional cast-on, which allows for a seamless finish when the edges are joined. The lace pattern, reminiscent of delicate coral branches, is worked throughout the entire bonnet, creating a uniform and elegant look. The bonnet is finished with a simple yet charming tie that can be adjusted to fit snugly around the baby’s head.
Working with KnitPicks Aloft yarn for the bonnet was a delightful experience. The yarn’s fine fibers glided smoothly on my needles, making it easy to maintain an even tension and achieve a consistent lace pattern. The end result was a beautifully soft and airy bonnet that I was eager to see in action during a photoshoot.
Creating the Romper
The romper, designed to complement the bonnet, features the same delicate lace pattern on the bib, creating a cohesive and charming set. The rest of the romper is knit in a simple, stockinette stitch, allowing the lace bib to stand out as the focal point. The romper has a practical yet stylish design, with adjustable straps that ensure a perfect fit for various newborn sizes.
I paid special attention to the construction of the romper, aiming for both aesthetics and functionality. The lace bib adds a touch of elegance, while the stockinette stitch body provides a smooth and comfortable fit. The leg openings are designed with gentle ribbing to keep the romper in place without causing any discomfort to the baby.
Knitting the romper with KnitPicks Aloft yarn was a joy. The yarn’s blend of mohair and silk gave the romper a beautiful drape and a luxurious feel. The lace pattern on the bib was particularly satisfying to knit, as the yarn’s softness and halo effect accentuated the delicate details of the lace.
Tips for Knitting with KnitPicks Aloft Yarn
Working with lace-weight yarn, especially one as fine and delicate as KnitPicks Aloft, can be a bit challenging if you’re not used to it. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Use Sharp Needles: Sharp knitting needles are essential when working with lace patterns. They help you make precise stitches and work the yarn overs and decreases smoothly.
- Maintain Even Tension: Keeping an even tension is crucial to achieve a consistent lace pattern. Practice a few swatches if needed to get comfortable with the yarn.
- Block Your Pieces: Blocking is an important step when working with lace. It helps to open up the lace pattern and give your finished pieces a polished look. Gently wash and shape your bonnet and romper, pinning them out to the desired dimensions and allowing them to dry completely.
- Handle with Care: KnitPicks Aloft yarn is delicate, so handle it gently to avoid damaging the fibers. Take your time and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful.
The Joy of Creating for Newborn Photography
There is something incredibly special about creating handmade items for newborn photography. Each stitch is a labor of love, and knowing that these pieces will be part of cherished memories for families makes the effort even more rewarding. The Coral Bonnet and Romper set is not just a knitting project; it’s a way to capture the fleeting moments of a newborn’s early days in a beautiful and timeless manner.
Seeing the finished bonnet and romper on a newborn, with their delicate features framed by the soft lace and luxurious yarn, brings a sense of accomplishment and joy that is hard to match. It’s a reminder of why I love what I do and the impact that handmade items can have on creating lasting memories.
Conclusion
The Coral Bonnet and Romper set is a testament to the beauty of combining intricate design with luxurious materials. KnitPicks Aloft yarn provides the perfect blend of softness and elegance, making it an ideal choice for newborn photo props. The lace pattern adds a touch of sophistication, creating pieces that are not only functional but also visually stunning.
I hope this post inspires you to pick up your needles and create something special for the little ones in your life. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting, the joy of creating handmade items for newborns is a rewarding experience that brings beauty and warmth to both the maker and the recipient. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Coral Bonnet
Materials: 60-150 yds of lace weight (size 0) mohair yarn (I used knitpicks aloft), size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles, yarn needle, 2 stitch markers
Gauge: 4.5sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6- 12mths (16ins)
Coral Romper
Materials: 100-300yds of lace weight (size 0) yarn, size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles, 4 stitch markers, yarn needle, crochet hook (I use a 3.5mm) for ties (or if you don’t know how to crochet chain st you can always just braid the ties)
Sizes: newborn (6.5x9ins), 3-6mth (7.5×10.5ins), 6-12mths (8.5x12ins)
Gauge – 4.5sts/ins in stockinette
Gauge is very important!!!!
Stitch Key:
K – knit
P – purl
yo – yarn over
k2tog – knit 2 together
ssk – slip slip knit (slip sts purlwise)
sl – slip st knitwise
psso – pass slipped stitch over
p2tog – purl 2 together
m1 – make1
Coral Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 51sts.
Row 1 – k4, [yo, ssk, k4] repeat [to] ending last repeat with k3
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk] repeat [to] ending with k2
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, k2tog [yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] ending last repeat with yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1.
Row 6 – purl across
Continue working rows 1-6 until your work measures 4ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – purl to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (50sts)
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 2 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(42sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across row (34sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across row (26sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across row (18sts)
Row 9 – p1 [p2tog] repeat [to] across to last sts, p1 (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long.
Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop.
0-3MTH
Cast on 55sts.
Row 1 – k6, [yo, ssk, k4] repeat [to] to last sts, k1
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k3 [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk] repeat [to] to last 4sts, k4
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k3, k2tog [yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] ending last repeat
with yo, k3, yo, ssk, k3.
Row 6 – purl across
Continue working rows 1-6 until your work measures 4.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p12, p2tog, [p11, p2tog] repeat [to] 2 more times, p1 (50sts)
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 2 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(42sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across row (34sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across row (26sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across row (18sts)
Row 9 – p1 [p2tog] repeat [to] across to last sts, p1 (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long.
Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop.
3-6MTH
Cast on 63sts.
Row 1 – k4, [yo, ssk, k4] repeat [to] ending last repeat with k3
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk] repeat [to] ending with k2
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, k2tog [yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] ending last repeat
with yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1.
Row 6 – purl across
Continue working rows 1-6 until your work measures 5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – purl to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (62sts)
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 2 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(52sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across row (42sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across row (32sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across row (22sts)
Row 9 – p1 [p2tog] repeat [to] across to last sts, p1 (12sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long.
Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop.
6-12MTH
Cast on 69sts.
Row 1 – k4, [yo, ssk, k4] repeat [to] ending last repeat with k3
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk] repeat [to] ending with k2
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, k2tog [yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] ending last repeat
with yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1.
Row 6 – purl across
Continue working rows 1-6 until your work measures 5.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – purl to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (68sts)
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 2 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(57sts)
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across row (46sts)
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across row (35sts)
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across row (24sts)
Row 9 – p1 [p2tog] repeat [to] across to last sts, p1 (13sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long.
Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop.
Coral Romper Pattern
NEWBORN
For a picture of how your work will look when complete before seams are sewn see the end of the pattern.
Bottom
Cast on 32 sts.
Work in stockinette st for 2.5ins starting with a knit row and ending after completing a purl row.
Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Decrease rows
Row 1 – k1, ssk, k26, k2tog, k1 (30sts)
Row 2 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 3 – k1, ssk, k24, k2tog, k1 (28sts)
Row 5 – k1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1 (26sts)
Row 7 – k1, ssk, k20, k2tog, k1 (24sts)
Row 9 – k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1 (22sts)
Row 11 – k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1 (20sts)
Row 13 – k1, ssk, k14, k2tog, k1 (18sts)
Work 11 rows in stockinette st starting and ending with a purl row.
Increase rows
Row 25 – k1, m1, k16, m1, k1 (20sts)
Row 26 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 27 – k1, m1, k18, m1, k1 (22sts)
Row 29 – k1, m1, k20, m1, k1 (24sts)
Row 31 – k1, m1, k22, m1, k1 (26sts)
Row 33 – k1, m1, k24, m1, k1 (28sts)
Row 35 – k1, m1, k26, m1, k1 (30sts)
Row 37 – k1, m1, k28, m1, k1 (32sts)
Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Work in stockinette st for 2.5ins starting with a purl row and ending after completing a purl row. Do not bind off.
Bib
Row 1 – Bind off 5sts, k3, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k9 (27sts)
Row 2 – Bind off 6sts, purl across (21sts)
Row 3 – k1 (k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) Repeat (to) across to last 2sts, k2
Row 4 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 5 – k1, k2tog (yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso) Repeat (to) across working the final repeat as yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1
Row 7 – (k4, yo, ssk) Repeat (to) across to last 3sts, k3
Repeat rows 3-8 until your work measures 3.5ins ending after completing a purl row.
Bind off. Sew side seams. Weave in ends. Now either cut 3 strand 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 braid. Repeat on the other side. OR using your crochet hook, chain st for appx 9-10 ins then chain st across the top of the bib then chain st a further 9-10ins. Finish off. Lightly block your work. For blocking instructions see the end of the pattern.
3-6 MONTHS
For a picture of how your work will look when complete before seams are sewn see the end of the pattern.
Bottom
Cast on 36 sts.
Work in stockinette st for 3ins starting with a knit row and ending after completing a purl row.
Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Decrease rows
Row 1 – k1, ssk, k30, k2tog, k1 (34sts)
Row 2 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 3 – k1, ssk, k28, k2tog, k1 (32sts)
Row 5 – k1, ssk, k26, k2tog, k1 (30sts)
Row 7 – k1, ssk, k24, k2tog, k1 (28sts)
Row 9 – k1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1 (26sts)
Row 11 – k1, ssk, k20, k2tog, k1 (24sts)
Row 13 – k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1 (22sts)
Row 15 – k1, ssk, k16, k2tog, k1 (20sts)
Work 11 rows in stockinette st starting and ending with a purl row.
Increase rows
Row 27 – k1, m1, k18, m1, k1 (22sts)
Row 26 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 29 – k1, m1, k20, m1, k1 (24sts)
Row 31 – k1, m1, k22, m1, k1 (26sts)
Row 33 – k1, m1, k24, m1, k1 (28sts)
Row 35 – k1, m1, k26, m1, k1 (30sts)
Row 37 – k1, m1, k28, m1, k1 (32sts)
Row 39 – k1, m1, k30, m1, k1 (34sts)
Row 40 – k1, m1, k32, m1, k1 (36sts)
Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Work in stockinette st for 3ins starting with a purl row and ending after completing a purl row. Do not bind off.
Bib
Row 1 – Bind off 5sts, k5, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k4, yo, ssk, k11 (31sts)
Row 2 – Bind off 6sts, purl across (25sts)
Row 3 – k3 (k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) Repeat (to) across to last 4sts, k4
Row 4 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 5 – k3, k2tog (yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso) Repeat (to) across working the final repeat as yo, k3, yo, ssk, k3
Row 7 – k2(k4, yo, ssk) Repeat (to) across to last 5sts, k5
Repeat rows 3-8 until your work measures 4ins ending after completing a purl row.
Bind off. Sew side seams. Weave in ends. Now either cut 3 strand 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 braid. Repeat on the other side. OR using your crochet hook, chain st for appx 9-10 ins then chain st across the top of the bib then chain st a further 9-10ins. Finish off. Lightly block your work. For blocking instructions see the end of the pattern.
6-12 MONTHS
For a picture of how your work will look when complete before seams are sewn see
the end of the pattern.
Bottom
Cast on 40 sts.
Work in stockinette st for 3.5ins starting with a knit row and ending after completing a purl row.
Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Decrease rows
Row 1 – k1, ssk, k34, k2tog, k1 (38sts)
Row 2 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 3 – k1, ssk, k32, k2tog, k1 (36sts)
Row 5 – k1, ssk, k30, k2tog, k1 (34sts)
Row 7 – k1, ssk, k28, k2tog, k1 (32sts)
Row 9 – k1, ssk, k26, k2tog, k1 (30sts)
Row 11 – k1, ssk, k24, k2tog, k1 (28sts)
Row 13 – k1, ssk, k22, k2tog, k1 (26sts)
Row 15 – k1, ssk, k20, k2tog, k1 (24sts)
Row 17 – k1, ssk, k18, k2tog, k1 (22sts)
Work 13 rows in stockinette st starting and ending with a purl row.
Increase rows
Row 31 – k1, m1, k20, m1, k1 (24sts)
Row 32 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 33 – k1, m1, k22, m1, k1 (26sts)
Row 35 – k1, m1, k24, m1, k1 (28sts)
Row 37 – k1, m1, k26, m1, k1 (30sts)
Row 39 – k1, m1, k28, m1, k1 (32sts)
Row 41 – k1, m1, k30, m1, k1 (34sts)
Row 43 – k1, m1, k32, m1, k1 (36sts)
Row 45 – k1, m1, k34, m1, k1 (38sts)
Row 47 – k1, m1, k36, m1, k1 (40sts)
Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Work in stockinette st for 3.5ins starting with a purl row and ending after completing a purl row. Do not bind off.
Bib
Row 1 – Bind off 6sts, k3, yo, (ssk, k4, yo) repeat (to) 2 more times, k11 (34sts)
Row 2 – Bind off 7sts, purl across (27sts)
Row 3 – k1 (k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) Repeat (to) across to last 2sts, k2
Row 4 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 5 – k1, k2tog (yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso) Repeat (to) across working the final repeat as yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1
Row 7 – (k4, yo, ssk) Repeat (to) across to last 3sts, k3
Repeat rows 3-8 until your work measures 4.5ins ending after completing a purl row.
Bind off. Sew side seams. Weave in ends. Now either cut 3 strand 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 braid. Repeat on the other side. OR using your crochet hook, chain st for appx 9-10 ins then chain st across the top of the bib then chain st a further 9-10ins. Finish off. Lightly block your work. For blocking instructions see the end of the pattern.
