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There is a unique charm in capturing the innocence and purity of newborns through photography. One way to enhance these precious moments is by using beautifully crafted photo props. Among the myriad options available, the Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap set stands out, thanks to its ethereal design and intricate stitch pattern that resembles the delicate wings of an angel. This free knitting pattern, made with KnitPicks Aloft, offers a delightful blend of softness, warmth, and timeless elegance, making it the perfect choice for any newborn photoshoot.
The Inspiration Behind the Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap
The name “Evangeline” conjures images of angels, purity, and divine beauty. This bonnet and wrap set lives up to its name, featuring a stitch pattern that mimics the gentle flutter of angel wings. The inspiration behind this design is to create a heavenly aura around the newborn, highlighting their innocence and the preciousness of their early days.
KnitPicks Aloft, with its luxurious blend of super kid mohair and silk, adds to the ethereal quality of the set. This yarn is incredibly soft and has a delicate halo that perfectly complements the angelic theme of the Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap.
The Allure of KnitPicks Aloft
Choosing the right yarn for a newborn photo prop is crucial. It needs to be soft against the baby’s delicate skin, yet durable enough to withstand multiple uses. KnitPicks Aloft fits these criteria perfectly. Here are a few reasons why this yarn is ideal for the Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap:
- Softness: The combination of super kid mohair and silk results in an exceptionally soft yarn that is gentle on a newborn’s sensitive skin.
- Lightweight: Despite its softness, Aloft is lightweight, ensuring that the baby remains comfortable throughout the photoshoot.
- Delicate Halo: The yarn’s natural halo gives the bonnet and wrap a dreamy, ethereal quality, enhancing the angelic theme.
- Color Variety: KnitPicks Aloft comes in a range of beautiful, soft colors, allowing you to choose the perfect shade for your project.
Crafting the Evangeline Bonnet
The bonnet is often the centerpiece of any newborn photo prop set, and the Evangeline Bonnet is no exception. Its design focuses on simplicity and elegance, with the intricate stitch pattern taking center stage. The wing-like motifs are created through a series of carefully placed increases and decreases, giving the fabric a delicate, airy look.
The bonnet is knit in the round, starting from the brim and working up to the crown. This method ensures a seamless finish, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable for the baby. The pattern includes detailed instructions for creating the wing-like motifs, ensuring that even novice knitters can achieve the desired effect.
One of the standout features of the Evangeline Bonnet is the tie closure. This practical detail not only keeps the bonnet securely in place but also adds an extra touch of charm. The ties can be knit or crocheted, depending on your preference, and can be adorned with tiny embellishments like beads or small knitted flowers for a personalized touch.
Creating the Evangeline Wrap
The wrap complements the bonnet perfectly, featuring the same wing-like stitch pattern. It is a rectangular piece that can be used in various ways during a photoshoot. You can wrap it around the baby to create a cozy cocoon, drape it over a basket or prop, or use it as a backdrop.
The wrap is knit flat, making it an excellent project for knitters of all skill levels. The pattern includes instructions for achieving the wing-like motifs, with clear charts and written directions to guide you through the process. The finished piece is lightweight yet warm, thanks to the mohair and silk blend, and has a beautiful drape that adds to its versatility.
Tips for a Successful Project
While the Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap pattern is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your project turns out perfectly:
- Gauge Swatch: Before you start, knit a gauge swatch to ensure your stitches per inch match the pattern’s requirements. This step is crucial for achieving the correct size, especially for a newborn prop.
- Blocking: Blocking is essential for this project to open up the wing-like motifs and achieve the delicate, airy look. Gently wet block your pieces and pin them to the desired dimensions, allowing them to dry completely.
- Yarn Substitution: If KnitPicks Aloft is unavailable, choose a yarn with a similar fiber content and weight to maintain the delicate halo and softness of the original design.
- Finishing Touches: Pay attention to the finishing details, such as weaving in ends neatly and securing any embellishments firmly.
The Perfect Gift for New Parents
The Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap set is not only a beautiful addition to any newborn photoshoot but also makes a thoughtful, handmade gift for new parents. The time and effort put into creating this set will be cherished, and the bonnet and wrap can be passed down as a keepsake for future generations.
Capturing the Magic
When it comes to newborn photography, the right props can make all the difference. The Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap set, with its angelic theme and exquisite design, adds a touch of magic to every photo. The delicate wing-like motifs, combined with the softness and elegance of KnitPicks Aloft, create a truly heavenly experience for both the baby and the photographer.
Whether you are a seasoned knitter or a beginner, this pattern offers a rewarding project that results in a beautiful, functional piece. By following the detailed instructions and tips, you can create a stunning bonnet and wrap set that will be treasured for years to come.
In conclusion, the Evangeline Bonnet and Wrap set is more than just a knitting project; it is a way to capture and celebrate the fleeting moments of a newborn’s early days. With its angelic design and luxurious yarn, this set is sure to become a favorite in any newborn photographer’s collection. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: 300-350 yds of lace weight (size 0) mohair yarn (I used knitpicks aloft), size 6 (4mm) straight needles, yarn needle, 2 stitch markers
Gauge: 4.5sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Abbreviation 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
tbl – through back loop
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6- 12mths (16ins)
Evangeline Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 52sts.
Row 1 – k2, [k1, yo, k4, k3togtbl, k4, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 2 (and all even rows) – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3 – k2, [k2, yo, k3, k3togtbl, k3, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2
sts, k2
Row 5 – k2 [k3, yo, k2, k3togtbl, k2, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 2
sts, k2
Row 7 – k2 [k4, yo, k1, k3togtbl, k1, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 2
sts, k2
Row 9 – k2 [k5, yo, k3togtbl, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 11 – k2 [k3togtbl, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 13 – k2 [k3togtbl, k3, yo, k3, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 15 – k2 [k3togtbl, k2, yo, k5, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 17 – k2 [k3togtbl, k1, yo, k7, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 19 – k2 [k3togtbl, yo, k9, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 20 – repeat row 2
Continue working rows 1-20 until your work measures 4ins from the cast on
edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p1, p2tog, purl to last 3 sts, p2tog, p1 (50sts)
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(42sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (34sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (26sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (18sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 8 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (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.
Pattern © Amanda Morse, Knit in the Womb 2015 www.knitinthewomb.etsy.com. Distribution of this
pattern is prohibited. Please do not copy except for personal use. Permission IS given to sell what you
make from this pattern but please give me credit.
0-3MTH
Cast on 56sts.
Row 1 – k4, [k1, yo, k4, k3togtbl, k4, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 2 (and all even rows) – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3 – k4, [k2, yo, k3, k3togtbl, k3, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 4
sts, k4
Row 5 – k4 [k3, yo, k2, k3togtbl, k2, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 4
sts, k4
Row 7 – k4 [k4, yo, k1, k3togtbl, k1, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 4
sts, k4
Row 9 – k4 [k5, yo, k3togtbl, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts, k4
Row 11 – k4 [k3togtbl, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 13 – k4 [k3togtbl, k3, yo, k3, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 15 – k4 [k3togtbl, k2, yo, k5, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 17 – k4 [k3togtbl, k1, yo, k7, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 19 – k4 [k3togtbl, yo, k9, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts, k4
Row 20 – repeat row 2
Continue working rows 1-20 until your work measures 4.5ins from the cast on
edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 1 – k1[k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (47sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (38sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (29sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (20sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (11sts)
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.
Pattern © Amanda Morse, Knit in the Womb 2015 www.knitinthewomb.etsy.com. Distribution of this
pattern is prohibited. Please do not copy except for personal use. Permission IS given to sell what you
make from this pattern but please give me credit.
3-6MTH
Cast on 64sts.
Row 1 – k2, [k1, yo, k4, k3togtbl, k4, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 2 (and all even rows) – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3 – k2, [k2, yo, k3, k3togtbl, k3, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2
sts, k2
Row 5 – k2 [k3, yo, k2, k3togtbl, k2, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 2
sts, k2
Row 7 – k2 [k4, yo, k1, k3togtbl, k1, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 2
sts, k2
Row 9 – k2 [k5, yo, k3togtbl, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 11 – k2 [k3togtbl, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 13 – k2 [k3togtbl, k3, yo, k3, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 15 – k2 [k3togtbl, k2, yo, k5, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 17 – k2 [k3togtbl, k1, yo, k7, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts,
k2
Row 19 – k2 [k3togtbl, yo, k9, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 20 – repeat row 2
Continue working rows 1-20 until your work measures 5ins from the cast on
edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p1, p2tog,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 – purl across
Row 10 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (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.
Pattern © Amanda Morse, Knit in the Womb 2015 www.knitinthewomb.etsy.com. Distribution of this
pattern is prohibited. Please do not copy except for personal use. Permission IS given to sell what you
make from this pattern but please give me credit.
6-12MTH
Cast on 68sts.
Row 1 – k4, [k1, yo, k4, k3togtbl, k4, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 2 (and all even rows) – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3 – k4, [k2, yo, k3, k3togtbl, k3, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 4
sts, k4
Row 5 – k4 [k3, yo, k2, k3togtbl, k2, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 4
sts, k4
Row 7 – k4 [k4, yo, k1, k3togtbl, k1, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 4
sts, k4
Row 9 – k4 [k5, yo, k3togtbl, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts, k4
Row 11 – k4 [k3togtbl, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 13 – k4 [k3togtbl, k3, yo, k3, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 15 – k4 [k3togtbl, k2, yo, k5, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 17 – k4 [k3togtbl, k1, yo, k7, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts,
k4
Row 19 – k4 [k3togtbl, yo, k9, yo] repeat from [to] across to last 4 sts, k4
Row 20 – repeat row 2
Continue working rows 1-20 until your work measures 5.5ins from the cast on
edge ending after completing a right side row.
DECREASES
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(57sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across row (46sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across row (35sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across row (24sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (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.
Evangeline Wrap Pattern
Cast on 62sts.
Row 1 – k1, [k1, yo, k4, k3togtbl, k4, yo] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 2 (and all even rows) –purl across
Row 3 – k1, [k2, yo, k3, k3togtbl, k3, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 5 – k1 [k3, yo, k2, k3togtbl, k2, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 7 – k1 [k4, yo, k1, k3togtbl, k1, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 9 – k1 [k5, yo, k3togtbl, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 11 – k1 [k3togtbl, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 13 – k1 [k3togtbl, k3, yo, k3, yo, k3] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 15 – k1 [k3togtbl, k2, yo, k5, yo, k2] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 17 – k1 [k3togtbl, k1, yo, k7, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 19 – k1 [k3togtbl, yo, k9, yo] repeat from [to] across to last st, k1
Row 20 – repeat row 2
Continue working rows 1-20 until your work measures 30ins (or desired length) from the cast on edge ending after completing a purl row. Bind off loosely. You will need to lightly block the wrap straight. The pattern natural creates a diagonal effect but blocking cures that.
A note about length: I like my length to be about 30ins long. I feel it is long enough to wrap and have a flowy end but not so long that you can’t tuck it in if you like. It is also the perfect length for the “egg” wrap. It’s not bulky and there isn’t a lot of length to tuck in after you have the baby wrapped. Two other very popular lengths are 36ing and 40ins. What length you choose is 100% up to you. Play with it and have fun! It would also look awesome as just a layering piece. For that you could go shorter, maybe 20-24ins.