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As a passionate knitter and a mother who loves capturing those precious newborn moments, I’m always on the lookout for knitting patterns that are not only adorable but also functional as photo props. Today, I want to share my experience knitting the Fountain Bonnet, a delightful free pattern that is perfect for newborn photography sessions. This bonnet, with its intricate design and cozy texture, is a joy to knit and a beautiful addition to any baby’s wardrobe.
Discovering the Pattern
I first came across the Fountain Bonnet pattern while browsing through a collection of free knitting patterns online. The delicate, fountain-like stitches immediately caught my eye. The pattern had a whimsical, almost fairy-tale quality that I knew would look stunning in newborn photos. It seemed like the perfect project to showcase the soft, luxurious angora yarn I had been saving for something special.
Choosing the Yarn
The original pattern calls for angora yarn, known for its incredible softness and fluffy texture. Angora is made from the fur of Angora rabbits and has a halo-like effect that adds a touch of magic to any knit piece. While I adore angora yarn for its luxurious feel and appearance, it can be a bit pricey. That’s when I discovered Hobbii Fluffy Day, an excellent, affordable alternative.
Hobbii Fluffy Day is a blend of acrylic and nylon, designed to mimic the softness and fluffiness of angora. It’s gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin, easy to care for, and much more budget-friendly. Plus, it comes in a variety of beautiful colors, making it easy to find the perfect shade for your project.
Getting Started
With my yarn selected and my needles ready, I was eager to cast on and start knitting the Fountain Bonnet. The pattern is well-written and easy to follow, even for those who are relatively new to knitting. It begins with a simple cast-on and quickly transitions into the intricate stitch pattern that gives the bonnet its name.
The Joy of Knitting
One of the things I love most about knitting is the sense of calm and focus it brings. As I worked through the rows of the Fountain Bonnet, I found myself slipping into a meditative state, enjoying the rhythmic motion of the needles and the softness of the yarn between my fingers. The pattern is engaging but not overly complex, allowing me to relax and savor the process.
The fountain stitch pattern creates a beautiful, cascading effect that looks much more complicated than it actually is. It’s a series of yarn overs and decreases that form a flowing, wave-like design. Watching the pattern emerge row by row was incredibly satisfying. I could already envision how lovely the finished bonnet would look on a newborn’s head.
Adding Personal Touches
One of the joys of knitting your own baby items is the ability to add personal touches. For the Fountain Bonnet, I chose a soft pastel pink yarn from Hobbii Fluffy Day. I also decided to knit a matching pair of booties to complete the set. The pattern can be easily adjusted to create different sizes, so I made the bonnet a little larger to ensure it would fit comfortably and grow with the baby.
The Finished Product
After several evenings of enjoyable knitting, my Fountain Bonnet was complete. The soft, fluffy texture of the Hobbii Fluffy Day yarn gave the bonnet a dreamy, cloud-like quality. The fountain stitch pattern added an elegant touch, making the bonnet look like a tiny piece of art. I was thrilled with how it turned out and couldn’t wait to use it as a photo prop.
Capturing the Moment
The true test of any newborn photo prop is how it looks in pictures. I arranged a mini photo session with a friend’s newborn, and the Fountain Bonnet was the star of the show. The soft, pastel pink bonnet framed the baby’s face beautifully, and the intricate stitch pattern added a touch of sophistication to the photos. It was heartwarming to see something I had made with my own hands become a part of such a special moment.
Why I Love This Pattern
The Fountain Bonnet pattern has quickly become one of my favorites for several reasons:
- Versatility: The pattern can be adjusted to fit different sizes, making it suitable for newborns and slightly older babies. It’s also a great pattern for experimenting with different yarns and colors.
- Affordability: While angora yarn is a luxurious option, Hobbii Fluffy Day offers a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on softness or quality.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The fountain stitch pattern is both beautiful and unique, making the bonnet a standout piece in any baby’s wardrobe.
- Ease of Knitting: The pattern is well-written and easy to follow, even for beginner knitters. The stitch pattern is engaging but not overly complex, making it a relaxing and enjoyable knit.
Tips for Knitting the Fountain Bonnet
If you’re inspired to knit your own Fountain Bonnet, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Choose Your Yarn Wisely: While angora yarn is lovely, consider using Hobbii Fluffy Day for a more affordable option that still offers plenty of softness and fluffiness.
- Swatch First: It’s always a good idea to knit a swatch before starting your project. This will help you ensure that your gauge is correct and that you’re happy with the fabric your chosen yarn produces.
- Take Your Time: Enjoy the process of knitting. The Fountain Bonnet is a project that’s meant to be savored, so take your time and appreciate each stitch.
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to play with different colors. While soft pastels are always a safe choice for baby items, bold or unexpected colors can also look stunning.
- Add Personal Touches: Consider adding a matching pair of booties or a tiny pom-pom to the top of the bonnet for an extra-special touch.
Conclusion
Knitting the Fountain Bonnet has been a delightful experience, from discovering the pattern to seeing the finished product in newborn photos. Whether you choose to knit it with luxurious angora yarn or the affordable and equally lovely Hobbii Fluffy Day, this bonnet is sure to become a cherished part of any baby’s wardrobe. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: 45-100yds worsted weight (size 4) yarn (I used Plymouth Yarns Angora), size 8 (5mm) straight and double pointed needles
Gauge: 4st/in in stockinette st GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! SAVE TIME AND SWATCH FIRST!!!
Sizes (appx finished head circumference): newborn -13ins, 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins), Toddler (17ins)
Abbreviations:
K – knit P – purl
YO – yarn over k2tog – knit 2 together
PSSO – pass slipped stitch over SL – slip stitch
Fountain Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 45sts
Row 1 – K1 [YO, K3, YO, K1] repeat [] across(67sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – K2 (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO) [K3, (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO)] repeat [] across to last 2 sts, k2(45sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures 4ins ending after working a row 3.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: (k2tog k3) repeat around (36sts)
Round 2: knit around
Round 3: (k2tog k2) repeat around (27sts)
Round 4: (k2tog k1) repeat around (18sts)
Round 5: (k2tog) repeat around (9sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands 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.
0-3mths
CO 49 sts
Row 1 – K1 [YO, K3, YO, K1] repeat [] across(73sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – K2 (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO) [K3, (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO)] repeat [] across to last 2 sts, k2 (49sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures 4.5ins ending after working a row 3.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: K2tog, knit around (48sts)
Round 2: (k2tog k4) repeat around (40sts)
Round 3: (k2tog k3) repeat around (32sts)
Round 4: (k2tog k2) repeat around (24sts)
Round 5: (k2tog k1) repeat around (16sts)
Round 6: (k2tog) repeat around (8sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands 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.
3-6mths
CO 53 sts
Row 1 – K1 [YO, K3, YO, K1] repeat [] across (79sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – K2 (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO) [K3, (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO)] repeat [] across to last 2 sts, k2 (53sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures 5ins ending after working a row 3.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: (K2tog, K9, K2tog, k8, k2tog, k9, k2tog, k8, k2tog, k9) (48sts)
Round 2: (k2tog k4) repeat around (40sts)
Round 3: (k2tog k3) repeat around (32sts)
Round 4: (k2tog k2) repeat around (24sts)
Round 5: (k2tog k1) repeat around (16sts)
Round 6: (k2tog) repeat around (8sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands 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.
6-12mths
CO 57 sts
Row 1 – K1 [YO, K3, YO, K1] repeat []across (85sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – K2 (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO) [K3, (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO)] repeat []across to last 2 sts, k2 (57sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures 5.5ins ending after working a row 3.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: k2tog, knit across (56sts)
Round 2: (k2tog k5) Repeat around (48sts)
Round 3: (k2tog k4) repeat around (40sts)
Round 4: (k2tog k3) repeat around (32sts)
Round 5: (k2tog k2) repeat around (24sts)
Round 6: (k2tog k1) repeat around (16sts)
Round 7: (k2tog) repeat around (8sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands 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.
Toddler
CO 61 sts
Row 1 – K1 [YO, K3, YO, K1] repeat []across (91sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – K2 (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO) [K3, (SL1, K2TOG, PSSO)] repeat []across to last 2 sts, k2 (61sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures 6.25ins ending after working a row 3.
You will now start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1: k2tog, knit across (60sts)
Round 2: (k2tog k4) repeat around (50sts)
Round 3: knit around
Round 4: (k2tog k3) repeat around (40sts)
Round 5: (k2tog k2) repeat around (30sts)
Round 6: (k2tog k1) repeat around (20sts)
Round 7: (k2tog) repeat around (10sts)
Do NOT bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands 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.
Fountain Bonnet PDF
