Looking for an easy knit bonnet pattern? This one’s at the bottom of the post! Find even more photo prop patterns right here.
There’s something extra sweet about knitting for babies—especially when you’re working on a cozy, easy knit bonnet pattern that’s destined for a newborn photo shoot. I designed the Jacob Bonnet with exactly that in mind: something soft, timeless, and just the right mix of texture and simplicity. It’s perfect for capturing those fleeting baby days in photos that will melt your heart for years to come.
If you’ve been searching for a truly easy knit bonnet pattern that still has a touch of elegance, you’re in the right place. And yes, the Jacob Bonnet pattern is at the bottom of this post—but I’ve also linked my full collection of free photo prop patterns here if you want to explore more options!
Why I Love This Easy Knit Bonnet Pattern
The Jacob Bonnet has this beautiful ladder-like stitch pattern that looks way more complicated than it really is (those are the best kinds of patterns, aren’t they?). Vertical knit strips rise up through a purl background, giving the bonnet a soft texture that photographs like a dream. It’s both subtle and eye-catching—especially when you’re trying to frame a baby’s sweet little cheeks just right.
And let’s talk yarn for a minute. I knit mine in KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link), which is a blend of merino wool and cashmere. It’s unbelievably soft—like, dreamy-soft—and has a slight sheen that gives the bonnet a polished look on camera. If you’re gifting this bonnet or using it for professional newborn photography, KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) is worth every stitch.
Texture That Pops in Photos
This easy knit bonnet pattern shines in front of the camera thanks to the texture. Those little ladder-like columns have just enough shadow and depth to make a photo extra cozy and dimensional. It doesn’t overpower the baby’s face, but it frames it beautifully.
Whether you’re snapping pics yourself or working with a photographer, having a prop that adds warmth and softness to the shot is a total win. And when it’s handmade? Even better.
What You’ll Need to Knit the Jacob Bonnet
To make this easy knit bonnet pattern, you don’t need anything fancy—just some staple tools and, of course, the right yarn.
Materials:
- Yarn: KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) – 85% merino wool, 15% cashmere
- Needles: US size 6 (4mm) straight or circular needles
- Extras: Tapestry needle, scissors, and a few stitch markers
Gauge:
You’ll want to aim for 20 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. It’s always a good idea to swatch—especially when making something fitted like a bonnet.
How This Easy Knit Bonnet Pattern Is Made
I designed this bonnet to be knit flat with just a little bit of seaming at the end. The construction is straightforward but still interesting to knit—great for when you want something a little beyond stockinette but not too fussy.
1. Cast On and Ribbing
Start by casting on and working a simple ribbed edge. This gives the bonnet a nice snug fit around baby’s forehead and helps it stay in place without being too tight.
2. Knit the Ladder Pattern
The ladder effect comes to life by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific order. It’s super satisfying to watch the “strips” appear as you go. You’ll get into a nice rhythm after a few rows.
3. Shape the Crown
Once you’ve knit the body, it’s time to decrease and shape the crown. Nothing too complicated here—just a few rows of decreases to round off the back of the bonnet.
4. Seam and Finish
After binding off, you’ll use a mattress stitch to seam the back. Then it’s time to weave in your ends and block the bonnet. Blocking really helps open up those stitches and show off the ladder texture.
Tips to Nail This Easy Knit Bonnet Pattern
Here are a few of my go-to tips for making sure your Jacob Bonnet turns out just right:
- Swatch first. I know, I know—it’s not the most thrilling part of knitting, but swatching will save you time (and frogging) later on.
- Use stitch markers. They’ll help you keep track of your ladder pattern repeats so you don’t have to rip back if you lose your place.
- Watch your tension. Switching between knit and purl stitches can mess with your tension, so try to stay consistent.
- Block your bonnet. It’s the finishing touch that really makes this easy knit bonnet pattern pop!
Personalize It!
One of the best things about a handmade project is making it your own. This easy knit bonnet pattern is super customizable:
Pick Your Color
I went with a soft neutral for mine, but KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) comes in so many gorgeous shades. You could make a whole rainbow of bonnets for different photo shoots or outfits.
Add a Little Flair
If you want to get creative, try adding a small knitted flower, a vintage button, or even a tiny bow. Just be sure any embellishments are safely secured and baby-friendly.
Make a Set
This bonnet would be adorable paired with a simple pair of booties or a blanket knit in the same yarn. KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) works beautifully across projects and keeps everything coordinated and soft.
Why This Easy Knit Bonnet Pattern is One I Keep Coming Back To
Whenever I need a quick but meaningful gift—or just want something sweet for a newborn shoot—I reach for the Jacob Bonnet. It’s the perfect mix of ease and elegance, with just enough texture to keep things interesting. Plus, with the buttery-soft KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) on my needles, it’s one of those projects that feels like a treat to knit.
This easy knit bonnet pattern has become a staple in my baby gift rotation, and I hope it finds a place in yours too.
Grab the Jacob Bonnet Pattern Below
Ready to cast on? You’ll find the full instructions for this easy knit bonnet pattern right below this post. Don’t forget—if you’re looking for more photo-worthy props, I have a whole collection of free patterns for newborn shoots and baby gifts right here.
Happy knitting—and happy snuggling those babies while you still can!
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)
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)
Stitch Key:
k- knit
p – purl
p2tog – purl 2 together
yo- yarn over
Jacob Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 56sts
Row 1 – p1 [ p4, yo, p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1
Row 2 – k2 [ p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 4 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 5 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 6 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2 [yo, p2tog, p4] repeat [to] across
Row 8 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 9 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 10 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 11 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 12 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
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: [p2tog p5] around (48sts)
rd 2: purl around
rd 3: [p2tog p4] around (40sts)
rd 4: purl around
rd 5: [p2tog p3] around (32sts)
rd 6: purl around
rd 7: [p2tog, p2] around (24sts)
rd 8: [p2tog, p1] around (16sts)
rd 9: p2tog around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain sts.
Weave in all of your ends. Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold three in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
0-3mths
Cast on 60sts
Row 1 – p3 [ p4, yo, p2tog] repeat [to] across to last 3st, p3
Row 2 – k4 [ p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 3 – p7 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 5 sts, k1, p4
Row 4 – k4 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 5 – p7 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 5 sts, k1, p4
Row 6 – k4 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 7 – p4 [yo, p2tog, p4] repeat [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 8 – k7, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 5sts, p1, k4
Row 9 – p4 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 10 – k7, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 5sts, p1, k4
Row 11 – p4 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 12 – k7, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 5sts, p1, k4
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 4.5ins ending after a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: [p2tog p4] around (50sts)
rd 2: purl around
rd 3: [p2tog p3] around (40sts)
rd 4: purl around
rd 5: [p2tog p2] around (30sts)
rd 6: purl around
rd 7: [p2tog, p1] around (20sts)
rd 8: [p2tog] around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain sts.
Weave in all of your ends. Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold three in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
3-6mths
Cast on 68sts
Row 1 – p1 [ p4, yo, p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1
Row 2 – k2 [ p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 4 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 5 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 6 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2 [yo, p2tog, p4] repeat [to] across
Row 8 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 9 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 10 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 11 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 12 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 4.5ins ending after a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: [p2tog, p15] around (64sts)
rd 2: [p2tog p6] around (56sts)
rd 3: purl around
rd 4: [p2tog p5] around (48sts)
rd 5: purl around
rd 6: [p2tog p4] around (40sts)
rd 7: purl around
rd 8: [p2tog, p3] around (32sts)
rd 9: purl around
rd 10: [p2tog, p2] around (24sts)
rd 11: [p2tog, p1] around (16sts)
rd 12: p2tog around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain sts.
Weave in all of your ends. Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold three in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
6-12mths
Cast on 74sts
Row 1 – p1 [ p4, yo, p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1
Row 2 – k2 [ p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 4 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 5 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 6 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2 [yo, p2tog, p4] repeat [to] across
Row 8 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 9 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 10 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 11 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 12 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 5ins ending after a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: [p2tog, p35] around (72sts)
rd 2: [p2tog p6] around (63sts)
rd 3: purl around
rd 4: [p2tog p5] around (54sts)
rd 5: purl around
rd 6: [p2tog p4] around (45sts)
rd 7: purl around
rd 8: [p2tog, p3] around (36sts)
rd 9: purl around
rd 10: [p2tog, p2] around (27sts)
rd 11: [p2tog, p1] around (18sts)
rd 12: p2tog around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain sts.
Weave in all of your ends. Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold three in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
1-3yrs
Cast on 80sts
Row 1 – p1 [ p4, yo, p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1
Row 2 – k2 [ p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 4 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 5 – p5 [k1,p5] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, k1, p2
Row 6 – k2 [p1, k5] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2 [yo, p2tog, p4] repeat [to] across
Row 8 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 9 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 10 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Row 11 – p2 [k1, p5] repeat [to] across
Row 12 – k5, [p1, k5] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, p1, k2
Repeat rows 1-12 until your work measures 5.5ins ending after a right side row.
With double pointed needles start working in the round as follows
rd 1: [p2tog p6] around (70sts)
rd 2: purl around
rd 3: [p2tog p5] around (60sts)
rd 4: purl around
rd 5: [p2tog p4] around (50sts)
rd 6: purl around
rd 7: [p2tog, p3] around (40sts)
rd 8: purl around
rd 9: [p2tog, p2] around (30sts)
rd 10: [p2tog, p1] around (20sts)
rd 11: p2tog around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remain sts.
Weave in all of your ends. Cut 6 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold three in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side.
Jacob Bonnet PDF
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