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As a knitter and photographer specializing in newborn props, I’m constantly on the lookout for charming patterns that add a touch of whimsy to my photo shoots. Recently, I stumbled upon a delightful pattern that has become an instant favorite in my collection: the Leaf Bonnet. This free knitting pattern, designed specifically for newborns, incorporates intricate leaf motifs right into the fabric of the bonnet, creating a stunning visual effect that complements any baby’s delicate features.

Choosing the Perfect Yarn

One of the most crucial aspects of knitting newborn props is selecting the right yarn. For the Leaf Bonnet, I opted for KnitPicks Capretta yarn, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer! Capretta blends the softness of cashmere with the durability of nylon, making it not only luxurious to the touch but also practical for delicate baby skin. The subtle sheen of Capretta enhances the delicate leaf motifs, giving the bonnet a gentle glow that translates beautifully in photographs.

Crafting the Leaf Bonnet

Knitting the Leaf Bonnet was a joyous journey from start to finish. The pattern, though intricate with its leaf designs, is surprisingly beginner-friendly, thanks to clear instructions and helpful stitch diagrams. The bonnet itself is knit in the round, which not only speeds up the process but also ensures a seamless finish—perfect for capturing those close-up shots of newborns.

The leaf motifs are what truly set this pattern apart. Knitted directly into the face of the bonnet, they form a delicate frame around the baby’s face, almost like nature itself cradling the little one. Each leaf is meticulously detailed, with veins and edges that add depth and texture, creating a three-dimensional effect that pops in photographs.

Versatility in Photography

One of the reasons I adore the Leaf Bonnet is its versatility in newborn photography. Whether I’m aiming for a rustic woodland theme or a soft, ethereal look, this bonnet effortlessly adapts to any setting. The leaf motifs evoke a sense of outdoor charm, making it ideal for spring and autumn shoots alike. Pairing it with simple props like a tiny nest or a bed of soft moss enhances the natural feel, creating timeless portraits that families cherish for years.

A Touch of Handcrafted Love

As a knitter, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating handmade props for newborns. Each stitch is infused with care and love, transforming a skein of yarn into a cherished keepsake. The Leaf Bonnet, with its intricate design and soft Caprette yarn, not only elevates my photography but also serves as a tangible expression of craftsmanship and creativity.

Final Thoughts

In the world of newborn photography and knitting, the Leaf Bonnet stands out as a testament to the beauty of handmade artistry. Whether you’re a photographer seeking to enhance your portfolio or a knitter looking for a rewarding project, this pattern is a must-try. Its timeless appeal, coupled with the luxurious feel of KnitPicks Capretta yarn, ensures that every newborn adorned in the Leaf Bonnet is not just photographed but celebrated—a tiny muse wrapped in nature’s embrace.

As I continue to explore new patterns and techniques, the Leaf Bonnet remains a staple in my repertoire—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest designs carry the most profound beauty. I look forward to sharing more of my knitting adventures and photography tips with you, as we celebrate the art of crafting and capturing moments that matter most.

Materials and Info

Materials: 70-120yds fingering yarn (I used knitpicks capretta), size 3 needles (straight and dpn)

Gauge: 7sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!~

Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins)

Stitch Key:
k – knit

p – purl

sl – slip stitch

psso – pass sl st over

m1 – make one (for this pattern purl inc)

yo – yarn over

k2tog – knit 2 stitches together

p2tog – purl 2 stitches together

ssk – slip knit wise, slip, knit wise, knit the two slipped stitched together

p2togtbl – purl 2 together through back loop

Leaf Bonnet Pattern

Newborn
Cast on 70 stitches.
Row 1 – k2 [k5, p1, k5] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 2 – p2 [p3, p2tog, yo, k1, yo, p2togtbl, p3] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, p2
Row 3 – k2 [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 4 – p2 [p2, p2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, p2togtbl, p2] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, p2
Row 5 – k2 [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 6 – p2 [p1, p2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p2togtbl, p1] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, p2
Row 7 – k2 [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 8 – p2 [p2, k7, p2] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, p2
Row 9 – k2 [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 10 – p2 [p2, m1, ssk, k3, k2tog, m1, p2] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, p2
Row 11 – k2 [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 12 – p2 [p3, m1, ssk, k1, k2tog, m1, p3] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, p2
Row 13 – k2 [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, k2
Row 14 – p2 [p4, m1, sl1, k2tog, psso, m1, p4] repeat from [to] across to last 2sts, p2
Continue in reverse stockinette stitch (k all wrong side rows and a p all right side rows) starting with a wrong side row until your work measures 4ins from cast on edge.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (60sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k4] repeat around (50sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (40sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (30sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (20sts)
Round 10 – [k2tog] repeat around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts. 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
Cast on 77 stitches.
Row 1 – [k5, p1, k5] repeat from [to] across
Row 2 – [p3, p2tog, yo, k1, yo, p2togtbl, p3] repeat from [to] across
Row 3 – [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across
Row 4 – [p2, p2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, p2togtbl, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 5 – [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across
Row 6 – [p1, p2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p2togtbl, p1] repeat from [to] across
Row 7 – [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across
Row 8 – [p2, k7, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 9 – [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across
Row 10 – [p2, m1, ssk, k3, k2tog, m1, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 11 – [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across
Row 12 – [p3, m1, ssk, k1, k2tog, m1, p3] repeat from [to] across
Row 13 – [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across
Row 14 – [p4, m1, sl1, k2tog, psso, m1, p4] repeat from [to] across
Continue in reverse stockinette stitch (k all wrong side rows and a p all right side rows) starting with a wrong side row until your work measures 4.5ins from cast on edge.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (66sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3– [k2tog, k4] repeat around (55sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (44sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (33sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (22sts)
Round 10 – [k2tog] repeat around (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts. 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
Cast on 88 stitches.
Row 1 – [k5, p1, k5] repeat from [to] across
Row 2 – [p3, p2tog, yo, k1, yo, p2togtbl, p3] repeat from [to] across
Row 3 – [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across
Row 4 – [p2, p2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, p2togtbl, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 5 – [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across
Row 6 – [p1, p2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p2togtbl, p1] repeat from [to] across
Row 7 – [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across
Row 8 – [p2, k7, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 9 – [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across
Row 10 – [p2, m1, ssk, k3, k2tog, m1, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 11 – [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across
Row 12 – [p3, m1, ssk, k1, k2tog, m1, p3] repeat from [to] across
Row 13 – [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across
Row 14 – [p4, m1, sl1, k2tog, psso, m1, p4] repeat from [to] across
Continue in reverse stockinette stitch (k all wrong side rows and a p all right side rows) starting with a wrong side row until your work measures 5ins from cast on edge.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k20] repeat around (84sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (72sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4– [k2tog, k4] repeat around (60sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (48sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (36sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (24sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat around (12sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts. 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
Cast on 99 stitches.
Row 1 – [k5, p1, k5] repeat from [to] across
Row 2 – [p3, p2tog, yo, k1, yo, p2togtbl, p3] repeat from [to] across
Row 3 – [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across
Row 4 – [p2, p2tog, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, p2togtbl, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 5 – [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across
Row 6 – [p1, p2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p2togtbl, p1] repeat from [to] across
Row 7 – [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across
Row 8 – [p2, k7, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 9 – [k2, p7, k2] repeat from [to] across
Row 10 – [p2, m1, ssk, k3, k2tog, m1, p2] repeat from [to] across
Row 11 – [k3, p5, k3] repeat from [to] across
Row 12 – [p3, m1, ssk, k1, k2tog, m1, p3] repeat from [to] across
Row 13 – [k4, p3, k4] repeat from [to] across
Row 14 – [p4, m1, sl1, k2tog, psso, m1, p4] repeat from [to] across
Continue in reverse stockinette stitch (k all wrong side rows and a p all right side rows) starting with a wrong side row until your work measures 5.5ins from cast on edge.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k31] repeat around (96sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around (84sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4– [k2tog, k4] repeat around (70sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (56sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (42sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (28sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat around (14sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts. 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.

Leaf Bonnet PDF