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I’ve always believed that there’s something truly magical about creating handmade items for newborns. Perhaps it’s the thought of wrapping a tiny, precious life in something crafted with love, or maybe it’s the nostalgia of imagining future generations treasuring these keepsakes. One of my favorite projects is the Lewis Bonnet, a delightful cabled bonnet that’s perfect as a photo prop for newborns. Knit with KnitPicks Comfy, this project brings together the softness and warmth of the yarn with the intricate beauty of cable knitting.
The Inspiration Behind the Lewis Bonnet
The inspiration for the Lewis Bonnet came from a combination of my love for classic knitting patterns and my desire to create something special for newborn photo shoots. There’s a timeless charm to cabled knits, and I wanted to incorporate that into a bonnet that would not only be functional but also photogenic.
Named after my dear friend’s firstborn, the Lewis Bonnet symbolizes new beginnings and the joy of welcoming a new life into the world. Every twist and turn of the cables represents the journey of parenthood—full of surprises, challenges, and unparalleled joy.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn: KnitPicks Comfy
When it comes to knitting for babies, the choice of yarn is crucial. It needs to be soft, gentle on the skin, and easy to care for. KnitPicks Comfy was the perfect choice for this project. A blend of 75% Pima cotton and 25% acrylic, this yarn offers the ideal combination of softness and durability.
Pima cotton is known for its long fibers, which contribute to the smooth and silky feel of the yarn. This makes it incredibly gentle against a newborn’s delicate skin. The addition of acrylic provides strength and elasticity, ensuring that the bonnet maintains its shape and stands up to repeated use and washing.
Another reason I love KnitPicks Comfy is the range of colors available. From soft pastels to vibrant hues, there’s a shade to suit every taste and every photo shoot theme. For the Lewis Bonnet, I often gravitate towards soft, neutral tones like cream, dove grey, and blush pink. These colors not only enhance the intricate cable design but also complement any newborn outfit or background setting.
The Joy of Cable Knitting
Cables can seem intimidating to some knitters, especially those who are new to the technique. However, they are truly rewarding and add a stunning texture to any project. The Lewis Bonnet features a series of delicate cables that intertwine to create a beautiful pattern. While the design looks intricate, it’s surprisingly manageable once you get the hang of it.
One of the things I love about cable knitting is watching the pattern emerge row by row. There’s a meditative quality to the process, as you carefully slip stitches and create the twists that form the cables. The end result is a piece that looks much more complex than it actually is, making it a great project for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills.
Creating a Heirloom
The Lewis Bonnet is more than just a knitting project; it’s an heirloom in the making. I’ve found that parents cherish these handmade items, often passing them down from one child to the next. There’s something incredibly special about knowing that a piece I’ve created will be part of a family’s memories for years to come.
When creating an heirloom piece, I always take extra care with my finishing touches. This means blocking the bonnet to ensure the cables are well-defined and the fabric is even. I also pay close attention to the ties, making sure they are securely attached and the right length for safety and comfort.
Tips for a Perfect Photo Shoot
The Lewis Bonnet is designed to be the perfect prop for newborn photo shoots. Here are a few tips to ensure your photos capture the beauty of the bonnet and the preciousness of the newborn:
- Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Aim for soft, diffused light to highlight the textures of the bonnet without casting harsh shadows.
- Background: Choose a simple, neutral background to keep the focus on the baby and the bonnet. Soft blankets or fur throws work wonderfully.
- Positioning: Make sure the bonnet is positioned snugly on the baby’s head, with the cables centered. This not only looks better in photos but also ensures the baby’s comfort.
- Accessories: Consider pairing the bonnet with a matching blanket or booties for a coordinated look. Just be careful not to overwhelm the shot with too many props.
- Angles: Experiment with different angles to capture the bonnet’s details. Close-up shots of the cables can be especially striking.
Sharing the Love
One of the most rewarding aspects of creating the Lewis Bonnet has been sharing it with others. Whether it’s gifting it to friends and family or seeing other knitters enjoy the pattern, it’s wonderful to see the joy it brings. If you’re a fellow knitter, I encourage you to give the Lewis Bonnet a try. Not only will you have a beautiful finished piece, but you’ll also experience the satisfaction of creating something truly special.
Conclusion
The Lewis Bonnet is more than just a knitting project—it’s a labor of love. From choosing the perfect yarn to mastering the cable pattern, every step is filled with care and attention to detail. As a newborn photo prop, it brings a touch of timeless elegance to any photo shoot, capturing the innocence and beauty of those early days.
Whether you’re an experienced knitter or new to the craft, I hope you’ll find joy in creating the Lewis Bonnet. It’s a project that celebrates new life and the love we pour into our handmade creations. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: Worsted weight yarn (appx 70-150 yards) I used Knitpicks Comfy, size 8 (5mm) straight and double pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge), cable needle, yarn needle, 5mm crochet hook
Gauge: appx 4sts/inch in stockinette stitch Gauge is very important!
Sizes (appx finished head circumference) : newborn (13ins), 3mths (15ins), sitter (16ins), toddler (17ins)
Great provisional cast on tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeExgbgTOgs
Great i-cord bind off tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij8aSPnAcjs
I-cord instructions – To make an i-cord cast on 3 sts on double pointed needles. Slide these sts to the right of your needle. Knit the row. Slide the sts to the right of the needle. Knit the row and slide the sts to the right of the needle. Continue in this manner until you reach your desired length, occasionally giving the resulting cord a gentle tug.
Stitch Key:
K – knit
p – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
sl – slip st
C3L – cable 3 left – sl next st to cable ndl, hold in front, k2, k1 from cable ndl
C3R – cable 3 right – sl next 2sts to cable ndl, hold in back, k1, k2 from cable ndl
Lewis Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Provisional cast on 54sts.
Row 1 (wrong side)– k3, [p6,k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 2 – k2, p1, [k6, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 3 – k3, [p2, with yarn forward sl2, p2, k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 4 – k2, p1, [C3R, C3L, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 5 – repeat row 3
Row 6 – repeat row 4
Row 7 – repeat row 1
Row 8 – repeat row 2
Continue working in this 8 row pattern until your work measures appx 4ins from cast on edge. You will now switch to double pointed needles and start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k4] around (45sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, k3] around (36sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, k2] around (27sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k1] around (18sts)
Round 8 – k2tog around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional 8ins of i-cord with your 3 left over icord sts. Weave in ends.
3 MONTHS
Provisional cast on 61sts.
Row 1 (wrong side)– k3, [p6,k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 2 – k2, p1, [k6, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 3 – k3, [p2, with yarn forward sl2, p2, k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 4 – k2, p1, [C3R, C3L, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 5 – repeat row 3
Row 6 – repeat row 4
Row 7 – repeat row 1
Row 8 – repeat row 2
Continue working in this 8 row pattern until your work measures appx 4.5ins from cast on edge. You will now switch to double pointed needles and start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – k2tog, k59 (60sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k4] around (50sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k3] around (40sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k2] around (30sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] around (20sts)
Round 9 – k2tog around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional 8ins of i-cord with your 3 left over icord sts. Weave in ends.
SITTER
Provisional cast on 68sts.
Row 1 (wrong side)– k3, [p6,k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 2 – k2, p1, [k6, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 3 – k3, [p2, with yarn forward sl2, p2, k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 4 – k2, p1, [C3R, C3L, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 5 – repeat row 3
Row 6 – repeat row 4
Row 7 – repeat row 1
Row 8 – repeat row 2
Continue working in this 8 row pattern until your work measures appx 5ins from cast on edge. You will now switch to double pointed needles and start working
in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k15] around (64sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k6] around (56sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k5] around (48sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k4] around (40sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k3] around (32sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog, k2] around (24sts)
Round 10 – [k2tog, k1] around (16sts)
Round 11 – k2tog around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional 8ins of i-cord with your 3 left over icord sts. Weave in ends.
TODDLER/SMALL CHILD
Provisional cast on 75sts.
Row 1 (wrong side)– k3, [p6,k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 2 – k2, p1, [k6, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 3 – k3, [p2, with yarn forward sl2, p2, k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 4 – k2, p1, [C3R, C3L, p1] repeat [to] across to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 5 – repeat row 3
Row 6 – repeat row 4
Row 7 – repeat row 1
Row 8 – repeat row 2
Continue working in this 8 row pattern until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge. You will now switch to double pointed needles and start working in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k23] around (72sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k6] around (63sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k5] around (54sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k4] around (45sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k3] around (36sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog, k2] around (24sts)
Round 10 – [k2tog, k1] around (18sts)
Round 11 – k2tog around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 6-8ins. Pull tail through remaining 10sts.
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the 8ins of icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional 8ins of i-cord with your 3 left over icord sts. Weave in ends.
Lewis Bonnet PDF
