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As an avid knitter and a passionate photographer, I’ve always found immense joy in creating handmade props for newborn photography. One of my favorite projects, which combines simplicity and elegance, is the mohair traditional bonnet. Hand-knitting this bonnet in KnitPicks Aloft has been a delightful experience, and I’m excited to share my journey and insights with you.
The Allure of Mohair
There’s something undeniably captivating about mohair. Known for its ethereal softness and delicate halo, mohair yarns add a touch of luxury to any knitting project. When I first laid my hands on KnitPicks Aloft, I was immediately smitten by its feather-light feel and the subtle sheen that glimmers under the light. This yarn is a blend of 72% super kid mohair and 28% silk, making it both incredibly soft and strong.
For a newborn bonnet, the choice of yarn is crucial. It needs to be gentle against the baby’s sensitive skin while also being durable enough to withstand the occasional tug or stretch. KnitPicks Aloft checks all these boxes, and its wide array of colors allows for endless creativity.
Starting the Mohair Traditional Bonnet: Simplicity at Its Best
The mohair traditional bonnet design I chose is timeless, featuring a 1×1 rib edging that provides a snug yet comfortable fit around the baby’s face. This ribbing is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a touch of texture without overwhelming the delicate nature of the mohair.
I began by casting on the stitches, using a pair of circular needles to ensure a seamless and smooth knitting experience. The 1×1 ribbing was the first section to be worked on, and it’s always a pleasure to watch the pattern develop. There’s something meditative about the rhythm of knit one, purl one, and it sets a steady pace for the project.
The Body of the Bonnet: Light as Air
Once the ribbing was complete, I transitioned to the main body of the bonnet. The simplicity of stockinette stitch was the perfect choice, allowing the mohair’s natural beauty to take center stage. Every row was a joy to knit, as the silk content in the yarn provided a slight sheen, making each stitch stand out.
One of the challenges of working with mohair is its delicate nature. The fibers can easily become tangled, and frogging (ripping out stitches) can be a nightmare. However, with patience and careful handling, knitting with KnitPicks Aloft becomes a smooth and rewarding process. I found that using wooden needles helped to keep the stitches in place and provided the right amount of grip to avoid slipping.
Shaping the Bonnet: A Touch of Precision
As I approached the shaping of the mohair traditional bonnet, I couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly the project was coming together. The decreases at the crown required a bit more attention, but the end result was well worth the effort. The shaping created a gentle curve, perfectly framing the baby’s head and ensuring a snug fit.
One of the things I love most about knitting bonnets is the way they come to life as they take shape. There’s a certain magic in watching a flat piece of fabric transform into a three-dimensional object, ready to be worn and cherished.
Finishing Touches: Adding the Ties
With the main body of the bonnet complete, it was time to add the finishing touches. The ties are a crucial element, not only for securing the bonnet in place but also for adding a delicate, whimsical touch. I opted for simple braided ties, which are both elegant and functional. The process of braiding the ties is straightforward, yet it never fails to impress me how such a simple technique can yield such lovely results.
The Final Product: A Hand-Knit Treasure
Once the ties were attached, I carefully blocked the bonnet to ensure it held its shape and to enhance the drape of the mohair. Blocking is a step that should never be skipped, especially when working with delicate fibers like mohair. It smooths out any uneven stitches and gives the bonnet a professional finish.
Holding the finished bonnet in my hands, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The soft, airy fabric, the gentle halo of the mohair, and the classic design all came together to create a truly beautiful piece. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love knitting and why I find such joy in creating handmade items for newborn photography.
Capturing the Moment: Using the Bonnet in Newborn Photography
The real magic happens when the bonnet is used in a newborn photography session. There’s nothing quite like seeing a tiny, precious baby wearing something you’ve made with your own hands. The mohair bonnet adds a touch of elegance and softness to the photos, enhancing the natural beauty of the newborn.
In my photography sessions, I’ve found that parents often appreciate the thought and care that goes into handmade props. The bonnet not only serves as a beautiful accessory but also as a keepsake that parents can cherish for years to come.
Reflecting on the Journey
Knitting a mohair bonnet is more than just following a pattern; it’s a journey of creativity, patience, and love. Each stitch carries a piece of the knitter’s heart, making the final product all the more special. As I reflect on this project, I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine my passions for knitting and photography, creating something that brings joy to others.
If you’re a knitter looking for a rewarding project or a photographer in search of unique props, I highly recommend trying your hand at a mohair bonnet. The process is simple, the materials are luxurious, and the end result is nothing short of magical.
In the end, knitting is about more than just making things; it’s about creating memories and sharing a part of yourself with others. And what better way to do that than through a beautiful, hand-knit mohair bonnet?
Materials and Info
Materials: 1 skein of lace weight (size 0) mohair yarn (I used KnitPicks Aloft), size 7 (4.5mm) straight and dpn needles
Gauge: 4.5sts x 8r per in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Stitch 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
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins)
Mohair Traditional Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 52 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – (k1p1) repeat across
Repeat row 1 until you have worked 10 rows total.
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 4ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – (k2tog, k11) repeat around(48sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (40sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (32sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (24sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (16sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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 and braid.
0-3mths
Cast on 56 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – (k1p1) repeat across
Repeat row 1 until you have worked 10 rows total.
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 4.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – (k2tog, 26) repeat around (54sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (45sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (36sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (27sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (18sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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 and braid.
3-6mths
Cast on 62 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – (k1p1) repeat across
Repeat row 1 until you have worked 12 rows total.
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – (k2tog, k29) repeat around (60sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (50sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (40sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (30sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (20sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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 and braid.
6-12mths
Cast on 66 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – (k1p1) repeat across
Repeat row 1 until you have worked 12 rows total.
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 5.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – (k2tog, k9) repeat around (60sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (50sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (40sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (30sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (20sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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 and braid.
Mohair Traditional Bonnet PDF
