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Hello, dear readers! Today, I am thrilled to share with you a delightful knitting project that is sure to become a cherished addition to your collection of newborn photo props. As a knitter and a lover of timeless, elegant designs, I have always been drawn to pieces that accentuate the natural beauty of the subject, and the prairie bonnet is no exception.
The Inspiration Behind the Prairie Bonnet
There’s something incredibly charming about prairie bonnets. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, reminiscent of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. The inspiration for this bonnet came from my desire to create a piece that is both understated and beautiful, allowing the focus to remain on the precious newborn wearing it.
The prairie bonnet I designed features a subtle stitch pattern that almost resembles cables. This delicate design element adds a touch of sophistication without being overpowering. It’s perfect for those newborn photo shoots where you want the baby’s natural beauty to shine through.
The Beauty of Simplicity
One of the things I love most about this prairie bonnet is its simplicity. It’s designed to be knit flat on straight needles, making it an excellent project for knitters of all skill levels. If you’re comfortable with basic knitting techniques, you’ll find this pattern to be a relaxing and enjoyable knit.
For this project, I used worsted weight yarn, specifically KnitPicks Reverie. This yarn is a blend of baby alpaca and acrylic, giving it a soft, luxurious feel that’s perfect for delicate newborn skin. The combination of these fibers creates a light and airy fabric that drapes beautifully. You can purchase the yarn for this project here.
Tools and Materials
Before we dive into the knitting process, let’s talk about the tools and materials you’ll need:
- Straight needles size 8 (5mm): These needles are perfect for achieving the right gauge and ensuring your stitches are even and neat.
- Worsted weight yarn: As I mentioned earlier, I used KnitPicks Reverie, but you can choose any soft, baby-friendly worsted weight yarn.
- Optional crochet lace trim: If you want to add a touch of elegance to your bonnet, you can incorporate a crochet lace trim. For this, you’ll need a 3.5mm crochet hook and lace weight yarn or size 10 weight crochet thread.
The Knitting Process
The prairie bonnet is knit flat, which means you’ll be working back and forth on straight needles. This makes it a great project to work on while relaxing with a cup of tea or catching up on your favorite TV show. The subtle stitch pattern that resembles cables adds visual interest and texture to the bonnet, making it look more intricate than it actually is.
As you work through the pattern, you’ll notice how the fabric starts to take shape, with the delicate stitch pattern adding just the right amount of detail. The bonnet comes together relatively quickly, making it a satisfying project that you can complete in a few evenings.
Adding the Crochet Lace Trim
If you decide to add the optional crochet lace trim, you’ll find that it adds a lovely finishing touch to the bonnet. The lace trim can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, depending on your crochet skills and personal preference. I opted for a simple lace pattern that complements the subtle stitch design of the bonnet without overshadowing it.
To create the lace trim, you’ll need a 3.5mm crochet hook and lace weight yarn or size 10 weight crochet thread. If you’re new to crochet, don’t worry—there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you get started. The lace trim is worked separately and then sewn onto the bonnet, giving you the flexibility to customize it to your liking.
Capturing Precious Moments
One of the most rewarding aspects of creating photo props like this prairie bonnet is seeing them used in newborn photo shoots. There’s something incredibly special about capturing those early moments of a baby’s life, and a beautifully crafted bonnet can add a touch of charm and elegance to the photos.
The simplicity of the prairie bonnet ensures that it doesn’t detract from the beauty of the baby. Instead, it frames their delicate features and enhances the overall aesthetic of the photos. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a parent looking to capture your own memories, this bonnet is a wonderful addition to your collection of props.
Final Thoughts
In creating this prairie bonnet, my goal was to design a piece that is timeless, elegant, and easy to knit. I believe that simplicity can be incredibly beautiful, and this bonnet embodies that philosophy. The subtle stitch pattern, soft yarn, and optional lace trim all come together to create a piece that is both charming and practical.
I hope you enjoy knitting this prairie bonnet as much as I enjoyed designing it. There’s something truly special about creating handmade items for the little ones in our lives, and I believe this bonnet will become a treasured keepsake for years to come.
If you decide to knit this bonnet, I would love to see your finished creations! Feel free to share your photos and experiences in the comments below or tag me on social media. Happy knitting, and may your days be filled with creativity and joy!
Thank you for joining me on this knitting journey. Stay tuned for more knitting patterns, tips, and inspiration in future blog posts. Until next time, happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: appx 40-120yd worsted weight yarn (I used knitpicks reverie), size 8 (5mm) straight needles or (size needed to obtain gauge), yarn needle, 2 stitch markers
OPTION MATERIALS: size 10 crochet thread, small crochet hook (like a d or 00)
Gauge: appx 4sts/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 stitches together
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together
slwk4 – slip the next 4 sts, wrap yarn around these 4 sts from back to front LOOSELY, slip the sts back to the left needle, knit the 4 sts
Prairie Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 46sts.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k3 [slwk4, k4] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, knit 3
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k3 [k4, slwk4] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, knit 3
Repeat rows 1-8 until your work measures appx 3.5ins finishing after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1, k2tog, k40, k2tog, k1 (44sts)
Place stitch markers on either end of row.
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (38sts)
Row 4 – Purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (32sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (26sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (20sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (14sts)
Row 12 – p1 [p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1 (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 24ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
If you want to add a feminine touch to the bonnet you can always add a cute little crochet edge like the picture at the end of the pattern. I used sized 10 crochet thread, a crochet hook (something small like a d or 00). My edge was a ([double crochet, chain 1, double crochet] in next stitch, skip 2 sts) across.
0-3 MONTHS
Cast on 50sts.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k3 [slwk4, k4] repeat [to] across to last 7sts, slwk4, knit 3
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k3 [k4, slwk4] repeat [to] across to last 7 sts, knit 7
Repeat rows 1-8 until your work measures appx 4.25ins finishing after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (43sts)
Place stitch markers on either end of row.
Row 2 – Purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (36sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (29sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (22sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (15sts)
Row 10 – [p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1 (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 24ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
If you want to add a feminine touch to the bonnet you can always add a cute little crochet edge like the picture at the end of the pattern. I used sized 10 crochet thread, a crochet hook (something small like a d or 00). My edge was a ([double crochet, chain 1, double crochet] in next stitch, skip 2 sts) across.
3-6 MONTH
Cast on 54sts.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k3 [slwk4, k4] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, knit 3
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k3 [k4, slwk4] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, knit 3
Repeat rows 1-8 until your work measures appx 4.5ins finishing after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – [k2tog, k16] repeat [to] across (51sts)
Place stitch markers on either end of row.
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (44sts)
Row 4 – Purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (37sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (30sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (23sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (16sts)
Row 12 – p1 [p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1 (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 24ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
If you want to add a feminine touch to the bonnet you can always add a cute little crochet edge like the picture at the end of the pattern. I used sized 10 crochet thread, a crochet hook (something small like a d or 00). My edge was a ([double crochet, chain 1, double crochet] in next stitch, skip 2 sts) across.
6-12 MONTHS
Cast on 58sts.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k3 [slwk4, k4] repeat [to] across to last 7sts, slwk4, knit 3
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k3 [k4, slwk4] repeat [to] across to last 7 sts, knit 7
Repeat rows 1-8 until your work measures appx 5ins finishing after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (50sts)
Place stitch markers on either end of row.
Row 2 – Purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (42sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (34sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (26sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (18sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1, [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 24ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
If you want to add a feminine touch to the bonnet you can always add a cute little crochet edge like the picture at the end of the pattern. I used sized 10 crochet thread, a crochet hook (something small like a d or 00). My edge was a ([double crochet, chain 1, double crochet] in next stitch, skip 2 sts) across.
1-3 YEARS (TODDLER)
Cast on 62sts.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k3 [slwk4, k4] repeat [to] across to last 3sts, knit 3
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – k3 [k4, slwk4] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, knit 3
Repeat rows 1-8 until your work measures appx 5.5ins finishing after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k13] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (58sts)
Place stitch markers on either end of row.
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (50sts)
Row 4 – Purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (42sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (34sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (26sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (18sts)
Row 12 – purl across
Row 13 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 24ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop. These are your ties.
If you want to add a feminine touch to the bonnet you can always add a cute little crochet edge like the picture at the end of the pattern. I used sized 10 crochet thread, a crochet hook (something small like a d or 00). My edge was a ([double crochet, chain 1, double crochet] in next stitch, skip 2 sts) across.
Prairie Bonnet PDF
