Easy Knit Bonnet Pattern: The Ridge Bonnet

Looking for an easy knit bonnet pattern? Check out my photo prop collection here & don’t miss this cutie at the bottom!

There’s just something so heart-melting about a squishy newborn in a cozy hand-knit bonnet, isn’t there? If you’re on the hunt for an easy knit bonnet pattern that’s beginner-friendly, adorable, and actually useful for newborn photo shoots—you’re in the right place.

I designed the Ridge Bonnet with simplicity and texture in mind. It’s sweet, snug, and works beautifully as a photography prop. And guess what? I used KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link), one of my favorite baby-soft yarns. The free pattern for this bonnet is at the bottom of this post, but if you’re craving more, head to my photo prop pattern page for even more cuteness.

Falling in Love with KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link)

Let’s talk yarn first. Because, honestly, it all started with a skein of KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link). I was looking for a luxury yarn that still held up well for baby makes—nothing itchy, nothing flimsy—and stumbled on this dreamy 100% baby alpaca. Oh my. It’s got that buttery-soft texture, a touch of shine, and a palette full of gentle, photo-ready colors.

For this easy knit bonnet pattern, I chose a creamy natural shade, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. It plays so well with the light during photo shoots and makes those little ridges pop just enough. I now keep KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link) stocked like it’s milk and bread in a snowstorm.

The Inspiration Behind This Easy Knit Bonnet Pattern

As both a knitter and a photographer, I’m always thinking about how texture, light, and softness all work together. I wanted a bonnet that checked all the boxes:

Looked great in pictures
Had just enough texture to stand out
Was easy enough for newer knitters to make

That’s when the idea for this easy knit bonnet pattern hit me. Something with simple ridges, a clean edge, and a customizable tie. I sketched it out, pulled out my favorite needles, and started stitching.

Let the Knitting Begin

I plopped down in my sunny window seat with a hot cup of tea, KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link) in hand, and got started. I know, I know—swatching isn’t glamorous. But when you’re making something for a teeny-tiny newborn noggin, it’s essential. I swatched, tweaked, swatched again… and finally cast on for the real thing.

The pattern starts with a sweet garter stitch edge—slipped and tidy to frame those soft baby cheeks. Then the ridges are formed using the simplest combo: knit every row, with the back rows worked slip 1, knit 1. That’s it! Total zen knitting.

This easy knit bonnet pattern may look intricate, but it’s secretly the kind of project you can do while catching up on your favorite show or listening to a podcast. It’s repetitive in the best way. Like, “I don’t even need to count stitches anymore” good.

Finishing Touches That Make It Pop

Once the body of the bonnet was done, I added a neat little I-cord edge. It’s such a game-changer—it makes the bonnet look polished and gives it a little structure. Plus, I-cord ties mean you get a perfect, secure fit every time. No slipping off during photo time!

Blocking this easy knit bonnet pattern made it shine even more. I gave it a soak in lukewarm water with a splash of wool wash, gently shaped the ridges, and let it dry flat. It bloomed just beautifully. That’s one of my favorite moments in any project—watching it go from “that’s nice” to “WHOA, that’s cute.”

Lights, Camera, Bonnet!

Photo day is always a big deal around here. I set up my space, popped the Ridge Bonnet on the tiniest little model, and wow—it was perfect. The soft ridges caught the light just right, and that creamy tone from KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link) made the baby’s skin glow.

You know that feeling when you’ve made something with your own two hands, and it becomes part of someone’s treasured memory? That’s what this easy knit bonnet pattern gave me.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Easy Knit Bonnet Pattern

Of all the baby bonnets I’ve knit (and I’ve knit quite a few), this one has that magic blend of quick-to-make and photogenic. It’s a favorite because it checks every box:

✔ Uses soft and luxurious KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link)
✔ Has texture but isn’t tricky
✔ Works beautifully in newborn photos
✔ Makes an adorable baby gift

It’s also one of those patterns that invites you to knit it again and again. I’ve made it in pale pink, icy blue, soft gray—all in KnitPicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link), of course—and each one turns out beautiful in its own way.

If You Love Easy Knit Bonnet Patterns…

…you’re in luck! I have a whole batch of them ready and waiting for you. Whether you’re looking for lacey, textured, whimsical, or simple styles, you can find them all on my free photo prop pattern page.

THIS easy knit bonnet pattern (the Ridge Bonnet!) is just one of many. You’ll find the full free pattern at the bottom of this post. But trust me, if you like this one, you’ll want to check out the others too!

Let’s Knit Together!

If you give this easy knit bonnet pattern a try, I’d love to see it in action. Share your finished Ridge Bonnet with me on Instagram or tag me in your newborn photography setups. I get so excited seeing these patterns come to life in your hands!

Knit on, friends—and happy stitching!

Materials and Info

MATERIALS: sport weight yarn (I used Knitpicks Andean Treasure (affiliate link)), size 6 (4mm) straight and dpn needles

GAUGE: 6sts/in – ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! SWATCH FIRST!!!!!~

Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins), 1-3yrs (17ins)

STITCH KEY

k – knit

p – purl

slpw – slip purlwise

k2tog – knit 2 together

Ridge Bonnet Pattern

NEWBORN

Cast on 61sts

Row 1 – k1 (slpw1, k1) across

Row 2 – k1 (p1, k1) across

Row 3 – purl across

Row 4 – knit across

Repeat rows 1-4 2 more times for a total of 12 rows.

Work in stockinette stitch until your work measures 4ins from the cast on edge starting with a purl row.

You will now start working in the round. Transfer your work to double pointed needles.

DECREASES

Round 1 – k2tog, knit around (60sts)

Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (50sts)

Round 3 – knit around

Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (40sts)

Round 5 – knit around

Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (30sts)

Round 7 – knit around

Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (20sts)

Round 9 – (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 67sts

Row 1 – k1 (slpw1, k1) across

Row 2 – k1 (p1, k1) across

Row 3 – purl across

Row 4 – knit across

Repeat rows 1-4 2 more times for a total of 12 rows.

Work in stockinette stitch until your work measures 4.5ins from the cast on edge starting with a purl row.

You will now start working in the round. Transfer your work to double pointed needles.

DECREASES

Round 1 – k2tog, knit around (66sts)

Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (55sts)

Round 3 – knit around

Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (44sts)

Round 5 – knit around

Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (33sts)

Round 7 – knit around

Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (22sts)

Round 9 – (k2tog) repeat around (11sts)

3-6MTHS

Cast on 73sts

Row 1 – k1 (slpw1, k1) across

Row 2 – k1 (p1, k1) across

Row 3 – purl across

Row 4 – knit across

Repeat rows 1-4 2 more times for a total of 12 rows.

Work in stockinette stitch until your work measures 5ins from the cast on edge starting with a purl row.

You will now start working in the round. Transfer your work to double pointed needles.

DECREASES

Round 1 – k2tog, knit around (72sts)

Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (60sts)

Round 3 – knit around

Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (48sts)

Round 5 – knit around

Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (36sts)

Round 7 – knit around

Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (24sts)

Round 9 – (k2tog) repeat around (12sts)

6-12MTHS

Cast on 81sts

Row 1 – k1 (slpw1, k1) across

Row 2 – k1 (p1, k1) across

Row 3 – purl across

Row 4 – knit across

Repeat rows 1-4 3 more times for a total of 16 rows.

Work in stockinette stitch until your work measures 5.5ins from the cast on edge starting with a purl row.

You will now start working in the round. Transfer your work to double pointed needles.

DECREASES

Round 1 – (k2tog, k25) repeat around (78sts)

Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (65sts)

Round 3 – knit around

Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (52sts)

Round 5 – knit around

Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (39sts)

Round 7 – knit around

Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (26sts)

Round 9 – (k2tog) repeat around (13sts)

1-3YRS

Cast on 93sts

Row 1 – k1 (slpw1, k1) across

Row 2 – k1 (p1, k1) across

Row 3 – purl across

Row 4 – knit across

Repeat rows 1-4 3 more times for a total of 16 rows.

Work in stockinette stitch until your work measures 6ins from the cast on edge starting with a purl row.

You will now start working in the round. Transfer your work to double pointed needles.

DECREASES

Round 1 – (k2tog, k29) repeat around (90sts)

Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (75sts)

Round 3 – knit around

Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (60sts)

Round 5 – knit around

Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (45sts)

Round 7 – knit around

Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (30sts)

Round 9 – (k2tog) repeat around (15sts)

Ridge Bonnet PDF

Ridge-Bonnet Download

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