Explore my favorite photo props, including this adorable shell knit bonnet pattern, featured at the bottom!
There’s nothing quite like a day at the seaside, am I right? The calming waves, salty breeze, and those tiny treasures hiding in the sand—it’s instant relaxation! But since I can’t always run off to the beach (hello, mom life!), I decided to bring that seaside charm into my knitting projects instead. Enter my newest obsession: the shell knit bonnet pattern!
Today, I’m super excited to share how I turned my seaside dreams into reality with this cozy little newborn bonnet. The best part? You can create it too! You’ll find this free shell knit bonnet pattern at the bottom of this post, but if you’re craving more adorable newborn props, check out the entire photo prop pattern page.
Why I Created This Shell Knit Bonnet Pattern
I love knitting almost as much as I love photography. When I spotted tiny shells scattered along the beach during a family vacation, inspiration struck me like lightning! I thought, “Wouldn’t it be adorable to translate these little seaside treasures into a knit bonnet?”
And so, the shell knit bonnet pattern was born. It perfectly captures the gentle charm of the coast, making it a dreamy addition to newborn photo sessions. Plus, anything ocean-themed automatically boosts the cuteness factor, right?
Picking the Perfect Yarn for the Shell Knit Bonnet Pattern
When it comes to newborn props, yarn selection is everything. You need something soft, gentle, and durable enough to keep its shape for those precious photos. For my shell knit bonnet pattern, I chose a super soft, worsted-weight yarn in a dreamy ocean-blue shade. The yarn had this subtle shimmer, kind of like sunshine dancing over the waves.
Now, here’s the kicker—the exact yarn I used has been discontinued (bummer, I know!), but don’t stress! A fantastic alternative is KnitPicks Heatherly Worsted (affiliate link). Trust me, your bonnet will still turn out beautifully!
Getting Cozy with the Sea Shell Stitch
The real star of this shell knit bonnet pattern is the charming sea shell stitch. It mimics delicate scalloped seashells—talk about instant coastal vibes! This stitch pattern looks intricate, but I promise it’s totally beginner-friendly. Each row feels like its own tiny accomplishment, bringing that seaside feel to life, stitch by stitch.
My Experience Knitting the Shell Knit Bonnet Pattern
Okay, confession time—I get ridiculously excited about new knitting projects. Casting on this bonnet gave me that fresh-project thrill every knitter knows so well. The bonnet begins with a neat ribbed edge to fit snugly around baby’s head, smoothly transitioning into the lovely sea shell stitch.
With every stitch, I imagined warm sand beneath my toes and the rhythmic lull of the waves. Knitting this shell knit bonnet pattern quickly became my mini seaside retreat, even from my own living room couch!
Adding the Cutest Finishing Touches
Every great bonnet needs the perfect finishing touch. For this shell knit bonnet pattern, I knitted soft ties to fasten gently under baby’s chin. It keeps the bonnet securely in place (a lifesaver during photoshoots), plus the ties finish off the look with irresistible charm. To top it off, I added tiny knitted shells to each end. How cute is that?
Photographing the Shell Knit Bonnet Pattern
Once finished, it was finally time to bring my bonnet to life through photography—my other passion! I created a dreamy, beach-inspired newborn photoshoot complete with seashells, starfish, and subtle sandy tones. When placed on a newborn, this shell knit bonnet pattern was even sweeter than I imagined! Each shot perfectly captured those seaside vibes.
There’s something so special about seeing a handmade creation become part of someone’s memories. Knowing my bonnet will forever live in these photos warms my knitting-loving heart!
Sharing the Shell Knit Bonnet Pattern with the World
One thing I adore about the knitting community is how much we love sharing. Posting this shell knit bonnet pattern on social media blew me away with the enthusiasm from fellow knitters and photographers. Everyone wanted to try the sea shell stitch, and photographers were excited about the new prop idea.
It was such a fantastic reminder of how knitting connects us—and why handmade truly matters. Your hands create something unique and special every time you pick up those needles.
Why You’ll Love Knitting This Shell Knit Bonnet Pattern
If you’re looking for your next knitting adventure, seriously, give this shell knit bonnet pattern a try! It’s a fun, manageable project that’s as enjoyable to knit as it is adorable. Plus, the bonnet’s practical design ensures it’ll be cherished by parents and photographers alike.
Remember, knitting isn’t just about the finished product (although the result here is delightful!). It’s about enjoying the rhythm, the creative expression, and the joy each stitch brings.
Final Thoughts on My Shell Knit Bonnet Pattern
Creating this shell knit bonnet pattern was genuinely one of my favorite knitting experiences yet. From beach inspiration to the finished photo prop, every step of the journey was filled with creativity and joy. It reminded me why I fell in love with knitting—and photography—in the first place.
If you’re inspired to start your own seaside knitting adventure, dive right into this pattern! You’ll find the complete shell knit bonnet pattern free at the bottom of this post. And for even more newborn knitting ideas, definitely check out my photo prop pattern page.
I hope this seaside-inspired bonnet brings you as much joy and warmth as it brought me. Happy knitting—and don’t forget to tag me in your photos!
Materials and Info
Materials – 70-200yds of worsted weight yarn (I like KnitPicks heatherly Worsted (affiliate link)), size 9 (5.5mm) straight needles, size 8 (5mm) dpn OR circular if you use magic loop method, yarn needle
Stitch Key
Purl – p Knit – k
Knit 2 together – k2tog
Purl Three Together Make Three – p3togm3
Purl Five Together Make Five – p5togm5 (For an awesome tutorial on how to do this stitch pattern go here)
Sizes – newborn (13ins), 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mths (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins)
Gauge – appx 1 set of [p5togm5, p1] per 1 inch
Seaside Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 67 stitches on size 9 needles.
When working of the body of this bonnet make sure you are working quite loosely to
make it easy on your hands. Tight work in this stitch pattern WILL hurt your hands.
Row 1: Purl across
Row 2: P1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 3: Purl across
Row 4: P3togm3, p1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, p3togm3.
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until you have reached appx 4ins from your cast on edge.
Switch to your size 8 dpn here.
Join in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k1] 22 times, k1 (45sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k3] around (36sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, 2] around (27sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k1] around (18sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold 3 of 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 73 stitches on size 9 needles.
When working of the body of this bonnet make sure you are working quite loosely to
make it easy on your hands. Tight work in this stitch pattern WILL hurt your hands.
Row 1: Purl across
Row 2: P1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 3: Purl across
Row 4: P3togm3, p1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, p3togm3.
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until you have reached appx 4.5ins from your cast on edge.
Switch to your size 8 dpn here.
Join in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k1] 23 times,k2tog, k2tog (48sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k4] around (40sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k3] around (32sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k2] around (24sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] around (16sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold 3 of 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.
3-6 MONTHS
Cast on 79 stitches on size 9 needles.
When working of the body of this bonnet make sure you are working quite loosely to make it easy on your hands. Tight work in this stitch pattern WILL hurt your hands.
Row 1: Purl across
Row 2: P1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 3: Purl across
Row 4: P3togm3, p1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, p3togm3.
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until you have reached appx 5ins from your cast on edge.
Switch to your size 8 dpn here.
Join in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k2] 19 times, k3 (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 and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold 3 of 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.
6-12 MONTHS
Cast on 85 stitches on size 9 needles.
When working of the body of this bonnet make sure you are working quite loosely to make it easy on your hands. Tight work in this stitch pattern WILL hurt your hands.
Row 1: Purl across
Row 2: P1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 3: Purl across
Row 4: P3togm3, p1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, p3togm3.
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until you have reached appx 5.5ins from your cast on edge.
Switch to your size 8 dpn here.
Join in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k1,k2tog,k2] 11 times, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog (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 and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold 3 of 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.
TODDLER
Cast on 91 stitches on size 9 needles.
When working of the body of this bonnet make sure you are working quite loosely to make it easy on your hands. Tight work in this stitch pattern WILL hurt your hands.
Row 1: Purl across
Row 2: P1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across
Row 3: Purl across
Row 4: P3togm3, p1, [p5togm5, p1] repeat [to] across to last 3 sts, p3togm3.
Repeat rows 1 – 4 until you have reached appx 6ins from your cast on edge.
Switch to your size 8 dpn here.
Join in the round.
Decreases
Round 1 – {[k2tog, k1,] three times [k2tog, k2]} repeat around (63sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k5] repeat around(54sts)
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, k4] repeat around (45sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat around (36sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k2] repeat around (27sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, k1] repeat around (18sts)
Round 11 – [k2tog] repeat around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through the remaining sts. Weave in ends. Cut 6 strands of yarn appx 30ins long. Fold 3 of 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.
Seaside Bonnet PDF
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