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There’s something inherently magical about the seaside. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore, the salty breeze whispering through the air, and the treasures hidden in the sand, waiting to be discovered. This serene and enchanting atmosphere was the inspiration behind my latest knitting project—a seaside bonnet for newborns. Today, I’m thrilled to share the journey of creating this charming photo prop, designed to capture the essence of the coast.
The Spark of Inspiration
As a knitting enthusiast and a passionate photographer, I’m always on the lookout for unique props that can add a touch of whimsy to my newborn photo sessions. The idea for the seaside bonnet came to me during a family trip to the beach. Watching the sunlight glint off the ocean waves and the tiny seashells scattered along the shore, I felt a surge of creativity. I knew I wanted to translate these elements into a cozy, handmade piece that would evoke the same sense of tranquility and wonder.
Choosing the Yarn
Selecting the perfect yarn is always a crucial step in any knitting project. For the seaside bonnet, I opted for a soft, worsted weight yarn. I wanted something that would be gentle against a newborn’s delicate skin, yet durable enough to hold its shape. After some deliberation, I settled on a beautiful, ocean-inspired shade of blue, reminiscent of the deep sea. The yarn had a subtle sheen, much like the glistening surface of the water under the sun.
The Sea Shell Stitch
One of the highlights of this project was incorporating the sea shell stitch. This stitch pattern mimics the look of scalloped seashells, adding texture and visual interest to the bonnet. It’s a relatively simple stitch to master, but the effect is stunning. Each row of shells felt like a small victory, as I watched the bonnet gradually take shape, echoing the beauty of the seaside.
Knitting the Bonnet
With my yarn and stitch pattern selected, I cast on with eager anticipation. The bonnet begins with a ribbed edge to ensure a snug fit around the baby’s head. This ribbing transitions smoothly into the sea shell stitch, creating a seamless flow from brim to crown. As I knitted, I could almost hear the sound of the waves and feel the sand beneath my feet, each stitch a small piece of the shore brought to life.
One of the joys of knitting is the meditative rhythm it brings. There’s something incredibly soothing about the repetitive motion of needles clicking together, especially when working on a project as special as this. As the bonnet grew, I imagined the tiny newborn who would wear it, snug and cozy, like a little mermaid or sailor, ready to embark on their own seaside adventure.
Adding the Finishing Touches
No bonnet is complete without a few finishing touches to make it truly unique. For this seaside bonnet, I decided to add a delicate, knitted tie that could be fastened under the baby’s chin. This not only ensures the bonnet stays in place during a photo session but also adds an extra layer of cuteness. I finished the tie with a small, knitted seashell at each end, a nod to the oceanic theme.
Bringing the Bonnet to Life
Once the knitting was complete, it was time for the most exciting part—seeing the bonnet in action. I arranged a beach-themed photo shoot, complete with seashells, starfish, and soft, sandy hues. The bonnet looked even more charming than I had imagined, perfectly complementing the newborn’s peaceful expressions and tiny features.
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a handmade item becomes part of a photograph. It’s as if the love and care that went into each stitch are captured in the image, creating a timeless keepsake for the family. The seaside bonnet did just that, adding a touch of coastal charm to the newborn portraits.
The Joy of Sharing
One of the most rewarding aspects of knitting is sharing my creations with others. Whether it’s gifting a handmade item to a friend or sharing a pattern with fellow knitters, there’s a sense of community and connection that comes with it. When I shared the photos of the seaside bonnet on social media, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Fellow knitters were eager to try their hand at the sea shell stitch, and photographers were excited to add a new prop to their collection.
This experience reminded me of the power of creativity and the joy that comes from making something with your own hands. The seaside bonnet was more than just a project; it was a journey of inspiration, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Encouragement for Fellow Knitters
If you’re a knitter looking for your next project, I encourage you to give the seaside bonnet a try. The sea shell stitch is a delightful pattern to learn, and the end result is a beautiful, functional piece that will be cherished by families and photographers alike. Remember, knitting is not just about the finished product but the process and the joy it brings along the way.
Final Thoughts
Creating the seaside bonnet has been a truly enriching experience. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final photo shoot, every step of the process has been filled with creativity and joy. I hope this story inspires you to explore your own sources of inspiration and to embark on new knitting adventures. Whether you’re knitting for your own little one, a friend’s baby, or simply to add a touch of handmade charm to your photography, the seaside bonnet is a project that captures the beauty and serenity of the coast in every stitch.
Materials and Info
Materials – 70-200yds of worsted weight yarn (I used Valley Yarns Amherst), 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.
