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As a passionate knitter and an avid photographer of newborns, I am always on the lookout for unique and beautiful patterns to create stunning photo props. One of my latest creations is the Selah Bonnet, a charming piece that has quickly become a favorite in my collection. This free knitting pattern features intricate cables and a beautifully decreased back, making it the perfect accessory for newborn photo sessions. I used KnitPicks Capra, a luxurious blend of merino and cashmere, to bring this bonnet to life. Let me take you on a journey through the making of this exquisite piece.
The Inspiration Behind Selah Bonnet
The word “Selah” is often found in the Psalms and is believed to mean “pause and reflect.” This concept resonated deeply with me as I designed this bonnet. I wanted to create something that would not only be beautiful but also invite a moment of pause and reflection during the precious early days of a newborn’s life. The intricate cables represent the twists and turns of life’s journey, while the beautifully decreased back symbolizes the gentle coming together of life’s moments.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn: KnitPicks Capra
Selecting the right yarn for a knitting project is crucial, especially when it comes to newborn photo props. The yarn needs to be soft, gentle on delicate skin, and have a luxurious feel that adds a touch of elegance to the finished piece. KnitPicks Capra was the perfect choice for the Selah Bonnet. This yarn is a delightful blend of 85% merino wool and 15% cashmere, offering the perfect combination of warmth, softness, and durability.
The merino wool provides excellent stitch definition, which is essential for showcasing the intricate cable pattern of the bonnet. The cashmere adds a touch of luxury, making the bonnet incredibly soft and cozy. KnitPicks Capra comes in a variety of beautiful colors, but for this project, I chose a soft, neutral shade that complements any newborn outfit and enhances the delicate features of the baby. You can purchase the yarn for this project here.
The Joy of Knitting Cables
Knitting cables is one of my favorite techniques. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching the twists and turns of the yarn form a beautiful, intricate pattern. The Selah Bonnet features a stunning cable design that runs along the sides of the bonnet, adding texture and visual interest. While cables may seem intimidating to some knitters, they are actually quite simple once you get the hang of it.
The key to successful cable knitting is using a cable needle to hold the stitches temporarily while you work the surrounding stitches. This creates the twisted effect that characterizes cable patterns. The Selah Bonnet pattern includes detailed instructions and a chart to guide you through the cable work, making it accessible even for those who are new to this technique.
The Beautifully Decreased Back
One of the standout features of the Selah Bonnet is the beautifully decreased back. This design element not only ensures a perfect fit but also adds an elegant touch to the finished piece. The decreases are strategically placed to create a smooth, seamless look, and they converge at the center back, forming a delicate star-like pattern.
Decreasing can be a bit tricky, but it’s all about maintaining the flow of the pattern while reducing the number of stitches. In the Selah Bonnet, the decreases are incorporated into the cable design, ensuring that the pattern remains cohesive and visually appealing. This attention to detail is what sets the Selah Bonnet apart from other bonnets and makes it such a special piece.
Bringing the Selah Bonnet to Life
Creating the Selah Bonnet was a truly rewarding experience. From the moment I cast on the first stitch to the final weaving in of the ends, I was captivated by the beauty of the pattern and the luxurious feel of the yarn. Each stitch felt like a step closer to creating something meaningful and beautiful, a piece that would be cherished by both parents and photographers.
One of the joys of knitting for newborns is knowing that the finished piece will be part of capturing precious memories. The Selah Bonnet, with its intricate cables and beautifully decreased back, is the perfect accessory for newborn photo sessions. It frames the baby’s face beautifully, highlighting their delicate features and adding a touch of elegance to the photos.
Tips for Knitting the Selah Bonnet
If you’re planning to knit the Selah Bonnet, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Choose the Right Yarn: Opt for a soft, high-quality yarn like KnitPicks Capra. The merino and cashmere blend is perfect for delicate baby skin and provides excellent stitch definition.
- Practice Your Cable Knitting: If you’re new to cables, take some time to practice on a small swatch before starting the bonnet. This will help you get comfortable with the technique and ensure that your cables are neat and even.
- Follow the Pattern Carefully: The Selah Bonnet pattern includes detailed instructions and charts for the cable design and decreases. Take your time and follow the pattern carefully to achieve the best results.
- Block Your Finished Piece: Blocking is an important step in finishing any knitting project. It helps to even out the stitches, open up the cable pattern, and give the bonnet a professional look. Simply soak the bonnet in lukewarm water, gently squeeze out the excess water, and lay it flat to dry.
Capturing Precious Moments
The Selah Bonnet is more than just a knitting project; it’s a labor of love that brings joy to both the maker and the recipient. As a photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of using this bonnet in several newborn photo sessions, and the results have been nothing short of magical. The bonnet adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the photos, creating timeless images that parents will cherish forever.
In conclusion, the Selah Bonnet is a beautiful, intricate pattern that combines the joy of knitting with the art of photography. Using KnitPicks Capra, this bonnet is not only soft and luxurious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting out, the Selah Bonnet is a delightful project that you’ll enjoy creating and sharing with others. So, take a moment to pause and reflect, pick up your needles, and bring the Selah Bonnet to life.
Materials and Info
Materials Needed: 60-120yds dk weight yarn (I used knitpicks capra), size 6 straight needles, size 6 dpn needles for icord, cable needle, yarn needle
Gauge: 5.5sts/in in stockinette st (cable pattern should measure 2ins/repeat)
Sizes (appx head circumference) [appx finished measurements] – newborn (13ins) [5x5ins], infant (14.5 ins) [5.75×5.75ins], sitter (16ins) [6.5×6.5ins], toddler (17ins) [7.25×7.25ins]
Stitch Key:
K – knit p – purl
C4b – slip next 3sts onto cable needle, hold in back, knit the next st, knit 3 sts from cable needle
C4f – slip next st onto cable needle, hold in front, knit the next 3sts, knit st from cable needle
C3b – slip next 2sts onto cable needle, hold in back, knit the next st, knit 2 sts from cable needle
C3f – slip next st onto cable needle, hold in front, knit the next 2sts, knit st from cable needle
C2b – slip next st onto cable needle, hold in back, knit the next st, knit st from cable needle
C2f – slip next st onto cable needle, hold in front, knit the next st, knit st from cable needle
Vdd – slip the next 2 sts together as if to knit, knit the next st, pass over the 2 slipped sts together
Selah Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Provisional cast on 63sts (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern)
Row 1 – Purl across
Row 2 – K3 [k9,p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 3 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 4 – K3 [c4b, k1, c4f, p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 5 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Repeat rows 2-5 until your work measures appx 3.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a row 5. Place stitch markers on either end of your last row to mark where to sew crown closed to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p3 [k3, vdd, k3, p3] repeat [to] across (53sts)
Row 2 – k3 [p7, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p1, p2tog, [c3b, k1, c3f, p2tog, p1] repeat [to] across (47sts)
Row 4 – k2 [p7, k2] repeat [to] across to last st
Row 5 – p2 [k2, vdd, k2, p2] repeat [to] across (37sts)
Row 6 – k2 [p5, k2] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2tog, [c2b, k1, c2f, p2tog] repeat [to] across (31sts)
Row 8 – k1 [p5, k1] repeat [to] across
Row 9 – p1 [k1, vdd, k1, p1] repeat [to] across (21sts)
Row 10 – k1 [p2, p2tog] repeat [to] across but on last repeat p3, k1 (17sts)
Row 11 – p1 [vdd] repeat [to] across to last st, p1 (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinchthe 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).
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord for personal use and 12ins for photography use. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional icord to the same length as the other tie with your 3 left over icord sts. (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern) Weave in ends.
INFANT
Provisional cast on 75sts (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern)
Row 1 – Purl across
Row 2 – K3 [k9,p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 3 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 4 – K3 [c4b, k1, c4f, p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 5 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Repeat rows 2-5 until your work measures appx 4.25ins from cast on edge ending after completing a row 5. Place stitch markers on either end of your last row to mark where to sew crown closed to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p3 [k3, vdd, k3, p3] repeat [to] across (63sts)
Row 2 – k3 [p7, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p1, p2tog, [c3b, k1, c3f, p2tog, p1] repeat [to] across (56sts)
Row 4 – k2 [p7, k2] repeat [to] across to last st
Row 5 – p2 [k2, vdd, k2, p2] repeat [to] across (44sts)
Row 6 – k2 [p5, k2] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2tog, [c2b, k1, c2f, p2tog] repeat [to] across (37sts)
Row 8 – k1 [p5, k1] repeat [to] across
Row 9 – p1 [k1, vdd, k1, p1] repeat [to] across (25sts)
Row 10 – k1 [p2, p2tog] repeat [to] across but on last repeat p3, k1 (20sts)
Row 11 – p1 [vdd] 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).
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord for personal use and 12ins for photography use. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional icord to the same length as the other tie with your 3 left over icord sts. (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern) Weave in ends
SITTER
Provisional cast on 87sts (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern)
Row 1 – Purl across
Row 2 – K3 [k9,p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 3 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 4 – K3 [c4b, k1, c4f, p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 5 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Repeat rows 2-5 until your work measures appx 5.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a row 5. Place stitch markers on either end of your last row to mark where to sew crown closed to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p3 [k3, vdd, k3, p3] repeat [to] across (73sts)
Row 2 – k3 [p7, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p1, p2tog, [c3b, k1, c3f, p2tog, p1] repeat [to] across (65sts)
Row 4 – k2 [p7, k2] repeat [to] across to last st
Row 5 – p2 [k2, vdd, k2, p2] repeat [to] across (51sts)
Row 6 – k2 [p5, k2] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2tog, [c2b, k1, c2f, p2tog] repeat [to] across (43sts)
Row 8 – k1 [p5, k1] repeat [to] across
Row 9 – p1 [k1, vdd, k1, p1] repeat [to] across (29sts)
Row 10 – k1 [p2, p2tog] repeat [to] across but on last repeat p3, k1 (23sts)
Row 11 – p1 [vdd] 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).
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord for personal use and 12ins for photography use. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional icord to the same length as the other tie with your 3 left over icord sts. (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern) Weave in ends.
TODDLER
Provisional cast on 99sts (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern)
Row 1 – Purl across
Row 2 – K3 [k9,p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 3 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 4 – K3 [c4b, k1, c4f, p3] repeat [to] across but on last repeat knit the last 3 sts not purl
Row 5 – K3 [p9, k3] repeat [to] across
Repeat rows 2-5 until your work measures appx 6.25ins from cast on edge ending after completing a row 5. Place stitch markers on either end of your last row to mark where to sew crown closed to.
DECREASES
Row 1 – p3 [k3, vdd, k3, p3] repeat [to] across (83sts)
Row 2 – k3 [p7, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 3 – p1, p2tog, [c3b, k1, c3f, p2tog, p1] repeat [to] across (74sts)
Row 4 – k2 [p7, k2] repeat [to] across to last st
Row 5 – p2 [k2, vdd, k2, p2] repeat [to] across (58sts)
Row 6 – k2 [p5, k2] repeat [to] across
Row 7 – p2tog, [c2b, k1, c2f, p2tog] repeat [to] across (49sts)
Row 8 – k1 [p5, k1] repeat [to] across
Row 9 – p1 [k1, vdd, k1, p1] repeat [to] across (33sts)
Row 10 – k1 [p2, p2tog] repeat [to] across but on last repeat p3, k1 (26sts)
Row 11 – p1 [vdd] repeat [to] across to last st, p1 (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).
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 8ins of i-cord for personal use and 12ins for photography use. Place all of the provisional cast on sts on your straight needle (I like to use a circular needle for this but straight will do) and begin i-cord bind off using the icord you have already worked. Once all of the bonnet sts have been bound off work an additional icord to the same length as the other tie with your 3 left over icord sts. (tutorial and helpful links at the end of the pattern) Weave in ends.