Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Knitting has always been a form of therapy for me. There’s something magical about turning a simple strand of yarn into something beautiful, something that carries a piece of my heart with every stitch. Recently, I embarked on a project that combined my love for knitting and newborn photography props: the Sparrow Bonnet, a delicate mohair lace bonnet designed for capturing the innocence of newborns in those first precious moments of life.
The Inspiration Behind the Sparrow Bonnet
As a mother and a passionate knitter, I’ve always been drawn to creating pieces that hold sentimental value. The Sparrow Bonnet was born out of this desire. I wanted to design something that was not only visually stunning but also carried a sense of nostalgia and tenderness. The name “Sparrow” itself evokes a sense of delicate beauty, reminiscent of the small, fluttering birds that often symbolize new beginnings and the fragility of life.
Mohair, with its soft and ethereal quality, seemed like the perfect choice for this project. It’s light, fluffy, and incredibly gentle on a newborn’s sensitive skin. I envisioned a bonnet that would look like a whisper of lace, adding an element of dreaminess to newborn photoshoots.
The Journey of Creating the Sparrow Bonnet
When I set out to create the Sparrow Bonnet, I knew I wanted it to be special. I spent countless hours researching and experimenting with different lace patterns, seeking something that was both intricate and simple enough to highlight the delicate nature of mohair yarn.
The process was both challenging and rewarding. There were moments of frustration when the lace pattern didn’t quite turn out the way I envisioned, but each failed attempt brought me closer to the perfect design. I remember sitting in my favorite knitting spot by the window, sunlight streaming in, and feeling a rush of excitement as the final pattern started to take shape.
The Beauty of Mohair Lace
One of the most enchanting aspects of the Sparrow Bonnet is the use of mohair lace. Mohair yarn, with its fuzzy halo, adds a soft focus to the lace pattern, making it look almost like a cloud. This effect is perfect for newborn photography, where you want to create a dreamy and serene atmosphere. I used KnitPicks Aloft for the model images which you can purchase here.
Knitting with mohair can be tricky, though. It requires patience and a gentle touch, as the fibers are delicate and can easily tangle. However, the effort is well worth it. The resulting fabric is lightweight, airy, and incredibly soft – ideal for a newborn’s sensitive skin.
Knitting the Sparrow Bonnet
As I knitted the first Sparrow Bonnet, I couldn’t help but imagine the tiny heads it would adorn. Each stitch felt like a step closer to creating a piece that would be part of a family’s cherished memories. The bonnet is designed to be delicate yet durable, with a snug fit that gently cradles a newborn’s head without being too tight.
The lace pattern, though intricate, is surprisingly easy to memorize, making the knitting process enjoyable and meditative. I found myself getting lost in the rhythm of the stitches, the repetitive motion bringing a sense of calm and satisfaction.
Adding Personal Touches
One of the joys of knitting is the ability to customize each piece. While the Sparrow Bonnet is beautiful in its simplicity, adding personal touches can make it even more special. For my own bonnet, I decided to incorporate a small ribbon tie in a soft pastel color, adding an extra touch of elegance.
You can also experiment with different colors of mohair yarn. While I adore the classic white or cream for its timeless appeal, shades like blush pink, soft lavender, or even a pale blue can add a unique twist to the bonnet. The key is to keep the color light and airy to maintain the delicate look of the lace.
Photographing the Sparrow Bonnet
As a newborn photography prop, the Sparrow Bonnet shines. Its delicate lace and soft texture create a beautiful frame for a baby’s face, highlighting their features without overpowering them. I’ve found that it pairs wonderfully with simple, neutral backdrops, allowing the baby and the bonnet to be the focal points of the photo.
When photographing newborns with the Sparrow Bonnet, I like to keep the setup minimalistic. A soft, textured blanket and natural lighting are often all you need to create stunning, ethereal images. The bonnet adds just the right amount of detail, making each photo look like a piece of art.
Sharing the Love: The Free Pattern
One of the reasons I decided to offer the Sparrow Bonnet pattern for free is to share the joy of creating and giving. Knitting has brought so much happiness into my life, and I wanted to extend that to others. By offering the pattern for free, I hope to inspire other knitters to create their own beautiful bonnets and perhaps gift them to new parents or photographers.
The Sparrow Bonnet pattern is designed to be accessible to knitters of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking for a rewarding challenge, this pattern is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of lace knitting with mohair.
Final Thoughts
Creating the Sparrow Bonnet has been a labor of love, a project that combines my passion for knitting with my desire to capture the fleeting beauty of newborn life. Each bonnet is more than just a photography prop; it’s a piece of art, a handmade treasure that holds the warmth and love of its creator.
As you embark on your own journey of knitting the Sparrow Bonnet, I hope you find as much joy and fulfillment as I did. May each stitch be a reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the power of handmade creations. Whether you’re knitting for your own little one, a friend’s newborn, or to add to your photography prop collection, the Sparrow Bonnet is sure to become a cherished piece.
Happy knitting!
If you enjoyed this post and want to share your creations or experiences, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment or connect with me on social media. And if you haven’t already, be sure to download the free Sparrow Bonnet pattern and start your own knitting adventure today.
Materials and Info
Materials: 80-200 yds of lace weight (size 0) mohair yarn (I used knitpicks aloft), size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles, yarn needle, 2 stitch markers
Gauge: 5sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Abbreviation Key:
K – knit
P – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
yo – yarn over
pm – place marker
ssk – slip, slip, knit slipped sts tog
sm – slip marker
rm – remove marker
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6- 12mths (16ins)
Sparrow Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 171
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl 60, pm, p51, pm. P60
Row 2 – k60, sm, k2, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st before marker, k1, sm, k60
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k2, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st before marker, k1, sm, k60
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st before marker, k1, sm, k60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, rm, k2, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st, k1, rm, bind off LOOSELY remaining 60sts. Cut yarn. Pick up on remaining 51sts with wrong side facing. Stockinette st (starting with a purl row) until work measures appx 3.5ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(44sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (37sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (30sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (23sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (16sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (9sts)
Do not bind off.
Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end, sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in all ends. Block as necessary.
0-3 MONTHS
Cast on 175
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl 60, pm, p55, pm. P60
Row 2 – k60, sm, k4, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 3sts before marker, k3, sm, k60
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k4, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 3sts before marker, k3,, sm, k60
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k4, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 3sts before marker, k3, sm, k60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, rm, k4, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 3sts before marker, k3, rm, bind off LOOSELY remaining 60sts. (55sts)
Cut yarn. Pick up on remaining 55sts with wrong side facing. Stockinette st (starting with a purl row) until work measures appx 4ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 1 – k1, [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (46sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1, [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (37sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (28sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1, [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (19sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across (10sts)
Do not bind off.
Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end, sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in all ends. Block as necessary.
3-6 MONTHS
Cast on 183
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl 60, pm, p63, pm. P60
Row 2 – k60, sm, k2, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st before marker, k1, sm, k60
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k2, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st before marker, k1, sm, k60
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st before marker, k1, sm, k60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, rm, k2, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last st, k1, rm, bind off LOOSELY remaining 60sts. (63sts)
Cut yarn. Pick up on remaining 63sts with wrong side facing. Stockinette st (starting with a purl row) until work measures appx 4.25ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 1 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (54sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (45sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (36sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (27sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (18sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (9sts)
Do not bind off.
Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end, sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in all ends. Block as necessary.
6-12 MONTHS
Cast on 189
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl 60, pm, p69, pm. P60
Row 2 – k60, sm, k5, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 4sts before marker, k4, sm, k60
Row 3 – purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k5, [k2tog, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, ssk, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 4sts before marker, k4, sm, k60
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k5, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 4sts before marker, k4, sm, k60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, rm, k5, [k2tog, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, ssk, k1] repeat [to] to last 4sts before marker, k4, rm, bind off LOOSELY remaining 60sts. (69sts)
Cut yarn. Pick up on remaining 69sts with wrong side facing. Stockinette st (starting with a purl row) until work measures appx 4.5ins from cast on edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
DECREASES
Place one stitch marker on either end of the row just completed.
Row 1 – k1, [k2tog, k15] repeat [to] across (65sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (56sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (47sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (38sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (29sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (20sts)
Row 12 – purl across
Row 13 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (11sts)
Do not bind off.
Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end, sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Weave in all ends. Block as necessary.