Looking for a sweet heart knitting pattern? Find this cutie at the bottom, or explore more props on my free photo prop pattern page!
Falling in Love with This Heart Knitting Pattern
There’s something extra special about knitting for babies, isn’t there? Each stitch seems infused with warmth, hope, and endless cuddles. As a knitting designer (and proud baby photography prop enthusiast), I’m always on the lookout for projects that combine charm and practicality. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this adorable heart knitting pattern with you today!
Before we dive in, just a quick heads-up: you’ll find this particular heart knitting pattern at the bottom of the post. But don’t miss the other gorgeous baby photo props featured on my free photo prop pattern page! There, you’ll find even more inspiration to keep your needles busy.
Meet the Valentino Sleep Cap: The Cutest Heart Knitting Pattern Yet
The Valentino Sleep Cap is more than just another baby hat—it’s a tiny bundle of coziness sprinkled with adorable little hearts. Perfect for those sweet newborn photoshoots, this heart knitting pattern makes babies look even more irresistibly squishable. (I know, I didn’t think it was possible either!)
I designed this cap specifically to add a loving touch to every snapshot, ensuring each click of the camera captures something genuinely special. Knit with charming colorwork hearts, it’s sure to melt hearts faster than a chocolate bar on a sunny day.
Why This Heart Knitting Pattern Belongs in Your Photography Kit
As someone who absolutely loves baby photography, I can confidently say that props make a huge difference. They bring stories to life, create whimsical settings, and add personality to every shoot. This heart knitting pattern checks all those boxes and then some!
With just a few balls of KnitPicks Swish Worsted (affiliate link), you’ll knit a soft, comfortable cap that gently hugs a baby’s delicate skin. The heart motifs aren’t just adorable—they’re eye-catching enough to enhance photos without overpowering the star of the show (that’s right, the sweet little bundle!).
Making It Personal with This Heart Knitting Pattern
One thing I absolutely adore about this heart knitting pattern is its versatility. Depending on your choice of KnitPicks Swish Worsted (affiliate link) colors, you can customize it for just about any photoshoot theme you can dream up.
Thinking about Valentine’s Day? Go classic with white hearts on a crimson background. Want something dreamy and whimsical for a springtime shoot? Pastel shades of KnitPicks Swish Worsted (affiliate link) yarn will create the soft, gentle look you’re after. Honestly, your creative possibilities are endless!
Why Babies (and Photographers) Love This Cap
From my experience, photographing babies requires props that combine comfort, practicality, and of course, cuteness. The Valentino Sleep Cap heart knitting pattern hits this sweet spot perfectly. It keeps babies snug and relaxed, so you get all those adorable sleepy shots. Meanwhile, the hearts ensure every picture radiates warmth and love.
The pattern itself is straightforward enough for beginners yet engaging enough for seasoned knitters. And did I mention it’s a free heart knitting pattern? Yep, that’s right—no strings attached, just plenty of love and creativity.
Knit Precious Memories with This Heart Knitting Pattern
To me, knitting is more than a hobby—it’s storytelling. Every stitch in this heart knitting pattern feels like writing another line of a beautiful story. When the finished cap is placed gently on a newborn’s head, the story comes to life in front of the lens, capturing memories that families treasure forever.
This cap is a reminder that photography isn’t just about images; it’s about freezing time, bottling innocence, and preserving love. When you knit with intention, every photograph becomes more meaningful, carrying a personal touch that simply can’t be replicated by store-bought items.
How to Get Started on This Sweet Heart Knitting Pattern
Ready to jump in? All you’ll need are your knitting needles, some KnitPicks Swish Worsted (affiliate link), and a comfy spot to settle down. Trust me, once you get started, you’ll quickly see why this heart knitting pattern is a favorite among photographers, moms, and prop shops alike.
If you’ve never tackled colorwork before, don’t stress! This pattern is designed to ease you into the technique while still producing impressive results. Plus, KnitPicks Swish Worsted (affiliate link) yarn makes colorwork a breeze, providing excellent stitch definition and softness—exactly what babies love.
Creating a Legacy, Stitch by Stitch
Every time I share a new knitting pattern, I imagine the countless moments of joy, warmth, and affection it will inspire. The Valentino Sleep Cap heart knitting pattern is no different. It’s about more than creating an adorable accessory—it’s about crafting memories that will outlast the fleeting days of infancy.
When families look back at these photos years from now, they’ll smile, remembering not just how tiny their little one was but also how much care and attention went into capturing that precious stage of life.
Ready to Knit Some Hearts?
Grab your KnitPicks Swish Worsted (affiliate link), download your free heart knitting pattern (right at the bottom!), and start creating something truly special. But don’t stop there—remember to swing by my [free photo prop pattern page] for even more ideas to add warmth, sweetness, and style to your next photoshoot.
Happy knitting, friends—I can’t wait to see the beautiful moments you capture with this heart knitting pattern!
Note: Remember, the Valentino Sleep Cap heart knitting pattern is at the bottom of this page, while plenty more patterns await you on my free photo prop pattern page—don’t miss out!
Materials and Info
MATERIALS: 80-160yds worsted weight yarn (I used KnitPicks Swish Worsted) in main color, 20-40yds worsted weight yarn (size 4) in contrast color, size 8 (5mm) dpn, yarn needle
FINISHED WIDTH MEASURMENTS: newborn (12.5ins), baby (15ins), toddler (17.5ins)
GAUGE: 4sts/in GUAGE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! SWATCH FIRST!!!!
HEART PATTERN CHART
Valentino Sleep Cap Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 50sts in mc. Join in the round.
Knit in stockinette stitch for 1 in.
Begin working in chart (found at the end of the pattern) or follow as below:
Round 1 – [k4mc, k1cc] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [k1cc, k2mc, k3cc, k2mc, k1cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k2mc, k2cc, k1mc, k2cc, k3mc] repeat [to] around
Round 4 – [k1mc, k2cc, k3mc, k2cc, k2mc] repeat [to] around
Round 5 – [k2cc, k5mc, k2cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 6 – [k1cc, k3mc, k1cc, k3mc, k1cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 7 – repeat round 6
Round 8 – [k2cc, k1mc, k1cc, k1mc, k1cc, k1mc, k2cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 9 – [k1mc, k2cc, k3mc, k2cc, k2mc] repeat [to] around
Continue working in stockinette stitch in mc until work measures appx 3.5ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (45sts)
Rounds 2-6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (40sts)
Rounds 8-12 – knit around
Round 13 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (35sts)
Rounds 14-18– knit around
Round 19 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (30sts)
Rounds 20-24 – knit around
Round 25– [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (25sts)
Rounds 26-30 – knit around
Round 31– [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (20sts)
Rounds 32-36 – knit around
Round 37– [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (15sts)
Rounds 38-42– knit around
Round 43– [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (10sts)
Work in stockinette stitch for a total of 5ins from round 43. Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving a 6-8ins tail. Pull through remaining stitches, cinch snuggly shut, tack end.
Weave in all ends. Knot the 5ins after round 43 of the decreases.
BABY
Cast on 60sts in mc. Join in the round.
Knit in stockinette stitch for 1 in.
Begin working in chart (found at the end of the pattern) or follow as below:
Round 1 – [k4mc, k1cc] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [k1cc, k2mc, k3cc, k2mc, k1cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k2mc, k2cc, k1mc, k2cc, k3mc] repeat [to] around
Round 4 – [k1mc, k2cc, k3mc, k2cc, k2mc] repeat [to] around
Round 5 – [k2cc, k5mc, k2cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 6 – [k1cc, k3mc, k1cc, k3mc, k1cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 7 – repeat round 6
Round 8 – [k2cc, k1mc, k1cc, k1mc, k1cc, k1mc, k2cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 9 – [k1mc, k2cc, k3mc, k2cc, k2mc] repeat [to] around
Continue working in stockinette stitch in mc until work measures appx 4.5ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (54sts)
Rounds 2-7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (48sts)
Rounds 9-14 – knit around
Round 15 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (42sts)
Rounds 16-21– knit around
Round 22 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (36sts)
Rounds 23-28 – knit around
Round 29– [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (30sts)
Rounds 30-35 – knit around
Round 36– [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (24sts)
Rounds 37-42 – knit around
Round 43– [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (18sts)
Rounds 44-49– knit around
Round 50– [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (12sts)
Work in stockinette stitch for a total of 5ins from round 50. Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving a 6-8ins tail. Pull through remaining stitches, cinch snuggly shut, tack end.
Weave in all ends. Knot the 5ins after round 50 of the decreases.
TODDLER
Cast on 70sts in mc. Join in the round.
Knit in stockinette stitch for 1 in.
Begin working in chart (found at the end of the pattern) or follow as below:
Round 1 – [k4mc, k1cc] repeat [to] around
Round 2 – [k1cc, k2mc, k3cc, k2mc, k1cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k2mc, k2cc, k1mc, k2cc, k3mc] repeat [to] around
Round 4 – [k1mc, k2cc, k3mc, k2cc, k2mc] repeat [to] around
Round 5 – [k2cc, k5mc, k2cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 6 – [k1cc, k3mc, k1cc, k3mc, k1cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 7 – repeat round 6
Round 8 – [k2cc, k1mc, k1cc, k1mc, k1cc, k1mc, k2cc, k1mc] repeat [to] around
Round 9 – [k1mc, k2cc, k3mc, k2cc, k2mc] repeat [to] around
Continue working in stockinette stitch in mc until work measures appx 5.5ins from cast on edge.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (63sts)
Rounds 2-8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (56sts)
Rounds 10-16 – knit around
Round 17 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (49sts)
Rounds 18-24– knit around
Round 25 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (42sts)
Rounds 26-32 – knit around
Round 33– [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (35sts)
Rounds 34-40 – knit around
Round 41– [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (28sts)
Rounds 42-48 – knit around
Round 49– [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (21sts)
Rounds 50-56– knit around
Round 57– [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (14sts)
Work in stockinette stitch for a total of 5ins from round 57. Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving a 6-8ins tail. Pull through remaining stitches, cinch snuggly shut, tack end.
Weave in all ends. Knot the 5ins after round 57 of the decreases.
Abbreviations
ABBREVIATION KEY:
k- knit
k2tog – knit 2 together
mc – main color
cc – contrast color
Download Valentino Sleep Cap PDF
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