Free Lace Bonnet Knitting Pattern: A Delicate Design

Looking for a free lace bonnet knitting pattern that’s both elegant and practical? This Vine Bonnet design has been a favorite of mine for years, and I’m so excited to finally share it! Make sure to check out all of our free hat patterns here.

A Bonnet with a Story

For over 11 years, I poured my heart into creating and designing photography props. Some patterns sold well which is awesome!) but some remained personal favorites. One of those designs was the Vine Bonnet, a dainty, lacy, and oh-so-sweet bonnet I originally created for my third daughter’s baby photoshoot.

Funny enough, she had other plans. Despite my best efforts, she absolutely refused to wear the free lace bonnet knitting pattern during the sibling photos! Picture this: two perfectly posed older sisters, a dreamy setup, and one bonnet-less baby giving me her best “No, Mom” look. But I did manage to get some gorgeous solo shots of her wearing it, which, in the end, made up for it… mostly.

The “I won’t wear that hat with my sisters” picture.

The Perfect Yarn Choice

When designing a free lace bonnet knitting pattern, I knew I needed a yarn that was soft, luxurious, and gentle enough for a newborn’s delicate skin. My go-to? KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link). This fingering-weight yarn is a dream to work with—it’s buttery soft, comes in a gorgeous range of colors, and even better, it’s machine washable!

Yes, you read that right. I’ve personally tested KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link) by washing it with other gentle items, and as long as you follow the label instructions, it holds up beautifully. It’s the kind of yarn that makes a free lace bonnet knitting pattern feel extra special, perfect for gifting or keeping as a treasured heirloom.

Why You’ll Love This Free Lace Bonnet Knitting Pattern

So, what makes this free lace bonnet knitting pattern a must-knit?

Delicate lace details – The Vine Bonnet features a gorgeous lace motif that adds an elegant touch.
Perfect fit for newborns – The snug yet stretchy design keeps it comfortably in place.
Quick knit – Even the largest size only requires one skein of KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link)!
Timeless and versatile – Whether you’re knitting it for a newborn photoshoot, a baby shower gift, or just because, it’s a classic design that never goes out of style.

Knitting the Vine Bonnet

This free lace bonnet knitting pattern is worked flat and then seamed at the back, making it a great project for knitters who love a straightforward yet satisfying lace design. The delicate stitch pattern flows seamlessly, creating a dainty texture that looks far more intricate than it actually is!

Even if you’re new to lace knitting, don’t worry! The pattern includes detailed instructions, making it approachable for adventurous beginners. And trust me, once you see how beautifully KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link) highlights the lacework, you’ll be hooked on making more.

Styling and Using the Bonnet

One of my favorite things about this free lace bonnet knitting pattern is its versatility. While it was originally designed as a photography prop, it’s also perfect for everyday wear. Pair it with a delicate knit dress for an heirloom look, or use it as a sweet accessory for special occasions like baby dedications or first birthdays.

Moms and photographers alike will love how this bonnet adds a touch of vintage charm to any outfit. And since KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link) is so incredibly soft, it won’t irritate even the most sensitive baby skin.

Get the Free Lace Bonnet Knitting Pattern

Ready to cast on? You can grab the free lace bonnet knitting pattern now and start stitching up something truly special. Whether you’re knitting for your little one, a grandbaby, or a friend’s newborn, this delicate lace bonnet is sure to be cherished for years to come.

And if you love knitting baby hats, don’t forget to check out my other free hat patterns here! Happy knitting!

12 month old baby wearing a toddler sized vine bonnet

Materials and Info

Yarn – 1 skein KnitPicks Capretta (50g 230yd) (affiliate link)
Gauge – 32x44sts per 4x4in or 10x10cm
Needles – 3 (3.25mm) circular and dpn
Sizes – newborn, (0-3m, 3-6m, 6-12m), toddler
Head Measurement – 12-14in/30-35cm, (13-15in/32.5-37.5cm, 14-16in/35/40cm, 15-17in/37.5-42.5), 16-18in/52.5-57.5cm
Other –yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES
Vine Bonnet is a classic styled bonnet for all your vintage inspired needs. It earned its name from the eyelet lace stripe that looks like a climbing vine. It s worked flat until the crown where it is then joined in the round. The ties are icord ties.
Abbreviations can be found all the way at the end.

Vine Bonnet Pattern

NEWBORN
Cast on 80sts. I used the long tail cast on.
Work in a k1p1 ribbing (k1p1 across) for .5in/1.5cm slipping the 1st st on each row for a 1 st salvage edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
Row 1 – sl1, k3 (yo, ssk, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 2 – sl1, purl across
Row 3 – sl1, k3 (k2tog, yo, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures appx 3.5in/14cm ending after completing a right side row (row 1 or 3). Transfer sts to dpn. Join in the round. Knit 1 round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, K8] Repeat [to] around (72sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, K7] Repeat [to] around (64sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, K6] Repeat [to] around (56sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, K5] Repeat [to] around (48sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, K4] Repeat [to] around (40sts)
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k2tog, K3] Repeat [to] around (32sts)
Round 12 – knit around
Round 13 – [k2tog, K2] Repeat [to] around (24sts)
Round 14 – knit around
Round 15 – [k2tog, K1] Repeat [to] around (16sts)
Round 16 – [k2tog] Repeat [to] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut a tail appx 6-8ins long. Using a yarn needle, pull through remaining stitches and cinch sts closed tightly. Weave in ends.

I-cord Ties:
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 9-10ins for personal use and 12-14ins for photography use of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern).

Begin i-cord edging by using the length of i-cord you have already worked. Do so by knitting 2 icord sts, slip the last st, dip the needle into the edge of the back loop of the bonnet, and bringing the yarn around to knit, pick up a stitch in your salvage edge. Knit the last stitch of Icord together with the picked stitch of the bonnet. Once you have picked up and knit across salvage edge stitches, work an additional length of i-cord that matches the other tie. Weave in ends. You can find a tutorial I made for left handed knitters here: https://youtu.be/3liQWHn8B0 Even if you are a right handed knitter it should be helpful to explain the process.

0-3 MONTH
Cast on 85sts. I used the long tail cast on.
Work in a k1p1 ribbing (k1p1 across) for .5in/1.5cm slipping the 1st st on each row for a 1 st salvage edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
Row 1 – sl1, k3 (yo, ssk, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 2 – sl1, purl across
Row 3 – sl1, k3 (k2tog, yo, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures appx 4in/11cm ending after completing a right side row (row 1 or 3). Transfer sts to dpn. Join in the round. Knit 1 round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, K17] Repeat [to] around (80sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, K8] Repeat [to] around (72ts)
Round 3– knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, K7] Repeat [to] around (64sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, K6] Repeat [to] around (56sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, K5] Repeat [to] around (48sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, K4] Repeat [to] around (40sts)
Round 11 – knit around
Round 12 – [k2tog, K3] Repeat [to] around (32sts)
Round 13 – knit around
Round 14 – [k2tog, K2] Repeat [to] around (24sts)
Round 15 – knit around
Round 16 – [k2tog, K1] Repeat [to] around (16sts)
Round 17 – [k2tog] Repeat [to] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut a tail appx 6-8ins long. Using a yarn needle, pull through remaining stitches and cinch sts closed tightly. Weave in ends.

I-cord Ties:
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 9-10ins for personal use and 12-14ins for photography use of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern).

3-6 MONTH
Cast on 95sts. I used the long tail cast on.
Work in a k1p1 ribbing (k1p1 across) for .75in/2cm slipping the 1st st on each row for a 1 st salvage edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
Row 1 – sl1, k3 (yo, ssk, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 2 – sl1, purl across
Row 3 – sl1, k3 (k2tog, yo, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures appx 4.5in/11cm ending after completing a right side row (row 1 or 3). Transfer sts to dpn. Join in the round. Knit 1 round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, K17] Repeat [to] around (90sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, K8] Repeat [to] around (81ts)
Round 3– knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, K7] Repeat [to] around (72sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, K6] Repeat [to] around (63sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, K5] Repeat [to] around (54sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, K4] Repeat [to] around (45sts)
Round 11 – knit around
Round 12 – [k2tog, K3] Repeat [to] around (36sts)
Round 13 – knit around
Round 14 – [k2tog, K2] Repeat [to] around (27sts)
Round 15 – knit around
Round 16 – [k2tog, K1] Repeat [to] around (18sts)
Round 17 – knit around
Round 18 – [k2tog] Repeat [to] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut a tail appx 6-8ins long. Using a yarn needle, pull through remaining stitches and cinch sts closed tightly. Weave in ends.

I-cord Ties:
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 9-10ins for personal use and 12-14ins for photography use of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern).

6-12 MONTH
Cast on 105sts. I used the long tail cast on.
Work in a k1p1 ribbing (k1p1 across) for .75in/2cm slipping the 1st st on each row for a 1 st salvage edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
Row 1 – sl1, k3 (yo, ssk, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 2 – sl1, purl across
Row 3 – sl1, k3 (k2tog, yo, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures appx 5in/12.5cm ending after completing a right side row (row 1 or 3). Transfer sts to dpn. Join in the round. Knit 1 round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, K19] Repeat [to] around (100sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, K8] Repeat [to] around (90sts)
Round 3– knit around
Round 4 – [k2tog, K7] Repeat [to] around (80sts)
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2tog, K6] Repeat [to] around (70sts)
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, K5] Repeat [to] around (60sts)
Round 9 – knit around
Round 10 – [k2tog, K4] Repeat [to] around (50sts)
Round 11 – knit around
Round 12 – [k2tog, K3] Repeat [to] around (40sts)
Round 13 – knit around
Round 14 – [k2tog, K2] Repeat [to] around (30sts)
Round 15 – knit around
Round 16 – [k2tog, K1] Repeat [to] around (20sts)
Round 17 – knit around
Round 18 – [k2tog] Repeat [to] around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut a tail appx 6-8ins long. Using a yarn needle, pull through remaining stitches and cinch sts closed tightly. Weave in ends.

I-cord Ties:
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 9-10ins for personal use and 12-14ins for photography use of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern).

Toddler
Cast on 110sts. I used the long tail cast on.
Work in a k1p1 ribbing (k1p1 across) for .75in/2cm slipping the 1st st on each row for a 1 st salvage edge. End after completing a wrong side row.
Row 1 – sl1, k3 (yo, ssk, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 2 – sl1, purl across
Row 3 – sl1, k3 (k2tog, yo, k3) across to last st, k1
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Repeat rows 1-4 until your work measures appx 5.5in/14cm ending after completing a right side row (row 1 or 3). Transfer sts to dpn. Join in the round. Knit 1 round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2tog, K8] Repeat [to] around (99sts)
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k2tog, K7] Repeat [to] around (88sts)
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k2tog, K6] Repeat [to] around (77sts)
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k2tog, K5] Repeat [to] around (66sts)
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, K4] Repeat [to] around (55sts)
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k2tog, K3] Repeat [to] around (44sts)
Round 12 – knit around
Round 13 – [k2tog, K2] Repeat [to] around (33sts)
Round 14 – knit around
Round 15 – [k2tog, K1] Repeat [to] around (22sts)
Round 16 – knit around
Round 17 – [k2tog] Repeat [to] around (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut a tail appx 6-8ins long. Using a yarn needle, pull through remaining stitches and cinch sts closed tightly. Weave in ends.

I-cord Ties:
Cast on 3sts on double pointed needles and work appx 9-10ins for personal use and 12-14ins for photography use of i-cord (tutorial at the end of the pattern).

Abbreviations

k – knit
P – purl
sl – slip stitch
yo – yarn over
k2tog -knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip next st knitwise, slip next st knitwise, place stitches back onto left needle, knit both slipped sts together
I-cord instructions – To make an i-cord cast on 3 sts on double pointed needles. Slide these sts to the right of your needle. Knit the row. Slide the sts to the right of the needle. Knit the row and slide the sts to the right of the needle. Continue in this manner until you reach your desired length, occasionally giving the resulting cord a gentle tug.

Download Vine Bonnet PDF

Vine-Bonnet Download

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