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Newborn photography is a delicate art that captures the fleeting, precious moments of a baby’s earliest days. One essential element in creating stunning newborn photographs is the use of thoughtfully crafted props. The Willow Bonnet, a delicate creation made from mohair lace yarn, stands out as an exceptional choice for photographers and parents alike.
The Allure of the Willow Bonnet
The Willow Bonnet is a beautifully designed piece that combines elegance with comfort. Made from the finest mohair lace yarn, it offers a soft, ethereal quality that is perfect for newborn photography. The intricate lace pattern adds a touch of sophistication, making the bonnet a standout accessory in any photoshoot. Its delicate nature not only enhances the baby’s natural beauty but also adds a timeless quality to the images.
Why Mohair Lace Yarn?
Mohair lace yarn is renowned for its luxurious texture and delicate appearance. Sourced from the fleece of Angora goats, mohair is incredibly soft and has a natural sheen that reflects light beautifully. This makes it an ideal material for photography props, as it gently frames the baby’s face, creating a dreamy, cloud-like effect. The lightness of the yarn ensures that the baby remains comfortable, while its warmth keeps them cozy during the shoot. I love to use Rowan Kidsilk Haze since it comes in dozens of beautiful colors including many soft and whimsical neutrals. You can purchase this yarn here.
Perfect for Newborn Photography
Newborns are best photographed within the first two weeks of life when they are still in their sleepy, curled-up stage. The Willow Bonnet is designed to complement this natural state, providing a snug fit that highlights the baby’s tiny features. The bonnet’s lace pattern allows for subtle peek-a-boo moments of baby hair, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the images.
Versatility in Styling
The Willow Bonnet is incredibly versatile and can be styled in numerous ways to create different looks. Pair it with a simple, soft backdrop for a minimalist, ethereal aesthetic, or with the matching onesie (which you can find the pattern for here) and mohair wraps (which you can find patterns for 5 different wrap designs here) for a more whimsical, fairy-tale setting. Its many color options blend seamlessly with various props and themes, making it a go-to choice for photographers who want to keep their sessions fresh and diverse.
Capturing the Essence of New Life
Every detail of the Willow Bonnet is designed with care, ensuring it enhances the overall photography experience. The combination of mohair lace yarn and exquisite craftsmanship makes it more than just a piece of clothing; it becomes a treasured keepsake. As parents look back on their newborn’s photos, the Willow Bonnet will be a beautiful reminder of those fleeting, precious moments.
Conclusion
The Willow Bonnet, with its delicate design and luxurious materials, is a perfect addition to any newborn photography session. Its ability to capture the softness and purity of a newborn makes it a cherished prop for both photographers and parents. As you prepare for your next newborn photoshoot, consider the Willow Bonnet as a way to add a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to your images.
Materials and Info
Materials: 60-120 yds of lace weight (size 0) mohair yarn (I used Rowan Kidsilk Haze) for the bonnet, appx 200yds for the wrap, size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles (for bonnet), size 9 (5.5mm) straight needles (for wrap), yarn needle, 2 stitch markers, size e (3.5mm) crochet hook (for bonnet), size g (4.mm) crochet hook (for wrap)
Gauge: 5sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 3mths (15ins), 6mth (16ins), 12mths (17ins)
Wrap width – appx 12ins
Willow Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 170
*YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.*
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p50, place marker, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [w2, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] to last st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k60
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap, [p1, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap] repeat [to] to last 3 sts before marker, p3, sm, p60
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, knit to next marker, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY 60. (50sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Work in stockinette st starting with a purl row, until your work measures 3.75ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (42sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (34sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (26sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (18sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (10sts)
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).
Edging – using your crochet hook with right side facing– sl1 into the edge st under the first yo, ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2, [ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2], repeat [to] until you reach the edge under the last yo, sl1 into the edge st under the last yo.
Weave in all ends. Block as needed. Finished size should be appx 5x5ins ties appx 12ins long.
0-3 months
Cast on 176
*YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.*
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p56, place marker, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [w2, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] to last st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k60
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap, [p1, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap] repeat [to] to last 3 sts before marker, p3, sm, p60
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, knit to next marker, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY 60. (56sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Work in stockinette st starting with a purl row, until your work measures 4.25ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (47sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (38sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (29sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (20sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (11sts)
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).
Edging – using your crochet hook with right side facing – sl1 into the edge st under the first yo, ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2, [ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2], repeat [to] until you reach the edge under the last yo, sl1 into the edge st under the last yo.
Weave in all ends. Block as needed. Finished size should be appx 5.5×5.5ins ties appx 12ins long.
3-6 months
Cast on 182
*YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.*
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p62, place marker, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [w2, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] to last st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k60
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap, [p1, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap] repeat [to] to last 3 sts before marker, p3, sm, p60
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, knit to next marker, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY 60. (62sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Work in stockinette st starting with a purl row, until your work measures 4.75ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (52sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (42sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (32sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (22sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (12sts)
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).
Edging – using your crochet hook with right side facing – sl1 into the edge st under the first yo, ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2, [ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2], repeat [to] until you reach the edge under the last yo, sl1 into the edge st under the last yo.
Weave in all ends. Block as needed. Finished size should be appx 6x6ins ties appx 12ins long.
6-12 months
Cast on 188
*YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.*
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p68, place marker, p60
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – k60, sm, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [w2, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] to last st before marker, yo, k1, sm, k60
Row 5 – p60, sm, p3, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap, [p1, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap] repeat [to] to last 3 sts before marker, p3, sm, p60
Row 6 – knit across
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, knit to next marker, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY 60. (68sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Work in stockinette st starting with a purl row, until your work measures 5.25ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k20] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (65sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (56sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (47sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (38sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (29sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (20sts)
Row 12 – purl across
Row 13 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (11sts)
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).
Edging – using your crochet hook with right side facing – sl1 into the edge st under the first yo, ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2, [ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2], repeat [to] until you reach the edge under the last yo, sl1 into the edge st under the last yo.
Weave in all ends. Block as needed. Finished size should be appx 6.5×6.5ins ties appx 12ins long.
Wrap
Cast on 53sts using your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 2 – knit across
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 –k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [w2, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] to last st, yo, k1
Row 5 –p3, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap, [p1, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap] repeat [to] to last 3 sts p3
Work in stockinette st until appx 1.25ins before your desired length, ending after completing a wrong side row.
Row 1 –k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, [w2, sl1, k2tog, psso] repeat [to] to last st, yo, k1
Row 2 –p3, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap, [p1, p1 into 1st wrap, k1 into 2nd wrap] repeat [to] to last 3 sts p3
Row 3 – knit across
Row 4 – purl across
Bind off using your favorite stretchy bind off.
Edging – using your crochet hook with right side facing – sl1 into the edge st under the first yo, ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2, [ch3, sl1 into first ch, ch1, sl1 into edge st under the next w2], repeat [to] until you reach the edge under the last yo, sl1 into the edge st under the last yo.
Weave in all ends. Block as needed.
Stitch Key
K – knit
P – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
sl – slip
yo – yarn over
sm – slip marker
w2 – yo 2 times
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