Looking for the sweetest free newborn bonnet knitting patterns? I’ve rounded up my favorites below! Find even more on my free photo prop knitting patterns page!
When it comes to newborn photography, there’s just something timeless and heart-melting about a tiny knit bonnet. Over the years, I’ve designed a lot of newborn bonnet knitting patterns (and knitted even more!). Today, I’m pulling together a few of my very favorite free newborn bonnet knitting patterns—all lovingly made to be soft, sweet, and photo-ready. Whether you’re knitting for a new baby, building your prop stash, or just love a good quick project, these newborn bonnet knitting patterns are ready for your needles.
Let’s dive into some cozy cuteness!
Angora Bear Bonnet
First up, the Angora Bear Bonnet—a personal favorite among my newborn bonnet knitting patterns! This one is unbelievably soft and fluffy, making it perfect for those dreamy, snuggly photos. It’s knit with Belangor Angora yarn, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice, KnitPicks Wonderfluff (Affiliate link) or Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link) are fantastic substitutes that still keeps all that delicious fluffiness.
The Angora Bear Bonnet has the cutest little rounded bear ears that add just the right touch of whimsy without being too bulky. Plus, it’s simple enough for even newer knitters to tackle with confidence. I love pairing this with a soft swaddle or a simple textured wrap for a clean, classic newborn setup.
If you’re after newborn bonnet knitting patterns that deliver maximum impact with minimal effort, this is the one for you!
👉 Angora Bear Bonnet Free Pattern
Bulky Bunny Bonnet
Next on the list of must-make newborn bonnet knitting patterns is the Bulky Bunny Bonnet. This one is just pure adorable overload. Those big floppy bunny ears get me every time!
The Bulky Bunny Bonnet uses KnitPicks Wonderfluff (Affiliate link), which gives it a plush, cozy feel without being too heavy for delicate newborn heads. Plus, the bulky yarn knits up lightning fast—perfect if you’re working on last-minute gifts or prepping a prop set for a photo session.
The squishy texture of the yarn makes it extra stretchy and comfy. I can’t tell you how many photographers have told me this bonnet became an instant staple in their newborn prop collection! When you’re hunting for newborn bonnet knitting patterns that are both fast and ridiculously cute, the Bulky Bunny Bonnet needs to be at the top of your list.
👉 Bulky Bunny Bonnet Free Pattern
Daisy Bonnet
If you love newborn bonnet knitting patterns that bring a little extra detail and sweetness, you’ll swoon over the Daisy Bonnet. This design has rows of little “flowers” across it, and it still makes me smile every time I see it on a baby!
For the Daisy Bonnet, I used KnitPicks Capra (Affiliate link) for the main sections and KnitPicks Aloft (Affiliate link) for the flower rows and the crochet edging. The combination of the soft merino-cashmere blend with the airy fluff of Aloft creates such a delicate and luxurious texture.
This bonnet feels fancy but is surprisingly quick to knit once you get the hang of the flower stitch rows. It’s one of those newborn bonnet knitting patterns that looks much harder than it actually is—a win in my book! Whether you’re making this for your own little one or as a baby shower gift, it’s guaranteed to get some happy tears.
Gathering Bonnet
Looking for classic and timeless newborn bonnet knitting patterns? Let me introduce you to the Gathering Bonnet. This one is pure elegance, and it’s been a fan favorite for a reason.
The Gathering Bonnet uses KnitPicks Capretta (Affiliate link), a scrumptious merino, cashmere, and nylon blend that’s soft, smooth, and perfect for delicate baby skin.
The beauty of the Gathering Bonnet is in its gentle textured gathering down the face. It frames tiny newborn faces so sweetly without being too fussy. I love pairing it with vintage-styled outfits or minimalist setups to let the natural beauty of the stitches (and the baby!) shine through.
If your knitting heart leans toward classic newborn bonnet knitting patterns, this one is a must-knit.
👉 Gathering Bonnet Free Pattern
Leaf Bonnet
Another one of my absolute favorite newborn bonnet knitting patterns is the Leaf Bonnet. This design is inspired by nature, with a simple leaf that grows along the edge of the bonnet. It’s subtle, sweet, and absolutely perfect for earthy, natural photo shoots.
I knit the Leaf Bonnet in KnitPicks Capretta (Affiliate link), because when you’re working with soft motifs like leaves, you want a yarn that will drape just right without losing stitch definition.
I love how this bonnet looks paired with rustic wood backgrounds, neutral wraps, or seasonal props like pumpkins or wildflowers. It’s one of those newborn bonnet knitting patterns that feels just a little extra special, like it was designed with love stitched into every row (because it was!).
If you’ve never tried knitting a lace leaf into a bonnet before, don’t worry—the Leaf Bonnet is a super gentle intro that will make you feel like a rock star knitter!
Mary Bonnet
Last but definitely not least in today’s lineup of newborn bonnet knitting patterns is the Mary Bonnet. This is my go-to design when I want something simple, stretchy, and just plain cozy for newborns.
The Mary Bonnet is knit with KnitPicks Heatherly (Affiliate link), a soft and pillowy yarn that’s just ideal for baby knits.
What I love about the Mary Bonnet is how it balances comfort and style. It’s stretchy enough to fit a range of newborn sizes easily, but the stitch pattern also adds a nice bit of texture that looks great in photographs. This is a “throw it in your bag for any session” kind of bonnet—it’s that versatile.
Whether you’re building a prop stash, making gifts, or just love whipping up quick baby knits, you’ll want to add the Mary Bonnet to your list of favorite newborn bonnet knitting patterns.
Bonus! Knit the Matching Sweater 👉 Mary Cardigan Free Pattern
Wrapping It Up
I hope you had as much fun reading through my favorite free newborn bonnet knitting patterns as I had putting them together for you! Every single one of these bonnets has a little piece of my heart stitched into it, and I love seeing them being used for such precious moments.
If you’re ready for even more adorable projects, don’t forget to check out all the other free newborn bonnet knitting patterns (and more!) over on my free photo prop knitting patterns page.
I’d love to hear from you—which one of these newborn bonnet knitting patterns are you excited to cast on first? Drop a comment below and tell me!
Happy knitting, friend!
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