A bonnet is an irreplaceable thing for a newborn baby. Knitted with knitting needles using simple patterns from beautiful yarn, this item of clothing will become a cozy accessory for the child.
Choosing yarn and knitting needles for knitting a bonnet
Taking care of the baby's health is the main issue that worries young mothers. Newborns have unstable thermoregulation. Therefore, to keep warm, children are put on a special soft cap with ties from birth.
You can buy a baby headdress or knit it yourself. To make a bonnet with your own hands, you will first need to choose the right yarn. The baby's comfort and peace of mind depend on the quality of the threads.
Many companies produce a special line of yarn for children. Most often, this yarn meets all the necessary requirements.
Yarn for children should be:
- soft (not prickly);
- hypoallergenic (treated with high-quality dyes and made from natural fibers);
- breathable (permeable to air and does not retain moisture);
The choice of yarn also depends on the season. Cotton, linen, viscose and mixed threads are suitable for summer. For the cold season, you can choose wool or semi-wool threads with the addition of viscose or elastic fibers. A bonnet can replace a light hat in cool weather if you wear a thin cotton cap underneath.
Children with sensitive skin need special attention. It is important to choose yarn more carefully for them., as their skin is very sensitive to hard, prickly fibers and poor-quality dyes. It is recommended to start knitting with light models. In this case, the creative process will not take much time, and the result will bring pleasure.
Choosing a color for a girl, boy
Both adults and children have their own fashion. Even babies can look stylish and modern. It should be noted that a bonnet can be both a warm hat and an element of a baby's smart or casual clothes. Therefore, the choice of color of the accessory should be in harmony with the baby's clothes.
For both boys and girls at a very early age, you can choose any bright colors. However, traditionally, the colors of clothes for babies vary. For boys, more restrained dark colors or neutral shades are chosen. This can be brown, gray, light blue, green, blue colors and their combinations.
Clothes for girls are more diverse and can be made in a variety of colors. Most often, light caps with openwork patterns, decorated with flowers, bows and other decorative elements are knitted for little fashionistas.
Size chart of hats for newborns
The main measurement for creating a hat is the head circumference.. This measurement is the basis for choosing the size of the headdress. To measure the baby's head, you need to place a tape measure around the head above the eyebrow line and along the most protruding part of the back of the head.
Other important measurements:
- Circumference around the oval of the faceThe measurement is taken by placing a measuring tape around the face, moving it slightly towards the crown.
- Depth of the cap. Measured from the base of the skull through the crown to the point between the eyebrows.
- Rear width. Measured from the lobe of one ear to the lobe of the other, through the center line at the base of the skull.
The following table shows average data for children of different ages from birth to 1 year:
| Age | Head circumference (size) |
| Newborn | 36 cm |
| 3 months | 40 cm |
| 6 months | 44 cm |
| 9 months | 46 cm |
| 12 months | 47 cm |
When choosing the right size, it is better to knit the product with some extra space, since the baby's head grows quickly and after 2 months the hat may become too small.
To make a larger cap fit comfortably on the head, you can use devices to temporarily reduce the internal volume of the cap. Most often, a small pin is made on the crown and secured with decoration in the form of a brooch, pompoms, decorative laces.
Patterns for bonnets
Products for babies differ in purpose. Dressy models can be made with openwork or relief patterns. Simple everyday models are knitted with the front, back or garter stitch.
Often, patterns are combined in the work, making the main part of the hat with satin stitch, and the decorative part with openwork knitting. A convenient and comfortable pattern for children's products is an elastic band, which is distinguished by its elasticity and is made by alternating front and back loops.
Sample for calculating loops and yarn
A knitted bonnet for newborns (knitting patterns and yarn consumption differ for openwork and warm models) is knitted using simple patterns based on the size of the child's head.
For knitting, you can take any pattern from a magazine, transfer it to fabric and knit a hat, applying the blank to the paper pattern. You can also use patterns and master classes on knitting hats with an accurate loop calculation.
In order to make a hat yourself, you need to calculate the required number of loops for a specific yarn and a certain knitting density.
The knitting density depends on the thickness of the yarn and the selected knitting needles. The optimal size of the knitting tools should be 1 mm larger than the diameter of the threads. Usually, the size of the knitting needles required for the work is indicated on the yarn packaging.
The formula for calculating loops is very simple. You need to knit a sample measuring 10 by 10 cm, and count the number of loops included in 1 cm. Based on the data obtained, you can find out how many loops you need to cast on to knit a children's hat.
For example, if there are 5 loops in 1 cm of the sample, then in order to find out how many loops you need to cast on to knit a 20 cm piece of fabric, you need to multiply 20 cm by 5. Thus, to knit a 20 cm piece of fabric, you will need to cast on 100 loops.
When knitting an openwork item, a sample must be knitted using the selected pattern and a calculation must be made.
It is important to know the yarn consumption for work. If you want to knit a model from a magazine, but using a different pattern, you need to take into account the consumption. For relief knitting, you need to add 25% of yarn, for an openwork product - subtract 10% from the estimated material consumption.
Knitting Master Class
A knitted bonnet for newborns (diagrams and step-by-step descriptions are presented later in the article) can be knitted using 2 classic options and decorated to your own taste. A baby hat should be as comfortable as possible with minimal relief seams, since the baby spends most of his time in a lying position.
Seamless
This model is suitable for the smallest children. It has no seams and is knitted in one piece.
To work you will need:
- Cotton blended yarn with the addition of lavsan or elastic threads (density 160 m per 50 g) - 1 skein.
- Straight or circular knitting needles size 3-3.5 mm.
For knitting you will need:
- Knit the front part of the hat by casting on 60 stitches and knitting 9 rows with a 1 by 1 elastic pattern.
- Work 9 cm in stockinette stitch, starting from the end of the elastic band (28 rows).
- Divide all loops into 3 equal parts (20 loops for the side parts and 20 for the central part) and mark the division with markers.
- Start decreasing the stitches evenly. To do this, knit from the front side to the second marker and knit together 40 and 41 stitches with one front stitch behind the back wall. To form a beautiful braid, turn the stitches before knitting.
- Turn the product over and knit 19 loops with the purl stitch. Knit 20 and 21 loops together with the purl stitch behind the front walls.
- From the front side, knit the following sequence: one edge loop, 18 front loops and 2 loops together front through the back walls.
- Continue knitting until there are 12 loops left on each side and 20 in the center.
- Make a decrease in the middle part. To do this, knit the following sequence: 1 edge loop, 2 loops together with the front stitch, 14 loops with the front stitch, 2 together with the front stitch and again 2 loops together with the front stitch. Thus, you need to decrease 6 loops on 2 sides.
- When there are 8 loops left in the central part, cut the working thread and pick up loops along the bottom edge of the cap from right to left.
- Knit 7 rows with a 1 x 1 rib pattern.
- Make one-piece laces. To do this, cast on 5 loops on the sides of the bottom elastic band and knit the ties with the front surface of the desired length.
T-shapes with seams facing outwards
A simple model of a bonnet is knitted in the form of a T-shaped fabric and then sewn with seams outward. The back seams are made by reducing the loops of the side panels.
A knitted bonnet for newborns (the patterns allow knitting both with an openwork pattern and a dense satin stitch) is knitted from a skein of medium-thick threads with a soft fiber structure. You can use semi-woolen yarn, with a density of 175 m per 50 g and knitting needles of size 2.5 mm.
To work independently, you will need to know the size of the head circumference, the circumference around the face and the back width of the hat.
To make a cap you will need:
- Cast on 85 stitches and knit a 2.5 cm wide elastic band using a 1 x 1 pattern.
- Proceed to knitting the base of the cap. After the elastic, knit 1 row with the front surface and the second purl row with the back surface.
- Row 3: knit as follows: 1 edge loop, then alternate 1 front and 1 back loop to the end of the row, 1 edge loop.
- In the 4th row, knit all loops according to the pattern.
- To complete the basic pattern, repeat the sequence of rows 1-4 8 times.
- Divide the loops into 3 parts: 28 loops for the sides and 29 for the central part.
- Knit the side parts with the main pattern, and knit the middle part with the front surface.
- Knit the middle part, simultaneously decreasing evenly on each side by 1 loop in each row. In each row, knit the outer loops of the central part together with the loops of the side parts, following the pattern.
- Knit until only the loops of the central part of the hat remain unknitted.
- Close the remaining loops.
- Crochet the bottom edge of the cap, knitting 5 rows of single crochet stitches.
- Tie the ties.
How to decorate the product
The options for decorating the cap depend on whether it is knitted for a boy or a girl.
Types of decor:
- Small ear-shaped pompoms are suitable for boys. Larger pompoms will look beautiful on a girl's hat.
- Decoration with openwork ruffles, crocheted. Such decoration can be made on the front part of the cap around the face or on the back seam of the nape.
- Weaving of openwork patterns of satin ribbons into the fabric.
- Decorating bonnets with pearl beads, bows and crocheted flowers.
- Patches of ready-made and homemade appliques and labels.
- Decorated with large buttons, figures of animals, fruits, vegetables.
- Embroidery of animal faces.
Styles of bonnets for newborn girls and boys. Patterns, step-by-step description of knitting
Babies look very cute in fancy caps. The simplest models of headwear can become favorite fashionable things of mother and child if they are made with imagination.
A bonnet for newborns, knitted with knitting needles according to the classic pattern and decorated in accordance with step-by-step recommendations, can be made even by a beginner without much experience in needlework.
Summer hat without ties
The model for boys and girls in the form of a cap without ties can be made of natural thin yarn and differ in decoration and design. The cap with a knot on the crown will suit both boys and girls. For work you will need circular knitting needles and thin yarn (density 150-170 g per 100 m).
To be sure that the size matches, you can calculate the number of loops yourself using the knitted sample and the loop calculation formula.
To knit a hat, you need:
- Cast on the required number of stitches based on the head circumference (for a head circumference of 35 cm, you will need to cast on 68 stitches).
- Knit 9 cm in stockinette stitch.
- Divide the loops into 4 parts and evenly decrease 8 loops every 1 row.
- When there are 12 loops left on the needles, knit 5 cm in stocking stitch and pull the loops together with one thread.
- Tie the end of the hat into a knot.
Warm winter hat
Any mother can knit a cozy warm winter hat for her son or daughter. You need to choose the right yarn for the model. It is better to choose warm and soft merino wool. Knitting needles should not be very thick so that the product is dense enough. The color is chosen at will and depends on the baby's outerwear.
The basis should be a simple knitting pattern for a cap. The front elastic should be knitted twice as big so that it can then be folded in half. The main fabric of the hat should be knitted with a pattern or a simple front surface.
The laces can be made with a crochet hook or a hollow cord can be knitted. The hat for girls can be decorated with crocheted flowers or a patch. The versions for boys can be decorated with ears or pompoms.
Hats for discharge from the maternity hospital
The model for discharge from the maternity hospital usually has beautiful trim and ruffles. Most often, the hat is white and decorated with pink or blue ribbons, depending on the gender of the child.
For knitting, take the smallest size, corresponding to a head circumference of 33-35 cm.
In the work you can use semi-wool yarn with the addition of lavsan, which gives the product a slight shine. The decoration will be lace, mother-of-pearl beads and satin ribbons. The main patterns are: 1x1 elastic and star pattern.
To knit a star pattern, you need to do the following:
- Knit 3 loops together with one front loop behind the back walls.
- Without removing the loops from the left knitting needle, make a yarn over onto the right knitting needle and again knit three loops at the same time as one front loop.
- Remove the stitches from the left needle.
To create a cap you will need:
- Cast on 55 stitches using 2.5mm knitting needles and knit 6 rows in 1x1 rib pattern.
- In the 7th row, evenly add 10 loops from the transverse stretches.
- From rows 8 to 20, knit a star pattern.
- Start forming the crown from row 9, moving to 5 needles and continue knitting in a circle.
- In 1 circular row, knit all loops purlwise and evenly decrease 5 loops.
- Next, knit 7 rows, decreasing with 10 wedges. This means that in the 1st row, you need to simultaneously knit every 5th and 6th loop together, in the 3rd row - 4th and 5th, in the 5th row - 3rd and 4th, in the 7th row - 1st and 2nd loops. In the 9th row, knit every 2 loops together and close the knitting.
- Using a crochet hook, crochet the front and back frills and ties for the hat.
- Sew on lace, flowers, beads, bows.
Model with ears
A funny hat with ears can be decorated with a crocheted applique of an animal face.
To knit the ears you need to do the following:
- Knit a rectangle, the length of which should be twice the length of the intended ear.
- Fold the piece in half with the wrong side up and sew along the sides with a needle and thread of the same color.
- Turn the piece inside out and sew it to the top of the hat.
Knitted ears can be of different sizes: from small cat ears to long rabbit ears.
To make a hat with ears, you need to do the following:
- Knit a bonnet using the classic pattern without seams.
- Knit the front elastic band and ears with contrasting threads.
- Use a crochet hook to make laces for the ties.
- Sew the ears to the top of the finished cap.
Gnome hat with an elongated crown for a boy
The fashionable model, which also has the name "Elf", looks like a cap with an elongated crown, covering the ears and neck. This is a very simple cap to make, which will be within the power of even a beginner knitter. The main measurement for this headdress is the oval of the child's face.
Knitting is done with a rib, a 2 by 2 pattern, all over the fabric. Wool or semi-woolen threads with the prefix "baby" are used for work. The base of the hat is a rectangular piece, which is sewn at the back with a seam by simply decreasing the loops.
To get the shape of a cap, you need to knit like this:
- Cast on 94 stitches and knit four rows with a 2 x 2 rib pattern. You need to calculate the pattern so that two front stitches are located in the very center of the front of the hat.
- Next, when knitting, you need to replace the edge loops with the front surface. So, in the 5th row, you need to knit the first 6 and last 6 loops with front loops. Knit the next 3 rows according to the pattern. In the 4th row, knit 8 front loops at the beginning of the row and 8 front loops at the end of the row. Thus, after every 3 rows, add 2 front loops along the edges. Knit according to the pattern until only two central front loops remain on the needles.
- To make a back seam, you need to decrease 2 loops in each row, starting from the middle. This should be done in the following sequence: remove 1 front loop and knit the next 2 together (in the purl row - with a purl loop, in the front row - with a front loop). Turn the knitting over. Knit like this until all the loops are closed.
- Along the bottom edge of the cap, you need to cast on loops and knit 4 cm with a 1 by 1 elastic band. After closing the loops, bend the elastic band in half to the wrong side and sew the hem with a needle and thread. Along the front edges of the cuff, cast on 5 loops and knit the ties with a garter stitch of the desired length.
Style with extended sides
A knitted bonnet for newborns (knitting patterns for boys and girls are the same) can be knitted with elongated sides. Such a hat covers the baby's ears and neck well from the wind.
In the chosen style, you can knit both a summer hat and a warm model for cold weather. The knitting pattern of a hat without ties with a deep fit is taken as a basis. Triangular ears are knitted in separate parts, which are sewn to the lower edge of the hat.
Multicolored hats
Stylish models made with bright colored stripes and patterns will become a bright addition to the baby's clothes. You can choose a color combination to your taste or choose the model you like from the photo.
A cap with a lapel knitted with an elastic band in different colors will look original. Bright openwork caps in a rainbow color scheme are suitable for summer.
Not only the hats themselves can be colorful, but also the ties, pompoms and flowers that decorate the headwear. It would be appropriate to complement the cap with a colorful scarf or snood with a clasp.
Openwork version
A light, openwork cap is perfect for summer walks and will protect your baby's delicate skin from the scorching sun.
For knitting, you need to take yarn from the children's series with a density of 135 g per 50 m and 2.5 mm knitting needles.
Sequence of work execution:
- You need to cast on the required number of loops on the knitting needles, corresponding to the circumference of the child’s head, and knit 8 rows in garter stitch.
- Next, you will need to knit a 12 cm high piece of fabric using an openwork pattern.
- The crown of the hat should be closed with garter stitch 8 wedges.
- The back seam must be sewn from the crown, moving downwards, carefully connecting only the edges of the edge loops on the wrong side.
- The seam needs to be sewn so that 7-8 cm remain uncovered to the bottom edge of the hat.
- The ties can be crocheted or made into one-piece laces with knitting needles.
Ruffled cap for girls
A delicate pink hat, knitted with a dense pattern and decorated with ruffles, will complement the elegant outfit of a little fashionista.
The pattern for creating such a cap is very simple. Beginner needlewomen are recommended to knit the base of the cap with knitting needles using a simple satin stitch or a simple relief pattern with alternating front and back loops.
The front ruffles around the face and the back ones on the crown are designed with a crochet hook. The ruffles can be made in a contrasting color, with a dense or openwork pattern.
Bonnet with ties and flounces
A smart hat style can turn a little fashionista into a real princess. This can be done by decorating a simple cap with ruffles, flounces and ribbons.
To create such a model you need:
- Knit a cap of a suitable size.
- Step back 2 cm from the front edge and use a crochet hook to crochet openwork flounces.
- Make the same ruffles along the back seam at the nape of the neck.
- Sew gathered lace to the back of the flounces, matching the yarn.
- Along the front edge of the hat, along the oval of the face, thread a thin satin ribbon between the loops.
- Use a crochet hook to tie the ties.
A hand-knitted bonnet for a newborn baby will bring joy to the mother and comfort and warmth to the child. Even an inexperienced needlewoman can knit a headdress using knitting needles, following the patterns and step-by-step descriptions provided in the article.
Video description of knitting a bonnet for a newborn baby
Knitted bonnet for newborns: