Free Baby Bonnet Knitting Pattern You’ll Love: Sarah Bonnet
Looking for free baby bonnet knitting patterns? I’ve got you covered! Click here for my full bonnet collection.
When it comes to knitting, I’ve always had a soft spot for baby bonnets. They’re quick to knit, absolutely adorable, and make the best keepsakes. Over the years, I’ve gathered and designed quite a few free baby bonnet knitting patterns, and today I’m excited to share my newest design with you (and a few other favorites). Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or brand new to tiny accessories, I think you’ll fall in love with these just as much as I have.
Of course, THIS pattern—the Sarah Bonnet—is at the bottom of this post. But don’t skip ahead! All the rest of the patterns can be found at my featured free bonnet pattern page.
Why I Love Free Baby Bonnet Knitting Patterns
There’s something about a little bonnet that feels timeless. Not only are they functional (keeping those tiny heads warm), but they also add that classic touch to newborn photos. When I started designing, I knew baby bonnets were the majority of my designs since I had an etsy shop specifically for newborn photo props. Since, they’ve held out as some of my favorite knits. They’re small enough to finish quickly but detailed enough to give me plenty of room to play with lace, cables, and textures.
And the best part? With so many free baby bonnet knitting patterns available, you can knit up a stack without worrying about spending extra money on the patterns themselves.
The Yarn That Brings It All Together
For the Sarah Bonnet, I used KnitPicks Mighty Stitch Fingering (affiliate link) with size 2 (2.75mm) straight needles and double-pointed needles. This yarn has the perfect balance of softness and durability, which is essential when knitting for babies. I love how it shows off lace stitches clearly, which makes the pattern shine. Every time I’ve used KnitPicks Mighty Stitch Fingering (affiliate link), it has delivered consistent results, and it’s become one of my go-to yarns for fingering weight projects.
The Lace Connection
The Sarah Bonnet isn’t just any lace bonnet—it shares its lace stitch with the Child Sarah Tee, the Sarah Socks, and the Sarah Beanie. If you’ve knit any of those pieces already, you’ll love how this bonnet ties the whole collection together.
Child Sarah Tee Free PatternI’ve had so much fun creating patterns that work as a little set, and it makes gift knitting feel extra special when you can coordinate pieces.
Classic Fitted Bonnet with I-Cord Ties
The design itself is simple but classic: a fitted bonnet that sits snugly on a baby’s head, finished with neat I-cord ties. If you’ve never made I-cords before, don’t worry—they’re straightforward, and I promise you’ll be making them on autopilot in no time.
More Lace Fingering Weight Bonnets You’ll Love
If you enjoy working with fingering weight yarn (affiliate link), there are a few other lace bonnet designs you won’t want to miss. Each one has its own personality but carries that same lightweight, delicate feel that I love for babies:
These free baby bonnet knitting patterns are beautiful companion pieces and give you lots of options depending on the style you’re going for.
Knitting Tips for Baby Bonnets
I’ve learned a few tricks along the way when it comes to free baby bonnet knitting patterns:
- Swatch first – I know, I know. But gauge really matters here. You don’t want a bonnet that slips off or squeezes too tight.
- Block your lace – This step transforms your bonnet from crumpled to stunning. Lace stitches in KnitPicks Mighty Stitch Fingering (affiliate link) open up beautifully after blocking.
- Think about ties – I-cord ties are my favorite, but ribbons or braided ties can work too if you prefer.
Why Free Baby Bonnet Knitting Patterns Are My Favorite Gift
When I’m heading to a baby shower or visiting a new mom, I love to bring along a hand-knit bonnet. It’s small enough to knit in just a few evenings, and it always gets that “aww” moment. Plus, since I have a wide variety of free baby bonnet knitting patterns, I can choose something that matches the baby’s personality (or the mom’s style).
There’s just something so special about seeing a tiny bonnet being worn and knowing it came straight from your hands.
The Sarah Bonnet (THIS Pattern!)
Okay, here’s the star of today’s post—the Sarah Bonnet. This design is near and dear to my heart because it pulls together the lace from the Sarah Tee, Sarah Socks, and Sarah Beanie into one sweet little bonnet.
- Yarn: KnitPicks Mighty Stitch Fingering (affiliate link)
- Needles: Size 2 (3mm) straight needles and double-pointed needles
- Details: Classic fitted bonnet with I-cord ties
You can grab the free pattern right here.
Final Thoughts on Free Baby Bonnet Knitting Patterns
If you’re anything like me, you can’t have too many free baby bonnet knitting patterns in your library. They’re fun, practical, and timeless, and they make wonderful gifts. Whether you’re knitting up the Sarah Bonnet or exploring some of my other designs like the Wheat Bonnet, Simone Bonnet, or Vine Bonnet, I think you’ll love how these projects turn out.
So, tell me—which of these free baby bonnet knitting patterns are you most excited to try? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Sarah Bonnet Free Pattern
Yarn – 60-150yds or 1 skein KnitPicks Mighty Stitch Fingering 437y/100g
Gauge – 32x44sts per 4x4in or 10x10cm
Needles – 2 (3mm) circular and dpn
Sizes – newborn, (baby), toddler
Head Measurement –
12-14in/30-35cm
15-17in/37.5-42.5
16-18in/52.5-57.5cm
Other –yarn needle
.
Sarah Bonnet uses the same lace stitch Sarah Tee. It is a pretty and lightweight bonnet perfect for gifting and summer use.
Abbreviations can be found on the last page.
STITCH CHART
Row Instructions
Row 1 – [k2, yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k2] across
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – [k1,yo, ssk, k2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k1] across
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – [k4, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k4] across
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – [k3, yo, ssk, k6, k2tog, yo, k3] across
Row 8 – purl across
BODY
Cast on 80 (96, 112) sts. I used the long tail cast on.
Work in k1p1 ribbing for .75in/2cms
You will now start the body of the bonnet using the stitch pattern in the chart above.
Repeat rows 1-8 of the stitch pattern until your work measures appx 3.5in (5, 6) ins/8.75 (12.5, 15) cm ending after completing a row 7.
Transfer sts to dpn.
Join in the round.
Knit 1 Round.
DECREASES
Round 1 – [k2, yo, ssk, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, k2tog, yo, k2] Repeat [to] around [70 (84, 98) sts]
Round 2 – knit around
Round 3 – [k1, yo, ssk, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, k2tog, yo, k1] Repeat [to] around [60 (72, 84) sts]
Round 4 – knit around
Round 5 – [k4, ssk, k2tog, k4] Repeat [to] around [50 (60, 70) sts]
Round 6 – knit around
Round 7 – [k3, ssk, k2tog, k3] Repeat [to] around [40 (48, 56) sts]
Round 8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2, ssk, k2tog, k2] Repeat [to] around [30 (36, 42) sts]
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [k1, ssk, k2tog, k1] Repeat [to] around [20 (24, 28) sts]
Round 12 – [ssk, k2tog] Repeat [to] around [10 (12, 14) sts]
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 aRow 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.
ABBREVIATIONS
K – knit
P – purl
ST(S) – stitch(es)
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together
SSK – slip, slip, knit the slipped sts together
DPN – double pointed needle
Affiliate Disclaimer
This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The post Free Baby Bonnet Knitting Pattern You’ll Love: Sarah Bonnet appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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