12 Free Bonnet Patterns for Boys You’ll Actually Want to Knit
Looking for bonnet patterns for boys? These free bonnet knitting pattern ideas are perfect—find even more on my free bonnet knitting pattern page!
When I first started designing bonnet patterns for boys, I quickly realized something: finding styles that feel classic, simple, and masculine isn’t easy. There are hundreds of adorable frilly or lacey baby bonnet options out there, but very few that make you think, yes, that looks perfect for a little boy. So today, I want to share my favorite bonnet patterns for boys—each one designed with texture, structure, and a timeless look in mind.
All of these bonnet patterns for boys are free on my blog, and every single one has that handmade charm we love, without being overly delicate or frilly. Think rich textures, subtle cables, and clean lines that work beautifully for baby photos, everyday wear, or handmade gifts.
So grab your favorite yarn (I’ve included links to all my go-to yarns for each bonnet—affiliate link), pour a cup of coffee, and let’s talk through my favorite bonnet patterns for boys that you can knit right now.
Solstice Bonnet — Diamonds in the Details
The Solstice Bonnet is one of my go-to bonnet patterns for boys because of its strong, geometric design. It features a clean i-cord edge around the face and a large diamond motif created entirely with knits and purls. I knit mine in KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link), a luxuriously soft merino and cashmere blend that makes every stitch feel rich and smooth.
What I love most about this design is that it balances texture and simplicity. The diamond motif looks complicated but is actually super beginner-friendly. It’s one of those bonnet patterns for boys that looks incredible in neutral tones—like oatmeal, navy, or charcoal—and photographs beautifully for newborn sessions.
Selah Bonnet — The Perfect Cable Balance
If you love cables but still want a boyish design, the Selah Bonnet might be your new favorite. This one has an i-cord front edge and a beautifully structured back with purposeful decreases that give it shape. The cables themselves are bold without being fussy, which is why it’s one of my most popular bonnet patterns for boys.
The Selah Bonnet is knit in KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link), which holds the cables perfectly while keeping the bonnet soft and stretchy. I love using this pattern as a go-to gift knit because it looks intricate but works up quickly.
Samson Bonnet — Horseshoe Cables for the Win
The Samson Bonnet has one of the most unique cable designs I’ve ever used. The cables look almost like little rows of horseshoes—sturdy, masculine, and just the right amount of texture. It’s one of those bonnet patterns for boys that feels rugged but still sweet.
I knit mine with KnitPicks Woolen Cotton (affiliate link), which gives it that soft yet durable finish that’s perfect for active babies. The fiber blend holds its shape well, and the cables pop beautifully.
Ridge Bonnet — Garter Simplicity with a Twist
Sometimes, the simplest designs turn out to be the most timeless. The Ridge Bonnet is a favorite of mine among bonnet patterns for boys because it features a slipped-stitch garter edge at the front, giving it a structured look without fuss.
I made mine with KnitPicks Andean Alpaca (affiliate link), which is unbelievably soft and warm. The natural alpaca fibers create a subtle halo, giving the finished bonnet a beautiful depth of color. This one’s perfect if you want a textured look without cables or lace.
Prairie Bonnet — Faux Cables and Fluffy Texture
The Prairie Bonnet has that soft, nostalgic feel of an heirloom piece—but without being overly delicate. The faux cable effect comes from wrapped stitches, making it one of the easiest bonnet patterns for boys to master.
You can make it with KnitPicks Reverie (affiliate link) or Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link). Both yarns are wonderfully light and airy, perfect for a newborn’s sensitive skin. The texture looks fancy but works up fast, so it’s great for last-minute baby gifts.
Nicolas Bonnet — Subtle Cables and Ribbing
If you love texture transitions, the Nicolas Bonnet will make your heart happy. It starts with a simple 1×1 rib, transitions into a beautiful cable section, and returns to 1×1 rib at the back. It’s elegant yet distinctly boyish—making it one of my top bonnet patterns for boys.
I used KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) for this design, and it was a perfect match. The yarn’s stitch definition brings out the cables without making the bonnet stiff. It’s a wonderful pattern to pair with matching socks or a sweater, too.
Lewis Bonnet — Elongated Cables and Clean Lines
The Lewis Bonnet is all about texture and balance. It’s covered in elongated double cables and framed by an i-cord front edge, making it one of those bonnet patterns for boys that looks refined and modern at the same time.
I made this one in KnitPicks Comfy Worsted (affiliate link), a cotton-blend yarn that’s soft, breathable, and machine-washable—perfect for everyday baby wear. It’s a great choice for warmer weather or for babies with sensitive skin.
Cable Hood — The Pixie Twist
This one is for those who like a slightly whimsical silhouette without losing that masculine look. The Cable Hood is a pixie-style bonnet with mirrored double cable panels running straight up the middle, from front to back.
I’ve knit this one using both KnitPicks Reverie (affiliate link) and Hobbii Fluffy Day (affiliate link), and each version has its own charm. Reverie gives a soft, fluffy look, while Fluffy Day feels light and cloudlike. This is one of my favorite bonnet patterns for boys for photo props—it frames the face beautifully and gives such sweet character in photos.
Jacob Bonnet — The Ladder Texture Favorite
The Jacob Bonnet is near and dear to my heart. It uses just knits and purls, but the texture looks like tiny ladders—strong, structured, and boyish without needing cables. It’s one of my simplest bonnet patterns for boys, and it’s a hit among newer knitters.
I used KnitPicks Capra (affiliate link) for this one as well. The softness of the yarn makes the simple stitches shine. This design knits up quickly, making it perfect for baby showers or donation projects.
Cailloux Bonnet — Pebbled Perfection
If you love simple textures that still look high-end, the Cailloux Bonnet might be the one for you. It’s made entirely of knits and purls that form panels of texture resembling pebbles—hence the name.
This bonnet is knit in KnitPicks Comfy Worsted (affiliate link), and I love how it feels against the skin. It’s light, breathable, and has the perfect drape. Among bonnet patterns for boys, this one is especially great for everyday wear because it’s durable and easy to wash.
Cadwyn Bonnet — Little Chains of Texture
The Cadwyn Bonnet is a textured dream. It’s edged with a crisp i-cord around the face and decorated with small chain-like panels made from simple knit and purl combinations. It’s one of those bonnet patterns for boys that looks both classic and fresh.
I knit it in KnitPicks Capretta (affiliate link), which is a luxurious fingering-weight yarn made from merino and cashmere. It gives this simple pattern a polished, heirloom quality.
Broken Rib Bonnet & Pixie Bonnet — Two in One!
These two designs share a pattern file and are an excellent starting point if you’re just exploring bonnet patterns for boys. The Broken Rib Bonnet is understated and modern, while the Pixie Bonnet adds a hint of playful charm with its pointed shape.
Both are knit in KnitPicks Muse (affiliate link), a hand-painted yarn that makes each bonnet unique. The colors swirl beautifully without overpowering the texture, making these some of my favorite simple bonnet patterns for boys to knit on repeat.
Broken Rib Bonnet and Pixie Free Pattern
Why I Love Designing Bonnet Patterns for Boys
When I first began creating bonnet patterns for boys, I wanted to make pieces that felt timeless. Something that moms could knit and pass down, that photographers could use for baby shoots without it feeling too “pretty.”
These patterns are all about texture and balance—each one has structure and personality, but none of them rely on lace or frills. Whether you’re knitting for your own little one or for a gift, these bonnet patterns for boys are designed to be loved, used, and treasured.
How to Choose the Perfect Bonnet Pattern for Your Next Knit
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick guide:
- For classic cables, try the Selah Bonnet, Samson Bonnet, or Lewis Bonnet.
- For simple textures, go with the Jacob Bonnet or Cailloux Bonnet.
- For a touch of whimsy, the Pixie Bonnet or Cable Hood will be perfect.
- If you love modern stitch play, try the Cadwyn Bonnet or Solstice Bonnet.
- And for fast, fluffy knits, don’t miss the Prairie Bonnet.
Each of these bonnet patterns for boys has been designed with knitters in mind—clear instructions, easy-to-read charts, and yarns that are soft enough for babies but still hold up beautifully over time.
Final Thoughts
Designing bonnet patterns for boys has been one of my favorite creative adventures. There’s just something special about watching a textured stitch pattern come to life and knowing it’ll frame a sweet little face in photos or family keepsakes.
If you try one of these bonnet patterns for boys, I’d love to hear which one you knit first! Leave a comment below and tell me your favorite yarn choice or which stitch pattern you loved most.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting free patterns on my blog!
The post 12 Free Bonnet Patterns for Boys You’ll Actually Want to Knit appeared first on The Knit in the Womb Blog.
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