Here it is, the bonnet you’ve been waiting for. If you made the Playday Booties, you’ll know I promised a matching bonnet was on its way, and here it is. This free garter stitch baby bonnet knitting pattern is another one from my Scheepjes baby collection, worked in the same squishy garter stitch, with the same easy going, no fuss construction.
Like the Booties, there’s very little to trip you up here. No purl stitch, no complicated shaping beyond a straightforward crown decrease, and a pair of knitted ties finished separately and sewn on at the end.
Quick Look
What you’ll find in this post:
- A free garter stitch baby bonnet knitting pattern in two sizes, newborn to 24 months
- Full materials list, needle sizes and tension
- Step-by-step instructions for the crown shaping and ties
- A note on sewing the buttons and ties on safely
- The matching Playday Booties, for the full set
Free Garter Stitch Baby Bonnet Knitting Pattern: Overview
The Playday Bonnet is worked flat in one piece, from the front edge back to a neat crown, then seamed. The crown shaping is worked in stages, decreasing evenly around the round, so once you’ve done one decrease row, you’ve essentially done them all. Two knitted ties are worked separately on smaller needles and sewn on at the end, along with a button at each corner in two different colours, because matching buttons are overrated.
Two sizes are included, 0 to 12 months and 12 to 24 months, so there’s room to knit ahead or make a second one as your knitter grows.
The Yarn
The Playday Bonnet is knitted in Scheepjes Merino Soft Brush, shade 252 Toorop, the same warm heathered grey used for the Playday Booties and the Billy Bear Jacket. It’s 50% Superwash Merino Extra Fine, 25% Microfibre and 25% Acrylic, in 50g/105m balls. You’ll need 2 balls for either size.
If you’d like to substitute a different yarn, Scheepjes Softfun is a good option at a similar weight, with a smooth finish and a lovely range of colours. Scheepjes Stone Washed also works well, with a subtle stony texture. Both are available from Scheepjes stockists.
Please note: the affiliate links below are to Scheepjes yarn suppliers. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Materials
- Scheepjes Merino Soft Brush, shade 252 Toorop, 2 x 50g balls (105m per ball)
- 2 x 17.5mm Bottoni Italiani buttons, item no. 4348-28, one in colour 377 teal and one in colour 693 red
- Lockable stitch marker
Needles
4mm (US 6) knitting needles for the main bonnet. 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles for the ties.
Tension
22 sts and 44 rows to measure 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) over garter stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles. Check your tension before you begin and adjust needle size if necessary.
Finished Measurements
| Age | 0–12 months | 12–24 months |
|---|---|---|
| To fit head circumference | 35.5–40.5cm / 14–16in | 40.5–46cm / 16–18in |
Skill Level
Easy, and a natural next step after the Booties if you’re building confidence. The Playday Bonnet uses garter stitch throughout, one repeated crown decrease, and two simple ties. There’s a little more shaping than the Booties, but it’s all worked the same way, row after row, so once you’ve got the rhythm you’re set. The Craft Yarn Council skill level guide is a useful reference if you’re unsure where you sit.
Abbreviations
cont — continue | g st — garter stitch (knit all rows) | k — knit | pm — place marker | rem — remaining | RS — right side | sk2po — slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over | st(s) — stitch(es) | WS — wrong side | *…, rep from * to … — work the instructions after the asterisk, then repeat as instructed | [ ] — number of stitches on a given row
For a full reference, visit my free Knitting Abbreviations Guide.
A Note on Safety
The Playday Bonnet has a button at each corner and two knitted ties, and both need care on a garment for a baby. Sew each button on securely using a strong thread and needle in addition to the yarn, working over each one several times and pulling firmly, and give every button a firm tug before the finished bonnet goes to a baby.
Keep an eye on tie length too, ties should never be left loose enough to pose a hazard, and a bonnet should always be removed for sleep. For more on knitting safely for little ones, read my guide to knitting for babies and how to get it right, and see the UK Hand Knitting Association’s safety guidance for further reference.
Garter Stitch Baby Bonnet: The Pattern
Pattern Notes: Sizes are written as 0–12 (12–24) months throughout. Where only one figure is given, it applies to both sizes.
Bonnet
Using 4mm (US 6) needles, cast on 71 (81) sts.
Row 1 (RS): Knit.
Row 2: Knit.
Continue working in garter st as set until piece measures 11 (13.5)cm / 4.5 (5.5)in from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. Place a marker at the edge of the bonnet.
Crown Shaping
Row 1: K4, sk2po, *k7, sk2po; rep from * to last 4 sts, k4. [57 (65) sts]
Row 2 (and all even numbered rows): Knit.
Row 3: K3, sk2po, *k5, sk2po; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3. [43 (49) sts]
Row 5: K2, sk2po, *k3, sk2po; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2. [29 (33) sts]
Row 7: K1, sk2po, *k1, sk2po; rep from * to last st, k1. [15 (17) sts]
Row 9: K0 (1), (sk2po) 5 times, k0 (1). [5 (7) sts]
Cut yarn leaving a long tail, thread through rem sts and pull tight to close the crown.
Tie (make 2)
Using 3.25mm (US 3) needles, cast on 90 sts. Cast off.
To Finish
Sew the seam from the crown down to the stitch marker. Sew a tie to each bottom side edge. Sew a button at each corner, on top of the join, using the safety note above as a guide. Weave in all ends. Wash according to ball band instructions and lay flat to dry naturally.
Pattern reproduced with the kind permission of Scheepjes.
Make the Matching Set
The Playday Bonnet is one half of a set, and the Garter Stitch Baby Booties are the other. Both are worked in the same squishy garter stitch, in the same shade of Scheepjes Merino Soft Brush, so between the two you get a proper going-out set for a new arrival without having to hunt down a second yarn. Knit whichever one calls to you first, they’re both quick enough to finish in a weekend.
There are several other patterns in this collection all free on my blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I knit a baby bonnet on straight needles?
This pattern is worked flat on a single pair of straight needles from start to finish, including the crown shaping. There’s no need to switch to double-pointed or circular needles at any point.
What sizes does this pattern come in?
Two sizes: 0–12 months and 12–24 months, fitting a head circumference of 35.5–40.5cm (14–16in) and 40.5–46cm (16–18in).
Is this pattern suitable for a first-time knitter?
Yes. It’s a natural next step if you’ve already made the Bootees, garter stitch throughout with one repeated crown decrease and two simple ties to finish. There’s no purl and nothing more complicated than counting stitches between decreases.
Is there a matching booties pattern?
Yes, the Garter Stitch Baby Booties are a free pattern here on the blog, worked in the same yarn and the same easy garter stitch, so the two make a proper set.
If You Love Knitting for Babies
There are plenty more free patterns where this one came from. Browse the full collection in the free baby knitting patterns archive.
Show Me Your Playday Bonnet
I’d love to see your finished makes. Share your Playday Bonnet on social media and tag me.
Instagram: @jane.burns.designs
Facebook: @JaneBurnsDesigns
Pinterest: @janeburnsdesigner
Stay in Touch
If you would like new patterns, free resources, and the occasional dry observation about knitting for children delivered straight to your inbox, you can join the list here:
You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
About Jane
Jane Burns is a UK-based knitting and crochet pattern designer with 18 years of experience, specialising in whimsical, characterful patterns for babies and children. She is the founder of Jane Burns Whimsical Children’s Knits, with patterns that carry real personality and a focus on making knitting feel accessible, satisfying, and a little bit special.
