Blossom Meadow Baby Bonnet Free Pattern – Textured Leaf Knit
Stitch Glossary
Familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before starting:
- k = knit
- p = purl
- k2tog = knit two stitches together (decrease)
- yo = yarn over (increase)
- sl1 = slip one stitch purlwise
- psso = pass slipped stitch over (decrease)
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
Special Stitch – Leaf Pattern (worked over 6 stitches)
This 12-row repeat creates the beautiful textured leaves. Work these rows exactly as written:
Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1
Row 2 (WS): p2, k1, p1, k2
Row 3: k1, yo, k2, sl1, k1, psso
Row 4: p1, k1, p2, k1, p1
Row 5: k2, yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1
Row 6: p2, k1, p1, k2
Row 7: k1, sl1, k1, psso, k2, yo
Row 8: p1, k1, p2, k1, p1
Row 9: k2, sl1, k1, psso, yo, k1
Row 10: p2, k1, p1, k2
Row 11: k1, sl1, k1, psso, k2, yo
Row 12: p1, k1, p2, k1, p1
Note: The yarn overs and decreases work together to create the leaf shape. The sl1, k1, psso is a left-leaning decrease that pairs beautifully with the yarn over increases.
Back Panel
Cast on 62 (68) [74] stitches. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 4 rows. This creates a sturdy, non-curling edge for the bottom of the bonnet.
Begin Leaf Pattern
Row 1 (RS): k3, pm, work Leaf Pattern over next 6 stitches, pm, k44 (50) [56], pm, work Leaf Pattern over next 6 stitches, pm, k3.
Row 2 (WS): k3, sm, work Leaf Pattern row 2 over next 6 stitches, sm, k44 (50) [56], sm, work Leaf Pattern row 2 over next 6 stitches, sm, k3.
Continue in this manner, working Leaf Pattern rows 1-12 on each side, with stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) between the markers. The 3 stitches at each edge remain in garter stitch (knit every row) to prevent curling.
Work until the piece measures 4.5 (5) [5.5] inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This forms the back panel of the bonnet that will cover the back of the baby's head.
Shape Crown
Now we'll begin decreasing to shape the rounded crown of the bonnet. The decreases are worked on RS rows only, maintaining the leaf pattern at the edges.
Next row (RS): k3, sm, work Leaf Pattern row 1, sm, k2, k2tog, k to last 4 stitches before next marker, k2tog, k2, sm, work Leaf Pattern row 1, sm, k3. (Decrease 2 stitches)
Continue in pattern, working decreases every RS row as established (decrease 2 stitches each RS row) until 30 (34) [38] stitches remain. End with a WS row. The decreases should be worked 2 stitches in from the leaf pattern markers, creating a smooth taper.
Next row (RS): k3, sm, work Leaf Pattern row 1, sm, k2tog across to last 9 stitches (before next marker), k2tog, sm, work Leaf Pattern row 1, sm, k3. (Decrease 2 stitches)
Next row (WS): k3, sm, work Leaf Pattern row 2, sm, p to last 9 stitches, sm, work Leaf Pattern row 2, sm, k3.
Repeat these 2 rows until 14 (16) [18] stitches remain. Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. This gathers the top of the crown into a neat point.
Finishing
Sew the back seam from the cast-on edge up to the crown. Use a mattress stitch or whip stitch for a neat, invisible seam. Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle.
Ties
With the right side facing, pick up and knit 3 stitches at the bottom corner of one side. Work in I-cord for 10 (12) [14]
