The Frostpeak Eskimo Bonnet: A Cozy Cable & Lace Knit Free Pattern

Wrap Your Little One in Arctic Luxury: The Frostpeak Eskimo Bonnet

Imagine your baby, snug and adorable, in a bonnet that combines the drama of a faux-fur brim with the delicate beauty of cables and lace. The Frostpeak Eskimo Bonnet is an arctic-inspired knitting pattern designed to be both a cozy essential and a stunning accessory for chilly adventures. This free pattern guides you through creating a textured masterpiece with a soft, creamy white body and a striking deep glacier blue faux-fur brim. Perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills, this bonnet is a joy to make and a treasure to gift. Let's dive into creating this whimsical, warm, and wonderful hat.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Using the exact specifications will ensure your bonnet matches the intended size and drape.

• Yarn:
  • Main Color (MC): Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in Soft Arctic White. You will need approximately 100g / 200 yards.
  • Contrast Color (CC): Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in Deep Glacier Blue. You will need approximately 50g / 100 yards.
  • Faux Fur Yarn: A small amount of a bulky faux fur yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Go For Faux) for the brim. This will be held together with the CC yarn.
• Needles & Tools:
  • US Size 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch circular knitting needles
  • US Size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown decreases
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
  • Stitch markers (at least 4)
  • Cable needle (optional, but helpful for C4F and C4B)
• Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Achieving the correct gauge is crucial for the bonnet to fit properly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for three sizes: 0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months). Finished head circumference: 13 (14, 15) inches. Follow the instructions for your desired size throughout.

Abbreviations & Special Stitches

Abbreviations: CO - cast on, K - knit, P - purl, K2tog - knit two together, SSK - slip slip knit, YO - yarn over, M1L - make one left, M1R - make one right, PM - place marker, SM - slip marker, BO - bind off.

Special Stitches:

• C4F (Cable 4 Front): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• C4B (Cable 4 Back): Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, K2, K2 from cable needle.
• Lace Pattern (over 6 sts):
  • Row 1 (RS): K2, YO, SSK, K2.
  • Row 2 (WS): Purl.
  • Row 3: K2, K2tog, YO, K2.
  • Row 4: Purl.

Part 1: Faux Fur Brim (Knitted Flat)

This brim is worked back and forth in rows and will be sewn to the bonnet body later.

1. With CC (Deep Glacier Blue) and faux fur yarn held together, CO 60 (64, 68) stitches.
2. Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.
3. Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 1.5 (1.75, 2) inches from the cast-on edge.
5. BO loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls as you bind off). Set aside.

Part 2: Bonnet Body (Knitted in the Round)

The main body of the bonnet is worked in the round from the bottom up.

1. With MC (Soft Arctic White), CO 60 (64, 68) stitches. PM for beginning of round, join in the round being careful not to twist.
2. Ribbing:
   • Round 1: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Repeat Round 1 until the ribbing measures 1 inch from the cast-on edge.
3. Cable & Lace Section: This section creates the beautiful textured pattern. Repeat the following 8-round sequence until the piece measures 4 (4.5, 5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with Round 8.
   • Round 1: *C4F, K2, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 1 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end (4 repeats total).
   • Round 2: *K4, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 2 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Round 3: *K4, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 3 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Round 4: *K4, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 4 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Round 5: *C4B, K2, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 1 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Round 6: *K4, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 2 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Round 7: *K4, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 3 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end.
   • Round 8: *K4, P2, work Lace Pattern Row 4 over next 6 sts, P2; repeat from * to end.

Part 3: Crown Decreases

Now we shape the top of the bonnet. Switch to DPNs when stitches become too few for the circular needle.

1. Round 1: *K2tog, K2, P2tog, work Lace Pattern Row 1 over next 6 sts, P2tog; repeat from * to end. (48, 52, 56 sts remain)
2. Round 2: *K3, P1, work Lace Pattern Row 2 over next 6 sts, P1; repeat from * to end.
3. Round 3: *K2tog, K1, P1, work Lace Pattern Row 3 over next 6 sts, P1; repeat from * to end. (40, 44, 48 sts remain)
4. Round 4: *K2, P1, work Lace Pattern Row 4 over next 6 sts, P1; repeat from * to end.
5. Round 5: *K2tog, P1, work Lace Pattern Row 1 over next 6 sts, P1; repeat from * to end. (32, 36, 40 sts remain)
6. Round 6: *K1, P1, work Lace Pattern Row 2 over next 6 sts, P1; repeat from * to end.
7. Round 7: *K2tog, work Lace Pattern Row 3 over next 6 sts; repeat from * to end. (24, 28, 32 sts remain)
8. Round 8: *K1, work Lace Pattern Row 4 over next 6 sts; repeat from * to end.
9. Round 9: *K2tog, K2tog, K2tog; repeat from * to end. (8, 10, 12 sts remain)
10. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close the top, and secure firmly. Weave in the end.

Part 4: Finishing & Assembly

1. Attach the Brim: With the right sides facing, sew the cast-on edge of the faux fur brim to the bottom edge of the bonnet's ribbing. Use a mattress stitch or a whip stitch for a neat, invisible seam. Ensure the brim is centered and evenly attached.
2. Weave in Ends: Weave in all remaining yarn ends securely using a tapestry needle.
3. Blocking: Gently block the bonnet to shape. Lightly mist with water and lay flat to dry, shaping the crown and brim as desired. Avoid stretching the faux fur.
4. Optional Ties: Make a twisted cord or I-cord tie (approx 12 inches long) using the CC yarn. Attach one end to each side of the brim for tying under the chin. This adds both function and charm.

Your Frostpeak Eskimo Bonnet is now complete! This project is a wonderful way to practice cables, lace, and working in the round, resulting in a truly special piece for your little one. Enjoy the cozy, whimsical warmth it brings to your winter adventures.