Wild Rose Filet Crochet Bonnet Free Pattern – A Delicate Garden Heirloom
Wild Rose Filet Crochet Bonnet Free Pattern – A Delicate Garden Heirloom
Wrap your little one in a cloud of vintage charm with this exquisite filet crochet bonnet. Featuring an all-over wild rose lattice that evokes a secret garden, this heirloom-quality piece combines delicate blush and cream tones for a timeless, romantic look. Perfect for baby showers, newborn photography, or as a cherished keepsake, this pattern is surprisingly accessible even for confident beginners who want to try their hand at filet crochet. The open mesh and solid blocks create a stunning dimensional rose motif that will make this bonnet a family treasure for generations.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crochet experience:
- Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in two colors:
- Main Color (MC): Soft Blush – approximately 150g / 300m
- Contrast Color (CC): Cream – approximately 50g / 100m
- Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
- Gauge: 20 dc x 12 rows = 10cm x 10cm in filet crochet pattern (blocked)
- Extras: Yarn needle for weaving ends, stitch markers, blocking pins and mat
Understanding the Filet Crochet Technique
Filet crochet creates beautiful lace-like patterns using a simple grid system. This bonnet uses a 4-dc grid where each square is either open (mesh) or solid (block). The pattern is charted row by row, and once you understand the two basic stitches, you'll be able to follow the rose motif with confidence.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Special Stitches
- Filet Mesh (FM): (dc in next dc, ch1, skip next ch1 sp, dc in next dc) – creates an open square.
- Solid Block (SB): (dc in next dc, dc in next ch1 sp, dc in next dc) – creates a filled square.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Foundation Row (RS)
With MC, chain 76. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook (this counts as your first dc), then dc in each of the next 72 chains. You should have a total of 74 dc. Turn your work. This foundation gives you 18 filet squares across, each 4 stitches wide, plus 2 edge stitches on either side.
Row 1 (WS)
Chain 3 (counts as first dc), skip the first stitch. Now work the alternating pattern: *FM over the next 4 sts, SB over the next 4 sts*. Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a dc in the last stitch. Turn. You now have a grid of 18 squares, alternating between open and solid.
Rows 2-18: The Rose Motif
Continue in filet pattern, following the chart below for the rose motif. Read the chart from bottom to top, with RS rows worked right to left and WS rows worked left to right. For each row, work the squares as indicated – either open (FM) or solid (SB).
Rose Motif Chart (18 squares wide, 17 rows tall)
- Row 2: All open squares.
- Row 3: Squares 6-13 solid (center block).
- Row 4: Squares 5-14 solid.
- Row 5: Squares 4-15 solid, but leave square 9 open (center hole).
- Row 6: Squares 3-16 solid, but leave squares 8-10 open (petal separation).
- Row 7: Squares 2-17 solid, but leave squares 7-11 open.
- Row 8: Squares 1-18 solid, but leave squares 6-12 open.
- Row 9: Squares 1-18 solid, but leave squares 5-13 open.
- Row 10: Squares 1-18 solid, but leave squares 4-14 open.
- Row 11: Squares 1-18 solid, but leave squares 3-15 open.
- Row 12: Squares 1-18 solid, but leave squares 2-16 open.
- Row 13: Squares 1-18 solid, but leave squares 1-17 open (only square 18 solid).
- Row 14: Squares 1-17 solid, square 18 open.
- Row 15: Squares 1-16 solid, squares 17-18 open.
- Row 16: Squares 1-15 solid, squares 16-18 open.
- Row 17: Squares 1-14 solid, squares 15-18 open.
- Row 18: Squares 1-13 solid, squares 14-18 open.
- Row 19: All open squares.
Shaping the Crown (Rows 19-24)
Now we'll shape the bonnet crown by decreasing at each edge. This creates the rounded back of the bonnet.
- Row 19 (RS): Ch 3, dc in next st, then work FM across all 18 open squares. Turn.
- Row 20: Ch 3, dc2tog over the next two sts, work FM across to the last 3 sts, dc2tog over the next two sts, dc in the last st. Turn. (Decrease 1 square each side – now 16 squares.)
- Row 21: Repeat Row 20 (now 14 squares).
- Row 22: Repeat Row 20 (now 12 squares).
- Row 23: Repeat Row 20 (now 10 squares).
- Row 24: Repeat Row 20 (now 8 squares). Fasten off.
Brim (worked along the front edge)
With the RS facing, join MC with a sl st to the bottom right corner of the bonnet (where the foundation chain began).
- Round 1: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each dc edge, and 1 sc in each row end along the front edge, working evenly to the left corner. Do not join – work in continuous rounds. Place a stitch marker to track your rounds.
- Round 2: Sc in each st around, but at the two corners (where the brim curves), work 3 sc in the corner st. Continue around the entire front edge, including the bottom edge of the brim (which is the foundation chain side).
- Round 3: Switch to CC. Sc in each st around, working 3 sc in the same corner sts as before.
- Round 4: Switch back to MC. Sc in each st around, working 3 sc in corner sts. Fasten off.
Ties
Cut two lengths of MC yarn, each 60cm long. Fold each in half. Insert the folded end through the corner of the brim at the neck edge (where the foundation chain meets the brim), pull the loose ends through the loop, and tighten. Braid or twist the two strands together for a neat tie. Repeat on the other side.
Finishing
Weave in all loose ends carefully with your yarn needle. Block the bonnet gently to open up the filet mesh and shape the rose motif. To block, pin the bonnet to the desired shape on a blocking mat, mist with water, and allow to dry completely. This step is crucial for showcasing the beautiful lace pattern.
Optional Embellishment
For extra charm, add a small crochet rose appliqué to the side of the brim. Make a small spiral of 5 petals using CC and MC, then sew it securely to the bonnet. This adds a lovely dimensional touch that complements the filet rose motif.
Tips for Success
- Count your stitches after each row to ensure the filet grid stays aligned.
- Use stitch markers at the edges to help track your decreases during crown shaping.
- Block generously – filet crochet truly shines after blocking, which opens up the mesh and defines the rose pattern.
- Choose soft cotton yarn for a breathable, gentle fabric against baby's delicate skin.
This Wild Rose Filet Crochet Bonnet is a labor of love that will be treasured for years. Whether you're creating it for your own little one or as a heartfelt gift, the delicate rose lattice and soft color palette make it a truly special heirloom piece. Happy crocheting!