Bring Back the Bonnet (with free pattern)

Is there anything cuter than a child in a handmade bonnet? Images of girls with tight curls and lace dresses come to mind; Maybe even Laura Ingalls and that treacherous Nellie. She was always flaunting her Sunday best in front of Laura, what a brat. But, I digress, back to bonnets. After searching the online and seeing some options I liked but nothing that made me go, oh yeah, that’s the one, I sauntered on over to Ravelry to see what they had cooking.

For those who are not familiar, Ravelry is a great online community for the knit and crochet crafters. There are hundreds of thousands of patterns, some of which are free and can be downloaded right to your notebook or library within the site. I am a huge fan of this method of sharing and saving crafty ideas. Also, in case you are wondering, it is super user friendly, even my 82 year old grandmother has an account.

Well, here I found a plethora of bonnet ideas, but one stood out among the rest, the only problem, it was written for a newborn size with no conversations for larger sizes. I wanted to make one in a toddler size, so I set to work deciphering the pattern and adjusting it for my own use.

First, I determined that the back of this bonnet was a circle, like one you would use for the top of a beanie. I consulted a beanie pattern and found one that looked good and went to work.

It broke down into three parts: the circular back, the rows that go across the top, and the scalloped front.  (I suppose I forgot the adorable ribbon or lace ties, but that is another step altogether)

I enjoy creating things with my hands and crocheting is an amazing process, a big ball of yarn becomes a soft and functional accessory. In the case of this bonnet I used worsted weight yarn, and it was on SALE at Joann’s. Love Joann Fabrics, I realize that is a plug for a company, but I have spent a good deal of my days wandering through their aisles coming up with ideas for projects and asking so many questions. As a girl my grandmother and I would peruse the shop for hours and purchase patterns, pretty fabrics, and notions. Maybe its nostalgia, but I just love the smell and sounds of a craft store.

Anywho,  back to the bonnet. Here are the specifics of this pattern, I use some abbreviations here, so for those who are new to crocheting or need a refresher check out this explanation of stitches.

Free Pattern for Toddler Size Bonnet
Adjust your hook size to have 12st per 4"
I used a J/10/6.00MM
50 inch ribbon (if weaving through hat)
and/or
2x 18 inch ribbons (if tying to ends of scallop rows)

Starting with the back, first make a magic circle and chain 2, then complete 9 half double crochet(hdc) in the loop. This is round one, join to the top of chain 2. (10)
Round 2: chain 2 and hdc in same stitch (st), 2 hdc in each of the remaining stitches. Join to the top of chain 2 (20)
Rount 3: chain 2 and hdc in same st, * hdc in next, 2 hdc in next st * repeat from *to * around and join to top of chain 2 (30)
Round4: chain 2 and hdc in same st, * hdc in next 2, 2hdc in next st * repeat around, join to top of chain 2 (40)
Round 5: chain 2 and hdc in same st, * hdc in next 3, 2hdc in next st * repeat around, join to top of chain 2 (50)
Round 6: chain 2 and hdc in same st, * hdc in next 4, 2hdc in next st * repeat around, join to top of chain 2 (60)
 
Next, working in ROWS
Row 1: chain 2, hdc in next 54 st, turn
repeat for ROWS 2-14
(I needed 14 rows, your own gauge may vary with your choice of hook or yarn, be sure you have sufficient length here to cover the top of the head)
 
Row 15: chain 1, sc in same, sc in next 26, sc decrease over next 2 stiches, sc next 26, turn (54)
 
Scallop Edge
Row 16: chain 1, sc in same st, skip 2 stiches, 5dc in next, skip 2, sc in next, repeat scallops across.
finish off.
Add ribbon or lace by weaving through the last hdc row, or attach ribbon or lace ties to the ends of the scallop row.
 
My project specifics:
Caron worsted weight yarn in teal
50 inches of 100% polyester 3/16" (5mm) pink ribbon by Offray from my craft box