Bear Bonnet Pattern (Newborn Prop)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.This simple newborn bear bonnet pattern is a very easy project, requiring basic knitting knowledge for the bonnet and some crochet for the ears and chin ties.
This teddy bear bonnet with ears will be a perfect newborn photo prop for any photography sessions you have booked.
An Easy Level Knitting Pattern
This is an easy pattern for those of you who are advanced beginner level, and the techniques you will need to know are casting on, casting off and knit and purl stitches.
It will also introduce you to shaping, through simple increases and decreases.
You will also need to know some basic crochet knowledge as the ears and chin ties are crocheted.
*Please scroll down to see the free pattern*
Resources and tutorials you may find helpful in following this pattern:
This pattern is great for any advanced beginner knitters.
- Knitting cast-on methods
- Knitting Lessons
- How to cast on knitting
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- How to knit garter stitch
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- How to knit two stitches together – K2tog
Newborn Bear Bonnet Pattern
Purchase the inexpensive ad-free, PDF printable pattern in my shop here.
Newborn Prop Bear Bonnet Free Knitting Pattern
This simple newborn bear bonnet is a very easy pattern, requiring basic knitting knowledge for the bonnet and some crochet for the ears and chin ties.
Materials
- Yarn: 1 x 50g cotton yarn or suitable baby yarn (I used Rico baby classic DK in Ecru (20) but have also used Rico Creative Cotton Aran in clay (51).
- Any medium weight yarn/DK yarn.
Tools
- Knitting Needles: 5.5mm (US 9)
- Crochet hook: 7mm hook (US size K or similar) for the ears and chin ties
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
- Tape Measure
Instructions
Cotton yarn/DK yarn – knit with two strands together.
- Using 5.5mm knitting needles and your yarn, cast on 40 stitches
- Knit 4 rows (K2, P2) ribbing.
- Then knit in stocking stitch (one row knit, one row purl) until your bonnet measures 11cm (4.5 inches) ending with a purl (wrong side) row.
- The bonnet will be approx 30cm wide (11 ½ inches)
- Decrease as follows:
- Row 1: (knit 1, k2tog) to the end of the row, K1 (27 stitches)
- Row 2: Purl
- Row 3: (k2tog) repeat across the row, to the last stitch, K1 (14 stitches)
- Row 4: Purl
- Cut a long “tail” of yarn. Thread all the remaining stitches onto the “tail”, and pull tight.
- Fold the bonnet in half, with the right sides facing and stitch down the seam for approx 4cm (11 ½ inches)
- Sew in any loose ends.
Make in a variety of colors and experiment with different yarns.
Chin Ties >
Make the chin ties by creating a long crochet chain of approx 50 chain stitches (or however long you prefer) and stitch to the bonnet.
Teddy Bear Ears – Make 2 >
- With the same yarn and a 7 .0mm hook, chain 4, slip stitch into 1st chain to form a ring.
- Round 1: chain 1, (working over yarn tail as you go) 8 double crochet into ring, slip stitch into the 1st double crochet to join. (8 sts) .
- Pull center yarn tail tight.
- Round 2: chain 1, 1 double crochet into same space as a chain – 1 and into each stitch around, slip stitch into the 1st double crochet to join. (8 sts)
- Leave a long tail to sew with and finish off. Sew in any loose threads.
- Sew the ears to the hat wherever you would like them to be, I normally sew them about 2 inches from the front edge, as I like them to be near the front of the bonnet.
- Newborn photographers have also said that this looks better than the ears being stitched too far back.
- You can fold the bonnet in half to sew on the ears or use a ball of yarn as a stand. I put the hat onto a ball of yarn and then see where I want to position the ears.
Notes
Size >> To fit a newborn.
Gauge - 6 sts in 1 inch / over 6 rows
Abbreviations >
K = Knit
P = Purl
St = stitch
RS = Right side
WS = Wrong side
Rep = Repeat
Ribbing : Knit 2 stitches, Purl 2 stitches to the end of the row.
Stocking stitch= one row knit, one row purl
K2tog = knit two stitches together
Ch= chain (for the crochet ties)
Share your work with us…
I love seeing your finished projects!
If you enjoyed making the bear bonnet, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.
Happy Knitting!
