Lilly bonnet

Lilly Baby Bonnet by Jekaterina Dmitrijeva

What Is Being Made

The Lilly bonnet is a sized baby and toddler hat designed to fit head circumferences from 13½ inches (newborn) up to 20 inches (3-4 years). This knitted bonnet features an elegant construction with a gentle ribbed edge around the face and decorative I-cord ties that extend to form the lower edges. The bonnet is named for its intricate Japanese lace pattern that evokes the appearance of lilies and captures the delicate aesthetic of gentle summer sun.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several specialized construction techniques to achieve its refined finished appearance:

• Tubular Cast-on: Creates a stretchy, gentle ribbed edge around the face opening that provides comfort and security for babies while maintaining elasticity
• Reverse Stockinette Stitch: Used for the crown to allow the Japanese lace lily pattern to visually pop and stand out prominently
• I-cord Construction: Forms the decorative ties that transition into the lower edges of the bonnet, providing an elegant finished look
• Japanese Lace Pattern: An intricate stitch pattern worked into the bonnet that creates the lily motif throughout the design

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch as the foundational stitch, with reverse stockinette stitch featured prominently in the crown. The Japanese lace pattern creates the lily design through strategic yarn overs and decreases. I-cord stitching forms the ties and lower edge details.

Materials

This pattern is designed for DK weight yarn in solid or semisolid colors. The yardage requirements vary by size: newborns require 68 meters (74 yards), while the largest size (3-4 years) requires 129 meters (141 yards). Both sample bonnets shown in the pattern were knitted using Drops Cotton Merino (120 yards per 110 meters per 50-gram ball). Standard knitting needles appropriate for DK weight yarn are required.

Sizing and Gauge

The bonnet is available in six sizes: Newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 3-4 years. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 21 stitches by 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch when blocked. Head circumference measurements range from 13½ inches to 20 inches, with bonnet depths varying from 6½ inches in the smallest size.