Scots bonnet

Scots Bonnet Knitted Hat by Sally Pointer

What Is Being Made

The Scots Bonnet is a historically inspired knitted cap designed to complement late seventeenth and eighteenth century costume. Also known as a Blue Bonnet or Broad Bonnet, this hat features a practical broad flat crown with a substantial headband brim, reflecting the traditional Scottish headwear that developed from sixteenth-century flat-brimmed cap styles. The design evolved to suit Scotland's variable weather conditions while maintaining its characteristic silhouette.

Knitting Techniques

This hat is worked using five double-pointed needles, a traditional method for creating seamless, circular knitted pieces. The pattern is specifically designed to avoid complex stitch work, making it accessible to intermediate knitters who may be new to working with multiple needles. The construction method ensures a smooth, fitted finish typical of historical knitwear.

Stitches Used

The pattern requires no fancy stitches, relying instead on fundamental knitting techniques. This straightforward stitch approach makes the Scots Bonnet an excellent project for developing competency with double-pointed needles and circular knitting methods without the added complexity of intricate stitch patterns.

Materials

• Yarn Weight: Aran weight yarn
• Needles: Five double-pointed needles (size appropriate for aran weight)

Historically, Scots Bonnets were knitted in a variety of natural sheep pigmentation colors as well as dyed shades, with blue being a particularly popular choice for these traditional bonnets.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with double-pointed needles and circular knitting construction.