Solveig's bonnet

Solveig's Bonnet by Margaret Torbjørnsen

What is Being Made

Solveig's bonnet is a classic knitted hat designed for infants and young children, available in three sizes to fit head circumferences of approximately 47 cm, 49 cm, and 51+ cm (corresponding to ages 1, 2, and 3-4 years). This traditional-style bonnet features the distinctive Fana pattern, a characteristic Norwegian knitting design that adds visual interest and texture to the finished garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

The bonnet is constructed using several fundamental knitting techniques suited to small circumference circular knitting. The pattern employs knitting in the round using double-pointed needles (DPNs), which is the traditional method for creating seamless hats and bonnets. The design incorporates seed stitch, which creates a textured, bumpy appearance on both sides of the work by alternating knit and purl stitches in each row. The pattern also utilizes knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases for shaping the bonnet to fit the head properly. Additionally, the pattern requires picking up stitches along the neck edge using spare thin needles, a technique commonly used for adding ribbed edges or decorative frills to finished pieces.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitches used in Solveig's bonnet include:

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p) – used in combination with knit stitches to create texture
• Seed stitch – created by alternating k1, p1 in one row, then knitting the purls and purling the knits in the next row, producing the characteristic textured appearance
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping

The bonnet is constructed from six different sections, allowing for modular construction and proper shaping throughout the piece.

Materials and Tools

This bonnet is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn, which is a light, versatile yarn weight ideal for delicate children's garments. The pattern specifies precise needle sizes to achieve the correct tension and fabric characteristics:

• 2.0mm DPNs or circular needles for working the initial sections in sizes 1, 2, and 3-4 years
• 2.5mm DPNs (US 1.5) or circular needles for the main body of the bonnet, with a recommended tension of 31 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) after blocking
• 3.5mm or 4.0mm DPN for working the first plain row after the ribbing, allowing for a smooth transition between sections
• Two spare very thin needles for the delicate work of picking up stitches along the neck edge and for the frill detail
• Tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends neatly

Knitters are advised to check their tension carefully and adjust needle sizes as needed to ensure the bonnet fits properly and maintains the intended fabric characteristics. Blocking after completion is recommended to achieve the specified tension and to even out the stitches for a professional finish.