What do you get when you combine the absolute pure, satisfying joy of granny squares with the on-trend aesthetic magic of bonnets? Your new favourite crochet project, that’s what! I’m obsessed with crafting cosy accessories right now, and I’ve already made four of these Ellie Bonnets in just the last two weeks, proving how quick, addictive, and enjoyable this pattern is!
I’ve previously shared my love for bonnets, including the adorable pattern for my popular Porsen Bonnet, so it’s only fitting that I design a crocheted version for my fellow hooky friends. If you can create a classic granny square, execute a few simple stitches, and adore looking cute and stylish when the weather turns chilly, you’re definitely going to make a ton of these.
So, why crochet a bonnet? Well, bonnets have made a huge comeback in handmade fashion. A crocheted bonnet adds a soft, vintage-inspired touch to any outfit while still feeling modern and wearable, plus it’s the ideal project for beginners – if you can make a granny square and work a few basic stitches youre good to go – plus they’re the perfect combo of nostalgia and freshness! If you’re a market seller they are ideal for batch making, are always popular and, let’s face it, look super-cute all stacked up together on a display.
So, let’s get into it. I whipped up this bonnet so you can use it with both DK/Worsted and Aran weight yarns, and the cool thing is that tthese bonnets are ideal for using up scraps. The DK version is a touch lighter and snugger for a comfy fit, wheras the Aran one is chunkier (obviously) and fits slightly more loosely against your head. In the dark green DK version that you see in the picture, I went with 100% wool yarn for a soft feel, while the red version features a fantastic wool/acrylic blend that’s super nice. This bonnet’s got you covered for style and warmth, no matter which version you pick!
DETAILS:
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US Terms are used throughout.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
This pattern is an original design by Emmaknitty and is protected by copyright.You may not copy, share, sell, or redistribute this pattern in any form. You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern. Please credit the designer in your listings with: “Pattern by Emmaknitty”. Mass production is not permitted without written permission.
Yarn: wool or wool-blend Aran yarn in four colours. You’ll need about 10-15 yards of three shades of contrast colour (CC) yarn in total, and 100-120 yards of your main colour (MC) which will be used for the edging, seaming and tie cords. You can also choose to work the bonnet in one solid colour. I used a selection of Hobbii Friends Wool and Friends Cotton 8/8 for the DK version, and scraps of Yarns & Colors Happy for the Aran version.
SHOP ARAN WEIGHT YARN AT LOVECRAFTS
Hook and Notions: for the DK version you will need a 4 mm hook. Move up to a 5.5 mm hook for Aran-weight yarn. You will also need scissors, blocking equipment and a yarn or wool needle.
Stitches: ch st (chain stitch), ss (slip stitch), dc (double crochet), hdc (half double crochet), rsc (reverse single crochet).
Size: one size (fits most adult heads).
You will need to be able to understand how to follow a crochet diagram of a granny square (see below):
CLASSIC GRANNY SQUARE DIAGRAM:
Note: if you are making the Aran-weight version, stop your granny square after three rounds. Work the full diagram if you are working with DK yarn.
Designer tips:
You can choose to alternate colours how you like, which will affect the amount of yarn used. All lengths specified are orientative. The most important thing is that you have enough yarn for your MC section, as oddments of yarn can be used for your contrast colours.
You can choose to seam the squares together how you like. I used mattress stitch for the DK /dark green) bonnet and slip stitch for the red/orange Aran-weight sample.
If using wool or wool blend yarn it’s always a good idea to wet block your squares carefully into shape. Not only does this give your squares a neat, even finish but it makes them a lot easier to seam together.
I am a huge lover of scrap cakes and using up leftovers, so feel free to play around with all your scrappy bits and pieces to make these bonnets. It’s a lot of fun to see how diifferent textures and colours come together.
Pattern:
Using the appropriate hook size and yarn, make seven granny squares following the diagram provided. Once blocked and with all your ends weaved in, assemble them as follows and seam. Seam the top left and right squares together to the top square as shown, forming a rounded shape that forms the crown of your bonnet.
Weave in all your ends carefully, taking care not to pull the yarn ends too tight to avoid puckering your work.
Edging and Tie Cords:
Using colour three or four, insert your hook into any point around the front opening of the hood. Chain two and work three rounds of hdc around. You can work more rounds if you prefer a thicker border edge. You can also add a decorative rsc (Crab Stitch) border as I did in the green bonnet or leave it plain. Adding a ss border also looks great and gives a snug edge.
To make the tie cords, ch 60. Work one hdc into every st across the bottom of the hood, and at the end of this row when you’ve reached the opposite end of the hood, ch 60 again. Work hdc across until you reach the opposite corner of the hood, break yarn, fasten off and sew the cord onto the side of the hood as shown.You can also add a Crab Stitch border to your straps as well! To finish up, break yarn, weave in your ends carefully on the wrong side and you’re done. Wear your gorgeous hood and stay cosy.
If you loved this free pattern, consider donating to me on Ko-Fi or purchasing one of my patterns on Ravelry – thank you so much for your support! Don’t forget to share your makes on Instagram by tagging me – I’d love to share your gorgeous work.
Happy crocheting!
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