Another week, another bonnet. Yes, I know, wildly unseasonal… but this one’s too good not to share. I’m fairly sure I said the Ellie Bonnet would be my last winter pattern of the year. Clearly that didn’t last long. At this point I think it’s safe to say I’m fully in my bonnet-making era! Over the Easter break I had an idea for a slightly different shape and couldn’t leave it alone, so here we are. This is my third bonnet design of the year (how is it already this far into the year?), and while it’s similar to my (now viral – thank you!) Porsen Hood, it has a slightly different feel. This version sits a bit further back on the head, with a little more structure and solidity. It’s perfect if you like to show off your fringe or prefer a more relaxed, open feel to your headwear.
One of my favourite things about this bonnet is the construction. It starts as a simple rectangle, but by picking up stitches and working a few basic increases, it becomes a beautifully rounded, compact shape. It looks far more complex than it is, which makes it a really satisfying knit. This is a great project if you’re a confident beginner. If you can knit, purl, increase and pick up stitches, you’ll be absolutely fine with this pattern. The garter stitch keeps things simple and rhythmic, making it a calm, relaxing knit you can easily pick up and put down.
For this version of the Chive bonnet, I used BG Garn’s Hamelton Tweed 2 GOTS in shade 26. It’s a soft blend of wool and viscose that works perfectly for cosy winter accessories. The wool gives warmth and structure, while the viscose adds a bit of lightness and drape. The colour is exactly what I want from a winter knit. It has that classic English countryside feel, and I already know I’ll be wearing this with my dark green wax jacket on cold days. Tally ho!
Yarn for this project was kindly gifted. This post may include affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
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. You’ll need about 120 metres in total. I used one-and-a-half balls of BG Garn’s Hamelton Tweed 2 GOTS in shade 26.
Needles and Notions: a pair of 5.5 mm knitting needles for working flat, a yarn needle, scissors.
Stitches: co (cast on – I used the long tail and thumb cast on in this pattern), k (knit), p (purl), pixking up stitches, kfb (knit into the front and back of the stitch), bo (bind off)
Size: one size (fits most adult heads).
PICKING UP STITCHES DIAGRAM:
Designer tips:
When picking up stitches along a garter stitch edge, insert your needle from front to back under both loops of the edge stitch. This gives a much cleaner, more defined finish. If that feels a bit fiddly, you can also pick up stitches between each garter ridge instead.
It’s helpful to mark the right side of your work with a removable stitch marker so you can keep track as you go.
Pattern:
Cast on 28 stitches using the long-tail method. Mark this side as the right side.
Knit every row for 54 rows, or until your rectangle measures approximately 6 inches from the cast-on edge. Cast off loosely.
Pick up 80 stitches evenly around three sides of the rectangle, leaving the cast-on edge open (see diagram).
Rows 1 to 5: Knit to end.
Row 6: K3, kfb across. (100 stitches)
Rows 7 to 31: Knit to end.
Rows 32 to 37: K2, p2 rib.
Cast off loosely.
Ties:
Lay your bonnet flat with the right side facing you.
Cast on 55 stitches, then pick up 56 stitches along the base of the bonnet onto the same needle, and cast on another 55 stitches using the thumb cast-on method. You should have 166 stitches in total.
Knit every row for 5 rows. Cast off loosely.
Wet block your bonnet for the best finish, and enjoy wearing it.
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 knitting!
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