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How to Knit the Cable Bonnet
Knit a classic baby bonnet with an all-over cable pattern, shaped back of head, ribbed lower edging and an I-cord tie. The bonnet is worked flat before the back seam is joined, with the lower edging picked up afterwards to form a casing for the tie.
The pattern includes four sizes from newborn to 12 months.
Project: Cable Bonnet
Pattern: A606
Craft type: Knitting
Difficulty: zzz
Measurements
| Months | 0 | 3 | 6 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To fit head cm | 35 | 40 | 45 | 48 |
Yarn Required
| Yarn | 0 months | 3 months | 6 months | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincraft Baby 4ply Merino 50g balls | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Needles
- A pair of 3.25mm knitting needles.
- Two double-pointed 3.25mm knitting needles.
- Wool needle for sewing up.
Requirements
A cable needle.
Tension
28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over stocking st, using 3.25mm needles.
Special Abbreviation
C8B = slip next 4 sts onto cable needle and leave at back of work, K4, then K4 from cable needle.
BONNET
Using a pair of 3.25mm needles, cast on 81 (87-99-113) sts.
1st row: K2, * P1, K1, rep from * to last st, K1.
2nd row: K1, * P1, K1, rep from * to end.
Last 2 rows form rib.
Work a further 7 rows rib.
10th row: Rib 7 (6-10-8), * inc in next st, rib 2, rep from * to last 8 (6-11-9) sts, inc in next st, rib 7 (5-10-8) … 104 (113-126-146) sts.
Beg Cable Patt:
1st row: P4 (3-4-3), K8, * P3, K8, rep from * to last 4 (3-4-3) sts, P4 (3-4-3).
2nd row: K4 (3-4-3), P8, * K3, P8, rep from * to last 4 (3-4-3) sts, K4 (3-4-3).
3rd row: P4 (3-4-3), C8B, * P3, C8B, rep from * to last 4 (3-4-3) sts, P4 (3-4-3).
4th row: As 2nd row.
Rep 1st and 2nd rows twice.
Last 8 rows form patt.
Cont in patt until Bonnet measures approx 9 (10-11-12) cm from beg, working last row on wrong side.
Shape Back Of Head:
1st row: P2 (1-2-1), P2tog, patt 8, * P2tog, P1, patt 8, rep from * to last 4 (3-4-3) sts, P2tog, P2 (1-2-1) … 94 (102-114-132) sts.
2nd and alt rows: Knit all knit sts and purl all purl sts as they appear.
3rd row: P1 (0-1-0), * P2tog, patt 8, rep from * to last 3 (2-3-2) sts, P2tog, P1 (0-1-0) … 84 (91-102-118) sts.
5th row: P1 (0-1-0), * P1, K2tog, K4, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 (1-2-1) st/s, P2 (1-2-1) … 66 (71-80-92) sts.
7th row: P1 (0-1-0), * P1, K2tog, K2, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 (1-2-1) st/s, P2 (1-2-1) … 48 (51-58-66) sts.
9th row: P1 (0-1-0), * P1, [K2tog] twice, rep from * to last 2 (1-2-1) st/s, P2 (1-2-1) … 30 (31-36-40) sts.
11th row: P1 (0-1-0), * P1, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 (1-2-1) st/s, P2 (1-2-1) … 21 (21-25-27) sts.
13th row: P1, * K2tog, rep from * to end … 11 (11-13- 14) sts.
14th row: P1 (1-1-0), * P2tog, rep from * to end … 6 (6-7-7) sts.
Break off yarn, run end through rem sts, draw up tightly and fasten off securely.
LOWER EDGING
Join back seam leaving first 8 (9-10-11) cm free from cast on edge.
With right side facing and using a pair of 3.25mm needles, knit up 45 (51-57-61) sts along open back seam.
Work 17 rows rib, beg with a 2nd row.
Cast off in rib.
I-CORD TIE
Using two double-pointed 3.25mm needles, cast on 3 sts.
1st row: Knit.
** Do not turn. Slide sts to other end of needle and K3.
Rep from ** until work measures 90 (92-94-96) cm (or length desired).
Cast off.
FINISHING
Fold half of Lower Edging under and slip st in position (creating a casing for I-Cord Tie to thread through). Thread I-cord Tie through Lower Edging casing and tie as desired. Sew in all ends.
Alternative Yarns
The original pattern uses Lincraft Baby 4ply Merino. When choosing an alternative yarn, select a 4ply or equivalent yarn that can achieve the original tension of 28 sts and 36 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch using 3.25mm needles.
Suitable Yarn Types
- 4ply merino wool – the closest substitute for the original yarn, providing warmth and softness.
- 4ply superwash merino – offers similar softness with easier washing.
- 4ply wool blend – combines warmth with added durability.
- 4ply baby yarn – suitable where a soft, fine yarn designed for baby garments is preferred.
- 4ply acrylic blend – an easy-care option provided the required tension can be matched.
Customisation Ideas
- Use a natural cream or white shade for a classic heirloom-style bonnet.
- Choose a soft pastel colour for a traditional baby garment.
- Use a contrasting I-cord tie for a subtle colour accent.
- Make the I-cord longer or shorter using the original instruction allowing the desired length to be adjusted.
- Use a tonal merino yarn to highlight the cable texture without changing the stitch pattern.
To retain the original sizing and cable placement, keep all cast-on counts, size brackets, cable repeats and shaping instructions unchanged when making decorative customisations.
Care Instructions
Follow the washing and care instructions provided on the ball band of the yarn used.
- Sew in all ends securely before washing.
- Wash using the method and temperature recommended for the selected yarn.
- Use gentle washing suitable for fine merino or baby garments.
- Avoid excessive agitation when using wool to help prevent felting.
- Gently reshape the bonnet and cable pattern while damp.
- Lay flat to dry where appropriate.
- Allow the I-cord tie to dry completely before threading it back through the casing if removed for washing.
