
How to Knit the Bonnie Hoodie & Leggings Set
Create a cosy knitted outfit for little ones with the Bonnie Hoodie & Leggings set. Designed for babies aged 6, 12 and 18 months, this matching knit features a garter stitch hoodie with button fastening and comfortable leggings with a rib waistband and adjustable i-cord tie.
The pattern can be knitted using Makr Organic Cotton, Baby Soft 8ply or Baby 8ply Merino yarns. The pattern includes sizing variations and needle requirements depending on the yarn selected.
Project: Bonnie Hoodie & Leggings
Pattern: P353
Craft type: Knitting
Difficulty: Intermediate
Sizes: 6 months, 12 months and 18 months
What You Will Need
Yarn Options
- Makr Organic Cotton – Hoodie: 3, 3, 4 x 100g balls. Leggings: 2, 3, 3 x 100g balls.
- Lincraft Baby 8ply Merino – Hoodie: 6, 6, 7 x 50g balls. Leggings: 3, 4, 4 x 50g balls.
- Makr Baby Soft 8ply – Hoodie: 3, 3, 4 x 100g balls. Leggings: 2, 3, 3 x 100g balls.
Needles and Equipment
- Knitting needles suitable for the yarn selected
- Double-pointed needles for waistband and i-cord
- Wool needle for sewing seams and weaving in ends
- Stitch markers
- Stitch holders
- Safety pin for threading the i-cord
Alternative Yarns
The Bonnie Hoodie & Leggings set is designed for 8ply yarns. If substituting yarn, choose a yarn with a similar weight and fibre quality to achieve the closest result.
Always knit a tension square before starting your project, as different yarn fibres can affect the finished size, drape and feel of the garment.
- Baby Merino Wool – soft, warm and breathable, making it a great choice for baby garments.
- Superwash Wool – easier to care for and suitable for everyday baby wear.
- Cotton 8ply – lightweight and breathable, ideal for warmer climates or sensitive skin.
- Bamboo or Cotton Blends – provide a soft feel with good drape and moisture absorption.
- Acrylic Baby Yarn – an affordable, easy-care option that works well for frequently washed garments.
Measurements
- 6 months: Hoodie chest 51cm | Leggings length 31cm
- 12 months: Hoodie chest 53.5cm | Leggings length 36cm
- 18 months: Hoodie chest 56cm | Leggings length 41cm
Gauge and Tension
Check your tension before beginning to ensure your finished garment matches the pattern measurements.
- Organic Cotton: 3.75mm needles – 24 stitches x 30 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stocking stitch.
- Baby 8ply Merino and Baby Soft 8ply: 4mm needles – 22 stitches x 30 rows = 10cm x 10cm in stocking stitch.
Construction Overview
The Bonnie Hoodie & Leggings set is knitted in sections and assembled:
- Knit the front pieces of the hoodie.
- Knit the back and shape the armholes.
- Knit and attach the sleeves.
- Pick up stitches and knit the hood.
- Knit the leggings legs and join them at the waist.
- Create the waistband and add the i-cord tie.
- Sew seams and finish all loose ends.
Knit the Hoodie
Front Pieces
The hoodie front is knitted as two separate pieces. Work both fronts alike, remembering to place buttonholes on the correct side depending on whether the garment is intended for a boy or girl.
- Cast on the required stitches for your chosen size.
- Work in garter stitch until the front reaches the required length.
- Create buttonholes at the front edge.
- Continue in garter stitch until the armhole shaping begins.
- Shape the armholes and place remaining shoulder stitches on a stitch holder.
Back Piece
- Cast on the required stitches for your chosen size.
- Work in garter stitch until the back matches the front length.
- Shape the armholes to match the front pieces.
- Continue until the back reaches the required armhole height.
Sleeves
- Cast on the required sleeve stitches.
- Work in garter stitch, increasing at both ends as instructed.
- Continue until the sleeve reaches the required length.
- Cast off and mark the sleeve placement points.
Assemble the Hoodie
- Sew the shoulder seams together.
- Sew sleeves into position, matching the markers.
- Join sleeve and side seams neatly.
Create the Hood
- With the wrong side facing, pick up stitches around the neckline.
- Increase stitches evenly across the first row.
- Continue in garter stitch until the hood reaches the required depth.
- Cast off and sew the top hood seam.
- Sew buttons to match the buttonholes.
Knit the Leggings
The leggings are knitted from the ankle upwards. Each leg is worked separately before being joined together at the waistband.
- Cast on stitches for the first leg.
- Begin with the rib panel section at the ankle.
- Continue the pattern while increasing stitches to shape the leg.
- Work until the leg reaches the required length.
- Shape the back using the wrap and turn technique.
- Place stitches on a holder ready for joining.
Join the Legs
- Work the second leg following the same instructions.
- Join both legs together.
- Work the waistband section in rounds.
- Create the i-cord opening at the centre front.
Make the I-Cord Tie
- Cast on three stitches using double-pointed needles.
- Knit each row without turning the work.
- Continue until the i-cord reaches approximately 74–83cm depending on size.
- Secure the remaining stitches and finish neatly.
- Thread the i-cord through the waistband using a safety pin.
Finishing
- Fold the waistband to the inside and secure loosely.
- Sew all seams neatly using a wool needle.
- Weave in all loose yarn ends.
- Check all buttons and fastenings are secure before wearing.
Care Instructions
Follow the care instructions recommended for the yarn used. Natural fibres such as cotton and merino may require gentle washing and careful reshaping while damp.
Dry knitted garments flat to help maintain their shape and avoid stretching.