Heirloom Petal Bonnet Knitting Pattern – Free Vintage Baby Cloche Hat

Wrap your little one in timeless charm with this delicate petal-textured cloche hat, knitted in soft blush cotton. A modern twist on a vintage silhouette, it's the perfect heirloom piece for photos and snuggles. This free knitting pattern creates a beautiful, bell-shaped hat with a romantic floral lace effect that will be treasured for generations. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick baby shower gift or a beginner ready to tackle your first lace project, this pattern offers a rewarding and beautiful result.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: DK weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn (approx. 100g / 220 yards) in blush pink or your preferred color.
• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown shaping.
• Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
• Optional: Silk ribbon (approx. 1/4 inch wide) for threading through the eyelet row, and blocking pins/mat.

Gauge & Sizing

Gauge: 22 stitches and 30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Always knit a swatch to match gauge for the correct fit.

Sizes: 0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months). Finished head circumference: 13 (14, 15) inches.

Abbreviations

• k = knit
• p = purl
• k2tog = knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• ssk = slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• yo = yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
• pm = place marker
• rnd = round
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Pattern Notes

This adorable cloche hat is worked in the round from the brim up, creating a seamless, professional finish. The petal lace pattern is a simple 4-round repeat that's easy to memorize. Pro tip: Insert a lifeline (a piece of contrasting waste yarn threaded through the stitches) before starting the lace section. This will save you time and frustration if you need to rip back a few rows.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brim

Cast on 88 (96, 104) sts. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.

• Rounds 1-6: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end. (This creates a neat, stretchy ribbed band that hugs baby's forehead.)
• Rounds 7-8: Knit all sts. (These plain knit rounds separate the ribbing from the lace pattern.)

Petal Lace Section

Now you'll begin the beautiful petal lace pattern. This 4-round repeat creates the delicate floral texture that gives the bonnet its heirloom quality.

• Round 1 (Eyelet round): *K1, yo, k2tog, k1; repeat from * to end. (88, 96, 104 sts)
• Round 2: Knit all sts.
• Round 3: *K2, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to end.
• Round 4: Knit all sts.

Repeat Rounds 1-4 until the piece measures 3.5 (4, 4.5) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with Round 4. The eyelet holes created in Rounds 1 and 3 are perfect for threading a ribbon later.

Crown Shaping

Now we'll shape the top of the hat. Switch to double-pointed needles when the stitches become too tight for the circular needle (usually after the first few decrease rounds).

• Round 1: *K9 (10, 11), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (80, 88, 96 sts)
• Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all sts.
• Round 3: *K8 (9, 10), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (72, 80, 88 sts)
• Round 5: *K7 (8, 9), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (64, 72, 80 sts)
• Round 7: *K6 (7, 8), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (56, 64, 72 sts)
• Round 9: *K5 (6, 7), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (48, 56, 64 sts)
• Round 11: *K4 (5, 6), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (40, 48, 56 sts)
• Round 13: *K3 (4, 5), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (32, 40, 48 sts)
• Round 15: *K2 (3, 4), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (24, 32, 40 sts)
• Round 17: *K1 (2, 3), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (16, 24, 32 sts)

For sizes 3-6 and 6-12 months only, continue:

• Round 19: *K1 (2), k2tog; repeat from * to end. (16, 24 sts)

For size 6-12 months only:

• Round 21: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (16 sts)

All sizes: Cut the yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 16 stitches. Pull tight to close the crown, and secure the yarn inside the hat.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all loose ends carefully with your tapestry needle. Block the hat gently to shape—this helps the lace pattern open up beautifully. To block, wet the hat with lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess (never wring), and lay flat to dry on a towel, shaping it into a bell-like cloche form.

Optional vintage touch: Thread a silk ribbon through the eyelet row (Round 1 of the lace pattern). Tie it in a sweet bow at the side or under the chin for an extra-special heirloom look.

Your Heirloom Petal Bonnet is complete! This precious hat makes a thoughtful handmade gift for baby showers, newborn photos, or your own little one. The soft cotton yarn and delicate lace pattern create a piece that's both practical and beautiful—one that will be lovingly passed down through the years.