Vintage sweetness comes alive in this cream-colored pilgrim-style baby bonnet, perfect for family gatherings, autumn photos, and baby’s very first Thanksgiving. Worked in soft cotton yarn with a rich textured stitch pattern that folds into a deep brim and finishes with a dainty scalloped edge, this project is as delightful to make as it is to photograph. Long braided ties keep it securely in place while adding a charming heirloom touch.
Crochet Pilgrim Bonnet for Babies Free Thanksgiving Pattern
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Finished size: Newborn (3 Months, 6 Months, 12 Months)
- Yarn: Sport weight or light DK 100% cotton yarn (approx. 120–180 yds)
- Hook: US E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook
- Stitches used: ch, sc, hdc, dc, sl st, shell stitch
- Time to make: 3 to 4 hours
What Makes This Crochet Baby Bonnet Special
This vintage-inspired design relies on a clever construction method: a rectangular panel of textured stitches is worked flat in rows, then neatly folded along the back to form the crown and shape the classic bonnet silhouette. The back is gently gathered with a running thread or slip stitch seam, and a gorgeous scalloped shell border frames the face. Finally, the long ties are worked directly onto the corners for a polished, seamless finish that holds up to everyday baby wear.
Skill Level
- Basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, double crochet)
- Working in rows and rows of textured stitch combinations
- Following a repeating stitch multiple
- Basic assembly (folding and seaming the back crown)
Don’t worry if you are new to bonnet construction—the visual steps guide you clearly through every fold and seam!
Finished Measurements
| Size | Head Circumference (in / cm) | Bonnet Depth (in / cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 13–14 in / 33–35 cm | 5.0 in / 12.5 cm |
| 3 Months | 14–15 in / 35–38 cm | 5.5 in / 14.0 cm |
| 6 Months | 15–16 in / 38–41 cm | 6.0 in / 15.2 cm |
| 12 Months | 16–18 in / 41–46 cm | 6.5 in / 16.5 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Sport weight 100% cotton yarn in Cream / Off-White, approx. 140 (160, 180, 200) yds / 128 (146, 165, 183) m |
| Crochet Hook | US E/4 (3.5 mm) |
| Notions | Yarn needle, scissors, measuring tape, locking stitch markers |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Knit Picks Comfy Sport | 136 yds / 50g | Super soft pima cotton/acrylic blend with wonderful stitch definition |
| Lion Brand Coboo | 232 yds / 100g | Cotton and bamboo blend with a lovely drape and vintage sheen |
| Drops Safran | 174 yds / 50g | 100% Egyptian cotton, smooth and sturdy for heirloom pieces |
Gauge
22 sts x 16 rows = 4 in / 10 cm in main textured pattern using a US E/4 (3.5 mm) hook.
Abbreviations
- beg: beginning
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- rep: repeat
- rnd: round
- RS: right side
- sc: single crochet
- sk: skip
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- yo: yarn over
UK: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr.
Special Stitches Explained
- Shell Stitch: Work 5 dc into the specified stitch or chain space.
- Textured Mesh Row: (dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st) repeated across.
Pattern Instructions
Note: Instructions are written for Newborn, with sizes 3 Months (6 Months, 12 Months) in parentheses.
Section 1: Main Bonnet Panel
Ch 67 (73, 79, 85).
Row 1 (RS): 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1 sc in next ch rep across to end, turn. (66 (72, 78, 84) sc)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), dc in first sc, sk next ch-1 sp, (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next sc rep across to last ch-1 sp and sc, sk ch-1 sp, 2 dc in last sc, turn. (68 (74, 80, 86) dc)
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in first dc, ch 1, sk next dc and ch-1 sp, 1 sc in next dc rep across, working last sc in top of turning chain, turn. (66 (72, 78, 84) sc)
Rows 4 to 20 (22, 24, 26): Rep Rows 2 and 3 sequentially, ending with a Row 3 repeat. Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail for seaming. (66 (72, 78, 84) sc)
Section 2: Scalloped Brim Edging
With RS facing, attach yarn to one corner of the long edge designated for the face framing.
Row 1: Work 1 sc evenly along the entire front edge, working approximately 2 sc per 2-row end, turn. (61 (67, 73, 79) sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, 1 sc in first st, sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (Shell made), sk 2 sts, 1 sc in next st rep across to end. Fasten off and weave in ends securely. (10 (11, 12, 13) shells)
Section 3: Assembly & Crown Seam
- Fold the rectangular panel in half along the vertical center line (matching the short side edges together at the back of the head).
- Using the yarn tail left from the main panel, sew up the back seam approximately 2 inches from the top edge downward to form the rounded crown of the bonnet. Securely knot and weave in all remaining ends.
Section 4: Chin Ties
Attach yarn to the bottom front corner of the bonnet base.
Ch 60 firmly. Working back down the chain, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across to base. Sl st securely into the corner of the bonnet, fasten off. Repeat for the second tie on the opposite side. (60 sl st)
Size Customization Tips
- Each 6-stitch increase in your starting chain adds approximately 1 inch to the overall bonnet width.
- To make a deeper brim, add 2 to 4 extra rows in Section 1 before working the scalloped edging.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cool water with mild wool wash. Do not bleach. Lay flat on a clean towel to reshape and dry completely. Do not iron directly over textured stitches.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
Yes, a soft lightweight acrylic yarn will work, but 100% cotton provides the crisp stitch definition and vintage drape seen in the sample.
How do I adjust this pattern for a preemie baby?
Start with a foundation chain of 55 stitches and work 16 rows for the main panel, adjusting the depth accordingly.
Are these ties safe for newborns?
The braided ties are securely attached, but babies should always be supervised while wearing garments with ties to prevent any entanglement hazards.