Today I'd like to share a simple pattern that I've created for a little bonnet.
It makes a nice little welcome gift for a new baby boy or girl.
It's very simple to sew and could even be sewed completely by hand if you don't have a sewing machine. If you make the bonnet using the smaller size, it will fit a baby up to about 6lbs. The newborn size will fit a baby from about 6 - 10 lbs. The ribbon that threads through the back of the bonnet allows you to adjust it.
You Need:
11" square of light cotton, eyelet or lacy fabric
10" of 11/2 wide ribbon
12" of 1/2" ribbon
Sewing thread
Sewing needle
Clear nail polish (to keep the ends of the ribbon from fraying)
An iron (I included this because a lot of people hate ironing but it makes a huge difference in how even small sewing projects turn out)
Get Ready to Sew:
Cut fabric into an 11" square for the newborn size or an 8" square for the smaller size.
**Once you have the square cut, the rest of the directions are the same for both sizes.**
Decide how you would like the fabric to face. ie. which way will be the front
Press the square of fabric flat.
Turn the square over so that the wrong side of the fabric is up. Press under 1/4" along the sides of bonnet.
Press under 1 1/2" at the back of the bonnet . This will be the casing for the ribbon to thread through.
Press under 2" at the front of the bonnet. This will be folded back to create the bonnet brim.
Sewing the Bonnet:
The Sides:
Unfold the front and back pressings in order to sew all the way along the sides first.
Use a straight or decorative sewing machine stitch to sew a 1/4" seam along the 2 sides of the bonnet.
The Back and Front:
The Back:
Refold the bonnet along the pressing lines. Lightly press again if needed. Pin and stitch a straight or decorative stitch seam along the inside edge of the fold.
The Front:
Refold the bonnet along the pressing lines. Stitch along the inside edge of the fold to create the brim.
Adding the Ribbons:
Use a safety pin to thread the wider ribbon through the back casing on the hat.
Fold the bonnet brim back and press in place.
Slip the narrow ribbon inside the edge of the brim and stitch in place at the back edge. I like to do this by hand.
Finishing Touches:
Pull back ribbon ends evenly and tie in a bow.
Clip the ends of the front and back ribbons and dab with clear nail polish in order to prevent fraying when the bonnet is washed.
Variations and Embellishments:
Ribbons and Bows:
If you think the bow is too big for a little boy's bonnet, you can use a narrower ribbon at the back. This will make a much smaller bow.
Add more ribbons - make little rosettes and add them to the brim where the ties attach.
Add a little lace to the outside or inside edge of the brim.
Add decorative stitches to the brim using the sewing machine, or use a transfer stamp to embroider a little flower.
Make the bonnet from vintage linens - a handkerchief or a piece from a tablecloth... I'm going to try this next and I'll post some pictures.
I hope you enjoy this little pattern. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll try to help.
Smaller size shown above fits newborns up to approx. 6 lbs.
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