Make a Filet-Crochet Bonnet

The “Bonnie Rose Baby Bonnet to Crochet” by Laura Ricketts, which was featured in the May/June 2016 issue of PieceWork, makes an extra special gift for a new addition to your family. Filet-crochet roses and a customizable insert make this baby bonnet a true family heirloom that will be treasured for generations to come. Here’s Laura with more:

This fine crocheted baby bonnet was inspired by a photograph of an antique baby bonnet. Although only the top of the garment is visible, the photograph shows off a beautifully crafted filet-crochet rose band with looser netting behind it.

Welcome a special baby into your family with this special bonnet.

Because creating the filet-crochet rose is such a time-consuming part of this project, I designed the bonnet to be created in parts. That way, if the bonnet is to be a gift, the crocheter can work the central panel ahead of time. After the birth, when the baby’s initials and birth date are known, the crocheter can create the two side panels, netting, and trim.

The smaller panels are crocheted with the motifs turned sideways to make the gauge match the center panel. The bonnet shown is trimmed in a soft pink ⅛-inch (3-mm) ribbon. I chose to leave the bonnet open rather than add a fastening. If you prefer a bonnet that can be fastened, crochet a delicate strap and put a snap or bit of Velcro at the tips. Take care to make sure the fastening opens easily, so it won’t be a choking hazard.

Interested in creating this project for your family? This and others can be found in the May/June 2016 issue of PieceWork.

Also, remember that if you are an active subscriber to PieceWork magazine, you have unlimited access to previous issues, including May/June 2016. See our help center for the step-by-step process on how to access them.

Laura Ricketts is a frequent PieceWork contributor. She knits, crochets, spins, reads history books, and incorporates all of these activities into her articles, patterns, and classes. Visit www.laurarickettsdesigns.com to see more of her work.

Originally published May 24, 2018; updated January 15, 2024.