Your yarn sets the starting point
Swatch first, wash and block it, then use the instructions hub to find the matching gauge section. Yarn weight names alone are not the sizing system.
Six sizes · baby to adult
Little ears. A bonnet that is yours.
Little ears. A bonnet that is yours.
Explore the details · Tap to enlarge
Little ears. A bonnet that is yours.
Bear Bonnet Knitting Pattern
The little bear ears are knitted right into the bonnet—and the yarn can come from the stash you already love. Make a small one for a baby gift, a bigger one for a child, or a matching bonnet for yourself, with the fabric and colour you choose.
Intermediate
$8.99Digital knitting pattern
- Seven gauge options, so you can plan around your chosen yarn
- Six sizes from baby to adult, with finished opening and depth measurements
- Shaped-in bear ears, an illustrated gathering technique and I-cord ties
Instant download after paymentMake it when you are ready
Made by fellow knitters
What is inside the pattern?
A 23-page English PDF with six sizes, seven gauge-specific instruction sections, a gauge-selection hub, a size-and-gauge yarn table, abbreviations, illustrated ear-gathering guidance and a linked technique video. I-cord ties and finishing directions are included.
Is this the right level for me?
Intermediate. Work flat and in the round, increase with M1L/M1R, decrease with K2tog/SSK and central double decreases, then knit I-cord ties. The marked ear sections need careful stitch counting; illustrated gathering guidance and a linked video help you follow that stage.
What materials will I need?
Choose yarn and needles that produce a fabric you like at one of the seven supported gauges: 12, 13–14, 15–16, 17–18, 19–20, 21–22 or 23–24 stitches per 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette.
Yarn allowances depend on both gauge and size: approximately 55–140 yd for baby, 65–185 yd for toddler, 75–210 yd for child, 75–210 yd for adult S, 80–220 yd for adult M and 85–220 yd for adult L. Use the PDF’s exact table after choosing your gauge.
Needles for flat work, plus DPNs or a circular needle for Magic Loop as the crown narrows; removable stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors and measuring tape.
Sizing and fit
Six sizes: baby (3–6 months), toddler (1–3 years), child (4–7 years), and adult S, M and L. Use your measured head size and the finished bonnet dimensions rather than age alone. Finished face opening / depth, in inches:
- Baby: 12 / 6.
- Toddler: 15.25 / 7.5.
- Child: 17 / 8.25.
- Adult S: 17.5 / 8.75.
- Adult M: 18 / 9.
- Adult L: 18.5 / 9.5.
The opening measurement follows the face edge; it is not head circumference. Wash and block your swatch before selecting the gauge section.
Delivery & Refunds
Delivery:
Your pattern will be available for instant download right after purchase — no waiting, no shipping delays.
Returns:
Since our products are digital, we typically don’t offer refunds. However, if you purchased a duplicate or feel the pattern didn’t meet your expectations, just reach out — we’ll do our best to make it right.
Bear Bonnet Knitting PatternDigital knitting pattern
Get the Pattern · $8.99
The ears grow with the bonnet.
The bear character comes from shaping the knitted fabric itself. Marked sections increase to form the ears, then a gathering sequence draws them into their rounded shape.
That means the ears belong to the construction. You can see them emerge before joining the crown in the round.
The details that make this project yours.
A family of sizes
The same bear-eared shape comes in baby, toddler, child and three adult sizes. Each has its own stitch counts and finished opening/depth measurements.
Help with the distinctive step
The ear-gathering method has illustrated guidance and a video link, so the part that gives the bonnet its character is explained separately.
Start flat. Finish with a shaped crown.
How it comes together
Begin with a 1×1 ribbed face edge and stockinette worked back and forth. Shape both ears between markers, then join in the round and decrease at three points for the crown.
Finish with I-cord ties. Read through your chosen gauge section first, and keep removable markers ready for the ear-gathering stage.
Choose the size before you cast on.
Sizing & fit
Six sizes: baby (3–6 months), toddler (1–3 years), child (4–7 years), and adult S, M and L. Use your measured head size and the finished bonnet dimensions rather than age alone. Finished face opening / depth, in inches:
- Baby: 12 / 6.
- Toddler: 15.25 / 7.5.
- Child: 17 / 8.25.
- Adult S: 17.5 / 8.75.
- Adult M: 18 / 9.
- Adult L: 18.5 / 9.5.
The opening measurement follows the face edge; it is not head circumference. Wash and block your swatch before selecting the gauge section.
Gather your yarn and needles.
Yarn & quantities
Choose yarn and needles that produce a fabric you like at one of the seven supported gauges: 12, 13–14, 15–16, 17–18, 19–20, 21–22 or 23–24 stitches per 4 in / 10 cm in stockinette.
Yarn & quantities
Yarn allowances depend on both gauge and size: approximately 55–140 yd for baby, 65–185 yd for toddler, 75–210 yd for child, 75–210 yd for adult S, 80–220 yd for adult M and 85–220 yd for adult L. Use the PDF’s exact table after choosing your gauge.
Tools & preparation
Needles for flat work, plus DPNs or a circular needle for Magic Loop as the crown narrows; removable stitch markers, tapestry needle, scissors and measuring tape.
Before you cast on
A few things before you begin
The fit, techniques and yarn plan for this project.
Ask us a questionWhat is included?
A 23-page English PDF with six sizes, seven gauge-specific instruction sections, a gauge-selection hub, a size-and-gauge yarn table, abbreviations, illustrated ear-gathering guidance and a linked technique video. I-cord ties and finishing directions are included.
Is this the right level for me?
Intermediate. Work flat and in the round, increase with M1L/M1R, decrease with K2tog/SSK and central double decreases, then knit I-cord ties. The marked ear sections need careful stitch counting; illustrated gathering guidance and a linked video help you follow that stage.
Can I use yarn from my stash?
Yes, if your washed and blocked swatch falls within a supported gauge. Choose the fabric you like first, then follow the corresponding section and yarn allowance. Do not use a single stitch count for every yarn weight.
Are the ears sewn on afterwards?
The ear sections are formed while knitting the bonnet, using increases and a gathering decrease sequence.
Do I need to knit in the round?
Yes. The bonnet starts flat, then joins in the round for the crown. You will need DPNs or Magic Loop as the stitch count becomes small.
How do I choose the yarn amount?
Choose your finished size and measured gauge, then read the matching row and column in the PDF’s yardage table. A finer-gauge bonnet generally needs more yarn than a bulky-gauge one.
How do I receive the pattern?
Your PDF download is available after payment. Save the file so you can return to it when you are ready to knit.
Delivery & refunds
Delivery:
Your pattern will be available for instant download right after purchase — no waiting, no shipping delays.
Returns:
Since our products are digital, we typically don’t offer refunds. However, if you purchased a duplicate or feel the pattern didn’t meet your expectations, just reach out — we’ll do our best to make it right.
Made with your own hands
A little bear bonnet, made your way.
Choose the yarn, swatch the fabric and make those little ears in a size for someone you love.