How to Crochet a Cottagecore Bonnet with a Hood

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Gather materials and plan your size

Choose your yarn colours and gather all your materials before you begin — a natural fiber yarn such as cotton or wool holds stitch definition well and takes natural dye beautifully if you plan to add embellishments later. If you're sizing the bonnet for a specific recipient, decide on the finished circumference now and adjust your hook size or starting chain length accordingly. This project is beginner-friendly and uses only single crochet and slip stitch throughout, so it's a great pick if you're still building confidence with basic stitches.

Step 2 — Crochet the bonnet body

Chain an appropriate number of stitches to match your desired bonnet circumference, then work in a spiral or circular pattern using single crochet (sc) stitches to build the body. Chain 3, single crochet in the fourth chain from the hook, work single crochet across all remaining chains, then single crochet in the third chain from the hook and slip stitch to join the round. Repeat this row, continuing in the round, until the body reaches your desired height — remember the finished bonnet measures roughly 18 inches in circumference and 7 inches in height, so use that as a guide if you haven't set a custom size.

Step 3 — Crochet the hood

Switch to your contrasting colour for the hood. Work a series of slip stitches along one edge of the bonnet body, pulling up loops as needed to create a turned edge — this turned edge becomes the base the hood is built from. From there, work back and forth in single crochet stitches to extend the hood to your desired length, using the turned edge as a guide to keep the hood symmetrical as it grows. Fasten off the contrasting yarn once the hood reaches the length you want.

Step 4 — Attach the hood to the body

Sew the opening of the hood to the bonnet body using a tapestry needle and yarn that matches your bonnet colour, working evenly around the join so the hood sits centred and symmetrical on the bonnet. Take your time with this seam, since it carries the weight and shape of the hood — a few extra passes through both layers will keep it secure through wear and washing. Weave in all remaining ends from this step before moving on.

Step 5 — Add optional natural-dye embellishments

If you'd like to give your bonnet a festive touch, use natural dyes or additional yarn colours to add accents such as flowers or leaves to the body and hood. When working with natural dyes, always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area, avoid letting the dye solution contact your skin or eyes, and rinse your hands thoroughly afterward. Wash your work area well once you're finished. Allow any dyed sections to dry completely before moving on to the finishing step — this step is entirely optional, so feel free to skip it if you'd prefer a single-colour finish.

Step 6 — Finishing: weave in ends and block

Weave in any remaining yarn tails securely with your tapestry needle. If you'd like the stitches to lay especially flat and even, block the finished bonnet using a steam iron or a wet blocking method. Finally, wash the bonnet gently by hand, or on a gentle machine cycle, using cold water and a mild detergent, then let it air dry completely before wearing or gifting.

Frequently asked questions

What is the finished size of the cottagecore crochet bonnet?
The finished bonnet is approximately 18 inches in circumference and 7 inches in height. This can be adjusted based on head size by changing the starting chain length and the number of body rows worked.

Can I add embellishments to the cottagecore crochet bonnet?
Yes. Natural dyes or additional yarn colours can be used to add festive accents such as flowers or leaves to the bonnet body and hood. Allow any dyed areas to dry completely before continuing with the remaining steps.

Can I skip the natural dye embellishments and still finish the bonnet?
Yes, the natural-dye embellishments are entirely optional. You can move straight from attaching the hood to the finishing step and have a complete bonnet without any added dyed accents.

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