FREE Shannon’s Bonnet Sewing Pattern

Shannon from our Facebook group inspired me to create this pattern 🙂 Aren’t those ears super cute? You could make other animals too! I didn’t have the correct size head to take better pictures but I’m sure you can see how pretty they are. This bonnet pattern is available in sizes from small baby up to 7 years old children.

Sizing: in cm

Scroll to the bottom of the post to download the pattern, it’s available in A0 and A4 formats.

Start with printing the first page and make sure the test box is 5 x 5 cm.
You can try printing on different paper format but always select printing to 100%. Let me know if you have any issues.

Always try to make a toile before cutting through your favourite fabric.

Pattern assembly:
Ears are not included in the pattern. You’ll have to draft them and cut them yourself. They’re just triangles.

Seam allowances:
1cm (3/8 inches) seam allowances are included. You can’t see the inner seam lines as it would be hard to see where to cut but I promise, they’re there. There is no seam allowance at the bottom of each piece as the bonnet is encased in bias tape.

Recommended fabrics and extras:
Cotton poplin, double gauze, linen, jersey
If you choose to make these out of knit fabrics go 1-2 sizes down depending on the amount of stretch of your fabric.
My bonnets are double-layered, I used the same type of fabric.

You will also need interfacing. I used different type in each bonnet:
Cat’s ears are stabilised with stiff medium weight fusible interfacing.
Piglet’s ears with woven interfacing
Grey bonnet has got Bosal foam stabiliser inside the ears.
I also added interfacing to piece C of an outer layer of the bonnet to make it more stable for the ears.

I’ve cut and ironed on pieces of vinyl to the grey ears. I don’t have a Cricut. It’s a bit challenging but not impossible to add vinyl details to your garments without special plotter!

The last thing you will need is bias tape. You can of course make your own. My tape is 25mm wide.

Fabric requirements:
Less than 0.5m required

Cutting:
Piece A cut 2 (1 pair) from main fabric – bonnet sides
Piece B cut 1 on fold from main fabric – bonnet middle part
Piece C cut 1 on fold from main fabric – trim

Piece A cut 2 (1 pair) from lining
Piece B cut 1 on fold from lining
Piece C cut 1 on fold from lining

Ears cut 4 (2 pairs) from main fabric. Not on the pattern.

Instructions (of course this is my preferred method, you can do it differently):

Make sure that all notches match together and stitch together pieces A and B with right sides facing. Wider part of piece B should be at the front of bonnet. If you’re using woven fabrics clip your seams.

Stitch brim C to your bonnet lining layer. Press with iron.

Prepare your ears: add interfacing and stitch three layers together with right sides facing. Clip your seams and trim the corner very close to the seam. Turn them inside out.

Sandwich your ears in between the layers and stitch brim C to your bonnet outer layer. Press with iron.

If you’re using thicker foam stabiliser, trim it underneath very close to the seam. Be careful, don’t clip the seam.

Press seam allowances underneath open and topstitch both sides of ears. That will help ears to stand.

With right sides facing sew lining and main pieces together along the front bonnet edge.
Turn it inside out and topstitch.

Fold your strip of bias tape and press. You can then attach it to your bonnet. Carefully topstitch in place.

This bonnet has got so much potential. You can make any type of ears or frills or just have it plain!

Enjoy!