Bonnets and cosy hoods are trending right now, and it makes complete sense: these pieces are fun, nostalgic, flattering, incredibly wearable, and perfect stash-busters.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a weekend project or a seasoned knitter wanting something playful, knitted bonnets are the accessory of the season.
Cosy Knitted Hood/Balaclava – Perfect for Winter Adventures
Stay snug this winter with our versatile knitted hood, designed to keep you warm whether you’re heading out for a stroll or hitting the slopes. Its cosy fit and stylish design make it a must-have accessory for colder months.
Knitted in two pieces, the hood features a 2×2 ribbed neck and a pull-on design for easy wear. A channel along the face opening allows for an adjustable tie fastening, secured neatly with a bow at the chin. The tie is made using the i-cord method, though you can personalise your hood with a ribbon or fabric tie if you prefer.
Using simple knit and purl stitches with minimal shaping, this pattern is ideal for beginners who want a rewarding first project. It’s quick to knit and produces a polished, wearable piece.
- Needles: 6 mm UK (size 4 US), sewing needle
- Yarn: Aran (Worsted, 10 ply) we use Drops Air
- Pattern available in shop
Why Bonnets and Hoods Are This Season’s Must-Have
There’s a shift happening in knitwear: people are craving comfort, colour, and personality. Bonnets & hoods tick every box.
- 🔹 Warm without the bulk – they sit close to the head and tie neatly under the chin.
- 🔹 Brilliant for bad hair days (we all have them).
- 🔹 Perfect canvas for colour – stripes, brights, neutrals, anything goes.
- 🔹 Beginner-friendly – most bonnet patterns are simple rectangles with shaping.
- 🔹 Great gift knit – quick, personal, thoughtful.
Cosy Knitted Hood – Perfect for Winter
Stay snug this winter with our versatile knitted hood, ideal for chilly days or trips to the slopes. Knitted in two pieces with a 2×2 ribbed neck and a pull-on design, it’s easy to wear and keeps you warm.
A channel along the face opening allows for an adjustable tie, secured with a bow at the chin. The tie is made using the i-cord method, or you can personalise it with a ribbon or fabric tie.
Using simple knit and purl stitches, this pattern is perfect for beginners looking for a rewarding first project.
Materials:
- Needles: 6 mm UK (size 4 US), double-pointed needles, sewing needle
- Yarn: Aran (Worsted, 10 ply)
- Pattern available in Shop
Pattern Spotlight: The Dopamine Stripe Bonnet
Bold, joyful, and simple to knit, the Dopamine Stripe Bonnet is one of our most-loved patterns on Pinterest. Its playful stripes of warm brights and soft blown yarns create a look that’s both nostalgic and modern.
Worked flat in one piece, the bonnet is shaped with easy decreases, making it a perfect introduction to shaping for beginners. Stitches are then picked up along the front to form a neat 2×2 rib trim.
The signature striped effect—alternating short and long colour bands—adds personality and makes it a fun project for experimenting with colours or using leftovers.
- Needles: 6 mm UK (size 4 US), sewing needle
- Yarn: Aran (Worsted, 10 ply) we use Drops Air
- Pattern available in shop
The Yarn Behind the Trend: DROPS Air
Most of our bestselling bonnets and hoods – including the one now trending on Pinterest – are knitted in DROPS Air, a yarn we’ve used for years and recommend.
Why DROPS Air works so well:
- 💨 Lightweight but cosy – the blown yarn structure traps warmth without heaviness.
- 🧶 Soft enough for sensitive skin – no itch factor.
- 🎨 Comes in beautiful modern shades – perfect for stripes.
- 💸 Affordable – making colourwork accessible without the price tag.
- 🪩 Holds embellishments well – sequins, beads, and bobbles all sit beautifully.
Make It Your Own: Creative Customisations
One of the best things about bonnets is how easy they are to personalise. Start with a simple base pattern (like our tie bonnet), then add your own twist.
✨ Add bobbles
Place them along the crown, down the centre, or create a scattered “constellation” look. See below our hood pattern with bobble trim.
✨ Add beads
Pre-thread them or sew on afterwards. Choose mixed sizes for a more artisan, handmade feel.
✨ Add sequins
A nod to maximalism and perfect for festive makes. Tonal sequins give a subtle shimmer; rainbow sequins give a Y2K edge.
✨ Try colour blocking
Switch shades for the edging, ties, or crown. DROPS Air blends beautifully and comes in a wide range of colours.
✨ Make a matching set
Hood + mittens or cuffs
Hood + scarf
Hood + scrappy stash-buster stripes
Why This Is the Perfect Beginner Project
If you’re new to knitting, this is a confidence-boosting project:
- Knit flat
- Simple decreases
- Quick to complete
- Great introduction to colourwork
- No complicated shaping
Already Making One? Share It!
Pinterest is loving this design – and we’d love to see yours too.
📸 Tag #whatmamaknits
📌 Pin from your project page
🧵 Share your colour combos for others to try
Your Next Knit Starts Here
Whether you follow the exact stripe pattern or go full maximalist with beads and sequins, knitted hoods are the accessory everyone wants right now. Soft, fun, and endlessly customisable – this trend is only going to grow.
👉 Add DROPS Air to your basket
👉 Download the hood or bonnet pattern from our shop
👉 Start your next cosy make today
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