Hobby Horse Bonnet Tutorial
This tutorial uses worsted weight yarn and US crochet terms. I used a G sized hook, but due to the intentionally variable and customizable nature, any hook and yarn size will work! I recommend hooks that make tight stitches in your chosen yarn.
1. Ch 3, make 3sc in first ch, ch 1. Turn.
2. Sc inc in first stitch, sc across, ch1. Turn.
3. Repeat row 2 until just below horse’s ears, this took 11 rows in the example bonnet and stopped about an inch away from the ears.
4. Here we will begin to more rapidly increase the width: Sc inc in first stitch, sc across until one stitch remains, sc inc in last stitch, ch1. Turn.
5. Repeat row 4 until bonnet reaches horses ears and extends just beyond them.
6. We will now make ear holes.
7. Put the bonnet on your horse’s forehead and ch until it reaches comfortably around the ear. Slst to the st of the bonnet that makes up the end of the front of the ear hole. Please refer to photos for clearer instructions.
8. Dc across until you have the number of stitches remaining to make the front of your other ear hole. For instance, if you slip-stitched into the 12th stitch, dc until you have 12 stitches remaining on the other side. Ch the same number of stitches you did on the other side, minus 2. Slst to the end stitch, ch1. Turn.
9. Sc around the chs until you reach the beginning of the dc. 1dc in each dc. Sc around remaining chs.
10. Here you can cut the yarn, or sc around the edges of the bonnet to create a border. I chose to stop here, but if you continue, put 1sc in each row around, with a sc, ch1, sc at the point to keep it pointy.
11. Cut out fabric ears: I used felt because it’s what I had, but any fabric will work. Low fray works best because you want to stitch very close to the edge when attaching to the bonnet to reduce bulk.
12. To cut the ears, I made an appropriately sized square of felt and folded it over my horses ear and trimmed to fit. See photo.
13. Sew along curved edge of ear leaving the bottom open. This can be done by hand or by machine, just use tight stitches, stay close to the edge, and reinforce the ear tip. Turn the piece so the seam allowance is on the inside. Repeat for other ear.
14. Line the seam up with the outside center of the ear hole and whipstitch the ear in place. Repeat for other ear.
15. All done! Enjoy your new bonnet, and feel free to contact me with any questions!
This tutorial will be updated to include tips for thin yarns, and how to do a scalloped border.
