Animal Ear Bonnets to Knit for Little Ones

Last year I shared a couple of different options for sweet pixie bonnets for little kids with animal ears. The patterns are from Fox and Pine Stitches, and they actually have quite a few different options for kids in your life who like different kinds of animals.

I had already shared a mouse and bunny hat, but there are also a cat, which you can see above, fox and bear options. The bear or cat could also be a dog, depending on the type of ears that you would like your dog to have.

Each of the patterns is worked in worsted weight yarn and they come in seven sizes: newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years and 5+.

They each use the same basic pattern for the hat but are worked in different colors and with different ears to evoke different animals. And because of the bonnet shape you don’t need to worry about adding eyes, whiskers or other features because there’s not really a place to do so.

The I-cord ties on these are super cute as well. (Check out my post on how to knit cord if you aren’t sure how to do this part.)

These hats would be great to encourage kids to keep warm in the winter months (and they’re quick to knit so you can still make one for this season in the Northern Hemisphere, or to prepare for colder weather in the South), or you can make them as an easy addition to a Halloween costume, or even just for everyday dress up.

All of the patterns are free and available from Fox and Pine Designs at the links above. And don’t miss their little bear ears beanie, which you could adapt to have any of the ears that are shown in these patterns to make whatever animal your little one desires.

[Photo: Fox and Pine Stitches]

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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