This pattern is an adaptation of one found in the Plimoth Plantation book of 17th Century Knitting Patterns. It took two attempts to convert the Americanisms to British conventions, but this version gives a damned fine bonnet!

Materials: You need two hanks of Rowan Magpie in shade ‘Steam’ – shade 316 (woad blue). For an 18th century version, use shade ‘Admiral’ – shade number 504. This wool gives 100g weight = approx 140m length, so another comparable wool will probably do just as well (but no guarantees, and nae refunds!). You will use between 1½ and 2 hanks You will also require one set of four double ended needles size 4½ mm, one circular needle in size 4½ mm, not less than 80 cm long and a crochet hook about the same size.

Sizes: A finished, unwashed bonnet of 14½ inch diameter (224 stitch circumference) will shrink in a 40°C wash to about 13 inch. A 216 stitch circumference will shrink to about 12½ inch diameter. 208 - 12”; 200 - 11½ “; 192 - 11”. A finished diameter of 12½ to 13” is about standard, and the 12” figures here are given in bold.

The original web page is no longer accessible except on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine; a copy is also stored at http://old.scotwars.com/equip_bonnetpattern.htm