Please find below my interpretation of the pattern for A Bonnet Cap which was published by Miss Lambert in 1843 in her knitting manual entitled My Knitting Book (First Series) (pp 28-29):
Description
The pattern is for a bonnet cap, which was a cap with only a forehead and a back but no crown. I presume that the idea was to add some warmth when a lady was wearing her bonnet. The cap is knit in two pieces, one large rectangle and one small rectangle and then assembled and finished with ribbons.
Completed Size
The finished cap is 9”/22.5cm high by 6.5”/16.3cm wide:
Large rectangle measures 3.5”/8.8cm x 18”/45cm and small rectangle measures 1”/2.5cm x 6”/15cm.
Materials
Yarn: Fingering weight yarn in two colours. Sample made using Regia 4-fädig (Ecru, Burgundy)
Needles: US 6 / 4.0 mm
Other Materials: Tapestry needle, ribbon or extra wool for braiding
Gauge (in pattern): 19 sts x 24 rows = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
Terminology
- MC – main colour (ecru)
- CC – contrasting colour (burgundy)
- CO – cast on
- k – knit
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- yf – yarn forward
- k2tog – knit two together
- BO – bind off
Directions
For the large rectangle:
Using CC CO 90 sts
Row 1-3: K to end
Row 4: *yf, k2tog, rep from * to end
Using MC, repeat Rows 1-4 eight times
Using CC, repeat Rows 1-4 one time
BO loosely.
For the small rectangle:
Using CC CO 40 sts
Work Rows 1-4 one time
Using MC, repeat Rows 1-4 three times
Using CC, repeat Rows 1-4 one time
BO loosely.
Sew in ends and block the two rectangles.
Assembly
Fold the large rectangle in half and use a length of ribbon to draw each end together. The ribbons should be long enough that they can tie under the chin. Thread ribbons through the small rectangle so it can tie into a bow in the centre. Then, sew the short sides of the small rectangle to the large rectangle to form a band for the back of the cap.
I hope you give this a try and enjoy bringing a piece of history forward to the present!
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