I call this one “Little Sunshine,” and it started in a dog-eared notebook I keep beside my favorite chair. A friend asked me to make something special for her newborn photography session, and she wanted flowers. Not just any flowers. She wanted her baby to be the flower.
So I sketched this sunflower bonnet with its bumpy brown center and golden petals framing a tiny face. The matching overalls came next because every flower needs a stem, right? I made the first set for baby Marigold (yes, that was really her name), and the photos were absolutely precious.
Now I’m sharing this pattern with you. It’s become one of my most requested designs, and I think you’ll see why once you hold the finished pieces in your hands.
About This Crochet Pattern
This two-piece newborn set includes a structured sunflower bonnet and ribbed suspender overalls. The bonnet features a raised bobble-stitch center worked in warm brown, surrounded by layered yellow petals that fan out beautifully around a baby’s face. The overalls use a special back loop only technique that creates a knit-look ribbed texture without any knitting required.
The set is sized for newborns weighing approximately 7 to 10 pounds, making it perfect for those precious first photos. Both pieces work up relatively quickly once you get the hang of the stitches involved.
Skill level: Intermediate. You should be comfortable working in the round, creating bobble stitches, and basic garment construction. If you’ve never tried bobbles before, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through every step.
Time estimate: Plan for 3 to 4 hours on the bonnet and 5 to 7 hours on the overalls. The complete set takes roughly 8 to 11 hours total.
Who wouldn’t want a tiny sunflower baby for those first photos?
Finished Measurements
Bonnet: Approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) in circumference, fitting a newborn head of 13 to 14 inches with stretch. The petal span measures about 7 inches (18 cm) across.
Overalls: Waist measures approximately 14 inches (35.5 cm) unstretched, stretching to about 18 inches (45.5 cm). Length from waist to hem is approximately 10 inches (25.5 cm) with an inseam of approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm).
Materials You’ll Need
Yarn (DK weight):
- Color A (Golden Yellow): approximately 200 yards (183 meters)
- Color B (Mustard Yellow): approximately 80 yards (73 meters)
- Color C (Warm Brown): approximately 60 yards (55 meters)
- Color D (Cream/Off-White): approximately 20 yards (18 meters) for braided ties only
Hooks:
- US Size E-4 (3.5 mm) for the bonnet
- US Size F-5 (3.75 mm) for the overalls
Notions:
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers (at least 4)
- 2 wooden buttons, 3/4 inch (18 mm) diameter
- Sewing needle and matching thread
- Scissors
Yarn suggestions: Lion Brand Pound of Love, Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, or Cascade 220 Superwash all work beautifully. Avoid fuzzy yarns since the bobble and rib textures need clear stitch definition.
FYI, a smooth DK yarn keeps those bobbles and petals looking sharp.
Gauge
Bonnet (E-4 hook): 20 single crochet (sc) = 4 inches (10 cm); 22 rows = 4 inches (10 cm)
Overalls (F-5 hook): 18 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm); 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in the ribbed pattern
Please swatch before beginning. Gauge matters a lot when making fitted garments for tiny humans.
Abbreviations and Special Stitches
Let me explain every stitch you’ll encounter:
- sc = single crochet
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- BLO = back loop only
- sc2tog = single crochet two together
- fsc = foundation single crochet
- bo = bobble stitch
How to Work the Bobble Stitch
This creates those adorable bumps in the flower center. Yarn over, insert hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops. Repeat this sequence 4 more times in the same stitch. You’ll have 6 loops on your hook total. Yarn over and pull through all 6 loops at once. Push the bobble to the right side of your work.
How to Work Foundation Single Crochet
This creates a foundation chain and first row simultaneously with better stretch than a regular chain. Make a slip knot, chain 2, then build each stitch by creating a new foundation chain and completing the single crochet in one go.
How to Make the Braided Ties
Cut 9 strands of cream yarn, each 18 inches long. Fold in half, divide into three groups, braid, knot the end, and fray the tips for a soft tassel.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
- The ch 1 at the start of each round or row does NOT count as a stitch throughout this entire pattern.
- All rounds are joined with a slip stitch unless stated otherwise.
- Mark the first stitch of each round and move your marker up as you go.
- The bonnet uses Color A for the cap dome, Color B for petals, and Color C for the bobble center.
- The overalls are worked entirely in Color A.
- Bobbles should always be pushed to the right side (the outside) of your work.
Sunflower Bonnet Pattern Instructions
Bobble Center and Cap Dome
Start with the warm brown bobble center worked in the round. Build the golden yellow cap dome with steady increases until it reaches the right diameter. Shape the face opening with a few short rows of single crochet decreases.
Petals and Finishing
Work two layers of mustard yellow petals around the dome—one sitting in front and one slightly behind for depth. Attach the bobble center to the top, add a clean neck edge, and finish with the braided cream ties at the corners.
Checkpoint: The finished bonnet should sit snugly around a newborn head with petals framing the face like a little sunflower halo.
Overalls Pattern Instructions
Work each leg as a long ribbed tube using back-loop-only single crochet for that knit-look texture. Join the legs at the crotch, continue the body in the round, then add a front bib with button loops. Fold the cuffs, make two long suspender straps, and attach them so they cross at the back and button at the front.
The ribbed fabric stretches beautifully and keeps its shape through photos and gentle wear.
Block both pieces so the petals open fully and the overalls hang evenly.
You Might Also Like
- Lavender Dreams Baby Crochet Dress Free Pattern
- Dusty Rose Vintage Baby Romper Free Crochet Pattern
- Dusty Rose Heirloom Baby Dress Free Crochet Pattern
- Sage Green Tiered Baby Dress Free Crochet Pattern
- Buttercream Yellow Baby Knit Suit Free Crochet Pattern
FAQ’s
Can I make this in different colors?
You can, but the classic golden yellow, mustard, and warm brown combo is what makes it a true sunflower. Soft pastels would create a completely different flower vibe.
Are the bobbles hard to master?
Not once you get the rhythm of the partial double crochets. Push each bobble firmly to the right side and they pop beautifully.
How do the ties stay secure?
Braid them firmly and knot the ends. The cream color keeps them soft against baby’s skin while still holding the bonnet in place.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Confident beginners who already know single crochet, basic increases, and simple seaming can handle it. Take the bobbles and petals one section at a time.
How do I wash the finished set?
Machine wash on gentle in cool water and lay flat to dry. Choose a soft, machine-washable DK yarn for best results with newborn photos.
What if the overalls feel too loose or tight?
The ribbed fabric has good stretch. Check your gauge carefully and try the pieces on a similar-sized doll as you go.
Final Thought
There you have it—a sweet two-piece set that turns a newborn into a tiny sunflower. The bobble center and layered petals give the bonnet pure charm, while the ribbed overalls add cozy structure and that perfect “stem” look.
IMO, the moment the petals go on and the whole flower appears is pure crochet magic. Take your time with the bobbles and the blocking, and enjoy every golden stitch.
When those first photos come back with a little sunflower staring up at the camera, every hour will feel completely worth it. Happy crocheting, friend!
