A blue bonnet is a blue knitted cap with the fibres felted or matted together to make it waterproof. This handknitted example belonged to Thomas Guthrie of Scroggerfield (1746-1820).
Blue knitted bonnet with a red border at the brim
The bonnetmakers of Dundee formed a trade guild as early as 1496. For many years they produced a cheap imitation of the black velvet bonnets worn by the wealthy. This knitted cap, felted to make it waterproof, survived as the blue bonnet.
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