Knitted Beret

 

Designed by:

Paula J. Vester

Materials:

4 - 6 oz worsted weight yarn, or double a thinner handspun to make proper gauge
# 5 & #7 needles

Gauge:

5 stitches=1 inch
6 rows=1 inch

 

Instructions:

Cast on 10 stitches.

 

Pattern:

Row 1: (AND ALL ODD ROWS) Purl.
Row 2: (right side) K, inc every stitch (k front, k back) - 20 sts.
Row 4: *K1, inc 1 st in next st*, repeat from * - 30 sts.
Row 6: *K2, inc 1*, repeat from * - 40 sts.
Row 8: *K2, inc 1*, repeat from * - 50 sts (10 increases)
Continue to increase 10 stitches every even row with 1 more stitch between inc, until there are 170 sts.
Work 7 rows even.
1st Decrease row: *K15, K 2tog*, repeat from * - 160 sts.
Work 3 rows even.
2nd Decrease row: *K 14, K 2tog*, repeat from * - 150 sts.
Work 1 row even.
Continue to dec 10 stitches every even row with 1 st less between the dec until 120 st are left.
Purl 1 row.
Next row: *K22, K 2tog*, repeat from * - 115 sts.
Change to #5 needles, work in K1, P1 rib (or any rib of choice) for 1 inch. Bind off in rib. Sew back seam. Take 2 pieces of elastic to fit your head and place in ribbing, if you want a snug fit.

 

Additional Comments:

Different patterns and stitches can be included to create unique pieces. You can increase less, for a less full beret or work few even rows. Although this hat is worked flat, there are ways to either work it in the round from the center or begin at the ribbing and work backwards to the center. I worked this out when I did not know how to knit in the round, but still wanted a tam.