Cartouche Slouchy Beret

Cartouche Slouchy Beret by Janelle Martin

What Is Being Made

The Cartouche Slouchy Beret is an elegant knitted hat designed by Janelle Martin as a coordinating piece to the Cartouche Shawl. This intermediate-level project creates a slouchy beret that combines refined stitch work with a relaxed, comfortable fit. The finished beret is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, each fitting different head circumferences when blocked.

Design Inspiration and Stitch Patterns

This beret features one of the border stitch patterns from the Cartouche Shawl, making it an ideal matching accessory for those who have already knitted the larger garment. The Cartouche design draws inspiration from stitch patterns found in Japanese stitch dictionaries, bringing an international and sophisticated aesthetic to the finished hat. The main lace pattern used throughout the beret reflects this Japanese-influenced design heritage.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Cartouche Slouchy Beret employs lace knitting as its primary technique, utilizing a main lace pattern that creates an open, textured fabric. The pattern requires working in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, which is essential for achieving the hat's seamless construction and proper shaping. Knitters will work through multiple pattern repeats to build the slouchy crown and create the elegant stitch definition characteristic of lace berets.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern requires a gauge of 26 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the main lace pattern when unblocked. Achieving proper gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the beret fits as intended. The three available sizes accommodate different head circumferences, with the Large size shown in the pattern photos.

Yarn Requirements and Materials

This project calls for sport weight yarn with a recommended gauge of 6 stitches per inch. Yarn quantities vary by size: the Small and Medium sizes each require 146 yards (134 meters), while the Large size requires 200 yards (183 meters). The pattern recommends using a semi-solid or solid color yarn to best showcase the lace stitch work.

The pattern sample was knitted using Blue Sky Alpacas 'Alpaca Silk', a luxurious blend of 50% silk and 50% alpaca. This yarn comes in 146-yard (134-meter) skeins weighing 1.76 ounces (50 grams) per skein. The sample shown uses color 145 Guava in the Large size, requiring 2 skeins of this premium fiber.

Needles

• US #3 / 3.25 mm circular needle, 16 inches (40 cm) – used for the ribbed cuff or initial cast-on edge
• US #6 / 4 mm circular needle, 16 inches (40 cm) – used for the main lace pattern sections
• US #6 / 4 mm double-pointed needles set – used for decreasing stitches as the crown narrows toward the top of the beret

Needle sizes are provided as guidelines; knitters should select needles that help them achieve the specified gauge with their chosen yarn.

Skill Level

Rated as Intermediate, this beret is suitable for knitters who have experience with lace patterns, circular needle techniques, and gauge adjustment. Familiarity with reading lace charts and managing decreases will enhance the knitting experience.