Ari Beret

Ari Beret by LSB Creates

What is Being Made

The Ari Beret is a classic, slouchy beret hat designed by Lisa Borum and suitable for teens and women. This one-size-fits-most knitted hat combines a fitted ribbed brim with an expanded body that creates the characteristic beret silhouette. The project is an ideal introduction to circular knitting techniques for beginners seeking to create a wearable, finished garment.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs fundamental circular knitting methods worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles. The construction begins with a cast-on edge and progresses through ribbed brim shaping before transitioning to the main body. The pattern incorporates increases to expand the fabric from the fitted brim into the fuller crown of the beret. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, professional finish typical of hat construction.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

• 1x1 Ribbing: The brim is worked in alternating knit and purl stitches (k1, p1) for 1.5 inches, creating vertical columns that provide stretch and a snug fit around the head
• Knit Stitch (K): The primary stitch used throughout the body of the beret
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape the hat
• Make One Right (M1r): An increase worked by picking up the bar between stitches from back to front on the left needle, creating new stitches and expanding the fabric width during the body rounds

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Aran weight yarn in 100% Superwash Merino Wool. The pattern uses approximately 120 yards from a 3.5 oz (100g) skein, which typically contains 150 yards. Aran weight yarn is a medium-weight option that knits quickly and produces a fabric with good drape suitable for beret construction.

Needles: The pattern requires two sizes of 16-inch circular knitting needles—US 8 (5mm) for the ribbed brim and US 10 (6mm) for the body. Additionally, US 10 (6mm) double-pointed needles are needed for the final crown shaping when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles.

Notions and Accessories: A tape measure for checking gauge and fit, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, stitch markers to track the beginning of round and pattern repeats, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches when measured in stockinette stitch using the larger needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished dimensions and ensuring the hat fits appropriately. The beret is designed as one size fits most for teens and women, making it a versatile project for various head sizes within that range.