Glenfarg Beret Blue

Glenfarg Beret Blue by Sharon Spencer

What Is Being Made

The Glenfarg Beret Blue is a classic knitted beret designed to fit head sizes between 20 and 23 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished beret with a diameter of 10 to 11 inches. The design was inspired by the need for a coordinating winter accessory, making it an ideal project for creating matching hats to complement winter coats and outerwear.

Knitting Techniques Used

This beret pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction involves working in the round, which is essential for creating seamless, circular garments. The pattern uses both increases and decreases to shape the beret's characteristic rounded crown and fitted ribbed band. Blocking is an important finishing technique in this project, as it helps achieve the correct gauge and final dimensions of the completed hat.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The Glenfarg Beret Blue uses several key stitches and techniques:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches: The foundational stitches that form the fabric of the beret
• Make 1 (M1) increases: Used to add stitches by picking up the loop between the stitch just worked and the next stitch, then knitting into the back of the loop to create an invisible increase
• S2, K1, PSSO decreases: A double decrease technique where two stitches are slipped knitwise, the next stitch is knitted, and the two slipped stitches are passed over the knitted stitch to create a left-leaning decrease
• Ribbing: Used for the fitted band at the base of the beret to provide elasticity and a snug fit

Yarn and Materials

The Glenfarg Beret Blue is worked in 4-ply yarn, which creates a lightweight yet durable fabric ideal for a fitted hat. The pattern calls for Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift yarn in multiple colors, with 25g of each shade required. The color palette includes Eesit, Clyde Blue, Teviot, and China Blue, allowing for creative colorwork options or solid color variations depending on the crafter's preference.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires two needle sizes to accommodate different sections of the beret. Smaller 2.75mm double-pointed or circular needles are used for working the ribbed cuff, while slightly larger 3.00mm double-pointed or circular needles are used for the main body of the beret. Needle size may be adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge. The target gauge is 39 rows by 32 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) when measured on 3.00mm needles after blocking. A stitch marker is essential for marking the beginning of each round during in-the-round knitting, and a 10 or 11 inch plate is recommended for blocking to achieve the finished dimensions.