Annecy Beret

Annecy Beret by Danielle Chalson

What is Being Made

The Annecy Beret is a classic knitted hat designed by Danielle Chalson, available in two sizes: Small with a finished brim of 17 inches (43.25 cm) and height of 7½ inches (19 cm), and Large with a finished brim of 19 inches (48.25 cm) and height of 8 inches (20.25 cm). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated, French-inspired beret suitable for everyday wear with a polished, professional appearance.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Annecy Beret employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive look and structure. A knitted hem is used to create the sleek and firm brim, providing a clean, finished edge that holds its shape well. The body of the beret features a simple diagonal lace pattern that spirals around the crown, adding visual interest and texture while maintaining breathability. The pattern is worked in the round using circular needles, a fundamental technique for hat construction that ensures seamless construction and consistent stitch tension throughout the project.

Stitches and Stitch Details

While the specific stitch abbreviations are not fully detailed in the provided materials, the pattern incorporates lace stitches that create an openwork diagonal design. The lace pattern imparts what the designer describes as cushy texture in a chic, spiraling style, suggesting a combination of knit and purl stitches or yarn-over decreases typical of lace knitting. The construction begins with the knitted hem at the brim and progresses upward through the lace pattern sections to the crown.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Annecy Beret is designed to be worked in Aran-weight yarn, which provides the softness and warmth necessary for a quality beret. The yardage requirements are 164 yards (150 meters) for the Small size and 190 yards (175 meters) for the Large size. The pattern is demonstrated using Knit Picks City Tweed Aran/HW in the colorway "Snowbank," a blend of 55% Merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, and 20% Donegal tweed. This fiber composition creates a classic tweed fabric with excellent drape and durability. Two balls of yarn are required for the Large size shown.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for two different needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. A US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 cm) is used for the initial ribbed or hemmed sections. A US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, also 16 inches (40 cm), paired with five double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size is used for the main body and crown shaping. The circular needle accommodates the wider circumference of the brim and body, while the DPNs allow for seamless decreasing as the crown narrows toward the top of the beret.

Fit and Finishing

The Annecy Beret is designed to be worn with at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of negative ease in the brim, meaning the finished brim measurement should be slightly smaller than the wearer's head circumference. This negative ease ensures the beret sits securely on the head without slipping while maintaining the classic, close-fitting silhouette characteristic of traditional French berets.