Bellota

Bellota Slouchy Beret by Cheryl Niamath

What is Being Made

The Bellota is a chic and simple slouchy beret hat designed by Cheryl Niamath. The name "Bellota" means "acorn" in Spanish, and the finished hat resembles a stylish acorn top. This one-size hat features a 20.5-inch circumference at the brim and is designed to be worn comfortably without flattening the wearer's hair. The slouchy silhouette creates a relaxed, fashionable aesthetic suitable for cooler weather.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Bellota is worked from the top down, a construction method that allows for easy customization and fitting as you knit. The hat begins with a distinctive i-cord "stem" at the crown, which serves as both a functional and decorative element. From this central stem, the design expands outward using yarn-over increases that spiral to create the crown shaping. This top-down approach means you can try on the hat as you work and adjust the fit before binding off, making it an efficient and user-friendly design.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used in the Bellota is stockinette stitch (st st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with excellent drape—an important quality for a slouchy beret. The yarn-over increases that spiral from the i-cord crown add subtle texture and visual interest while shaping the hat. The i-cord stem itself is created using a specialized i-cord technique on double-pointed needles, providing a neat, finished edge at the top of the hat.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The pattern calls for Skacel Alpaca Seta yarn in color 03 (light gray), with a total yardage requirement of approximately 1.5 balls. This yarn is composed of 75% baby alpaca, 18% silk, and 7% nylon, with each 50-gram ball containing 137 yards. The yarn weight is DK (double knitting), a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent softness and drape. The pattern recommends substituting with yarns that are soft against the skin, have a fuzzy texture, and offer nice drape characteristics.

Needles and Tools Required

• One set of US #6/4mm double-pointed needles (DPN) for working the i-cord stem and crown
• One 20-inch US #6/4mm circular needle for the main body of the hat
• One 16-inch 3mm circular needle for ribbing or finishing
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers in two different styles or colors for tracking pattern repeats and construction points

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 34 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles. This gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished hat size and drape. The Bellota is rated as easy-intermediate difficulty, making it accessible to knitters with some experience who are comfortable working in the round on circular needles and double-pointed needles, as well as understanding basic shaping techniques like yarn-over increases.