Brazel Beret

Brazel Beret by Katya Frankel

What Is Being Made

The Brazel Beret is a traditional women's beret knitted in the round, designed by Katya Frankel as an intermediate-level knitting project. This timeless, feminine hat features a contemporary twist through its decorative lace and bobble panel detailing. The beret is worked from the brim upward and is intended to be worn with approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) of negative ease for a fitted, classic silhouette.

Techniques and Construction

This beret is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern requires working in the round, which creates a seamless fabric ideal for hat construction. Key techniques include:

• Knit and purl stitches for the foundational stockinette stitch fabric
• Simple lace work featuring a decorative lace chart that measures 3¼ inches (8.25 centimeters) wide
• Bobble stitch details integrated into the lace panel for textural interest
• Increases and decreases to shape the crown and achieve the classic beret silhouette
• Finishing techniques to complete the hat professionally

Stitches Used

The Brazel Beret employs a combination of basic and decorative stitches. Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric base, created by alternating knit rows (or rounds) with purl rows. The lace panel uses simple lace stitching to create an openwork design that adds visual interest while maintaining structural integrity. Bobble stitches are incorporated throughout the lace panel for dimensional texture and embellishment. Strategic increases and decreases are used to transition from the brim to the crown and to shape the hat's distinctive rounded form.

Yarn and Materials

The Brazel Beret is designed to be worked in Malabrigo Rios, a worsted weight yarn composed of 100% superwash merino fiber. This yarn choice provides softness, durability, and easy care properties. One skein of Malabrigo Rios in colorway #96 Sunset (210 yards / 192 meters per 100 grams) is required to complete the project.

The pattern calls for two sets of double-pointed needles: Size 6 (4 millimeters) needles for the ribbed brim and initial shaping, and Size 7 (4.5 millimeters) needles for the main body and crown. Needle size adjustments may be necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The specified gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rounds equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch when worked on the larger size 7 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The beret is available in four sizes with finished brim circumferences of 16 inches (40.5 centimeters), 17¾ inches (45 centimeters), 19½ inches (49.5 centimeters), and 21¼ inches (54 centimeters). The pattern is shown in the 17¾-inch size.