Alis Beret

Alis Beret by Jo Allport

What is Being Made

The Alis Beret is a classic, flattering hat design created by independent designer Jo Allport. This beret is suitable for all head shapes and hair lengths, making it a versatile accessory that can be dressed up or down for various occasions. The finished hat is warm, stylish, and beginner-friendly, requiring only basic knitting skills to complete.

Craft and Technique

This is a knitting project designed for beginners. The beret is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques including increases, stockinette stitch, and basic shaping to create the characteristic rounded crown of a traditional beret. The pattern involves working flat on single-pointed needles and includes a back seam that is sewn together after knitting is complete.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the primary stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (p) – used to create texture and structure
• Make one increase (m1) – employed in the increase row to shape the beret crown (increases from stitches to 135 stitches)
• Stockinette stitch – the main stitch pattern used for the beret crown, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side

Materials and Tools

The Alis Beret requires 2 balls of Mirasol Akapana, an aran weight yarn (the shade shown in the pattern is Red Light 1306). The pattern specifies 174 meters or 190 yards of aran or worsted weight yarn. Any aran or worsted weight yarn can be substituted if Mirasol Akapana is unavailable.

Essential tools include one pair of single-pointed needles in size 4mm (US6/UK8) for the initial cast-on and ribbing, and one pair of single-pointed needles in size 4.5mm (US7/UK7) for the main body and crown of the beret. A darning needle is needed to weave in yarn ends and sew the back seam, and a tape measure is useful for checking gauge and finished dimensions.

Pattern Overview

The pattern begins with an increase row worked on the right side, using the make one technique to distribute increases evenly across the row (knitting 3 stitches, making one increase, and repeating this sequence). After the increase row, a purl row is worked on the wrong side. The beret then progresses into stockinette stitch for the crown shaping, which is worked by alternating knit rows on right-side rows with purl rows on wrong-side rows. This classic construction creates a smooth, elegant fabric suitable for a sophisticated hat.