Elderwood Walk

Elderwood Walk Knitted Beret by Emma Sadler

Design Inspiration and Overview

The Elderwood Walk is a tam-style beret designed by Emma Sadler, inspired by an autumn woodland stroll near her home. The hat features a thoughtful design element where sections of stocking stitch become progressively narrower as the crown decreases, creating a visual representation of ancient interweaving trees. This intermediate-level knitting project was voted Runner Up in a Stylecraft and Knit Now magazine design competition, making it a recognized and well-tested pattern.

Construction Techniques

The Elderwood Walk beret is constructed using a traditional tam silhouette with a structured approach to shaping. The hat begins with a ribbed section at the brim for a secure, elastic fit. From this foundation, the knitter increases stitches to establish the main body of the hat, creating the characteristic fullness and volume of a tam-style beret. The crown is then shaped through strategic decreases that narrow the stocking stitch sections, which serves both a functional purpose in closing the crown and an aesthetic purpose in echoing the forest-inspired design concept.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

This pattern primarily employs two fundamental knitting stitches:

• Ribbed stitch at the brim section, which provides elasticity and helps the hat maintain its shape and grip on the head
• Stocking stitch for the main body and crown sections, creating a smooth, refined fabric that showcases the yarn color and allows the narrowing sections to create the intended visual effect

Yarn and Materials

The Elderwood Walk is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn. The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using Stylecraft Bellissima, a 100% acrylic yarn in the colorway Rio Red 3932. Acrylic yarn makes this project accessible and easy-care, ideal for everyday wear. The pattern is worked on 3.5mm (US size 4) circular needles, 40cm or shorter in length, which are appropriate for the small circumference knitting required for a fitted hat.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 30 rows in stocking stitch on 3.5mm needles, which equals 10x10cm or 4x4 inches. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The Elderwood Walk is available in three sizes: Small with a finished brim circumference of 17 inches (43cm), Medium with 18 inches (46cm), and Large with 19 inches (48.5cm), allowing for a customized fit across different head sizes.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with circular needles and manage shaping through increases and decreases. The combination of ribbing, stocking stitch, and crown shaping provides a balanced challenge without overwhelming complexity.