Signal

Signal Beret by Stella Ackroyd

What Is Being Made

Signal is a women's beret hat designed by Stella Ackroyd, tailored to fit an average-sized lady's head. This classic hat style combines traditional beret construction with contemporary textured patterning, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Craft and Primary Technique

This design is created using knitting as the primary craft method. The beret is worked in the round and features shaping techniques to achieve the characteristic flat, rounded crown shape that defines the beret silhouette. The construction involves both flat needles and double-pointed needles to accommodate the transition from the ribbed band to the patterned body and the crown shaping.

Stitches and Pattern Work

The Signal beret employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (K) and Purl (P) stitches form the foundation of the textured pattern
• Ribbed edging creates the fitted band that sits around the head, using a combination of knit and purl stitches in repeating sequences
• Decreases (abbreviated as dec), including P3tog (purl three together), shape the crown of the beret to create the distinctive flat top
• Increases (abbreviated as inc) are used where needed to adjust stitch counts during shaping
• The main body features a textured pattern worked over the increased stitches, creating visual interest and depth

Materials and Specifications

The Signal beret is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn. The pattern specifies Erika Knight British Blue 100, requiring one 100-gram ball of yarn in the main shade. A small amount of contrast yarn is needed for the cast-on and knot detail; the pattern was photographed using Clarissa 600 and Cymbeline 601 as contrast shades, demonstrating how color variation can enhance the design.

The needles required include:

• 1 pair of 3.25mm (US 3) needles for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections
• 1 pair of 3.50mm (US 4) needles for the main body and patterned sections
• 2 double-pointed 3.50mm (US 4) needles for working the crown shaping in the round

Gauge and Difficulty Level

The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 40 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) measured over the textured pattern using 3.50mm (US 4) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished head size. This design is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with decreases, shaping techniques, and textured stitch patterns.