Margaux Striped Beret in Lion Brand Color Theory - M22076 - Downloadable PDF

Margaux Striped Beret by Two of Wands – Knitting Pattern Summary (M22076)

The Margaux Striped Beret is a free, downloadable PDF knitting pattern designed by Two of Wands (Pattern No. M22076). It produces a classic, slouchy striped beret with a snug ribbed brim and a beautifully shaped, gently domed crown. The finished hat measures 10 inches (25.5 cm) in diameter with a brim circumference of 19 inches (48 cm) that stretches comfortably to fit an average adult head. Rated Level 2 – Easy, this is an excellent project for beginner knitters who are ready to move beyond flat knitting and explore working in the round with simple shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

The Margaux Striped Beret is a circular, top-down-shaped beret knitted from the brim upward. The design features a two-color single-row stripe sequence that creates a crisp, graphic stripe pattern across the body of the hat. The brim is worked in a classic 1×1 ribbing for a neat, stretchy edge, and the crown is shaped using mirrored, centered double decreases that draw the fabric inward symmetrically for a polished, professional finish. The result is a wearable, stylish accessory suitable for everyday wear.

Materials Used

Yarn

• Lion Brand® Color Theory® in two colorways:
  • Nutmeg (619-124AD) – Color A (warm, earthy tone)
  • Satellite (619-149X) – Color B (cool, contrasting tone)
• One skein of each color is required
• Weight: Worsted (Weight 4)
• Yardage: 246 yards / 225 meters per skein

Needles and Notions

• US 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needles, 16 inches / 40 cm long – used for the ribbed brim
• US 8 (5mm) circular knitting needles, 16 inches / 40 cm long – used for the body of the hat
• US 8 (5mm) double pointed needles (DPNs) – used when the stitch count becomes too small for the circular needle during crown shaping
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

The pattern calls for a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch worked in the round on US 8 (5mm) needles. Achieving correct gauge is important for ensuring the brim fits properly and the beret has the right diameter and drape.

Techniques and Construction Method

The Margaux Striped Beret is worked entirely in the round, beginning at the brim and progressing upward toward the crown. This seamless construction method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, continuous fabric ideal for striped colorwork. Here is an overview of the key construction stages:

Brim

The hat begins with a cast on of 84 stitches using the smaller US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle and Color A (Nutmeg). Eight rounds of 1×1 ribbing (alternating knit 1, purl 1) are worked to create a stretchy, fitted brim that hugs the head comfortably. Ribbing is one of the most fundamental techniques in knitting and is prized for its natural elasticity, making it ideal for hat brims, cuffs, and neckbands.

Body Increase Round

After the ribbing is complete, a single increase round is worked using KFB (knit front and back) increases, expanding the stitch count from 84 to 126 stitches. This increase round creates the extra fabric needed to give the