Milly - 12ply striped beret for kids, teens and women

Milly - 12ply Striped Beret for Kids, Teens and Women

What is Being Made

The Milly beret is a classic striped hat designed by Jennifer Lee, suitable for multiple age groups and sizes. This pattern includes four size options: Age 2-5, Age 6-10, Teen, and Lady, with finished head circumferences ranging from 52cm (20½ inches) to 56cm (22 inches). The beret features a traditional rounded crown shape with horizontal stripes created through color changes, making it both a practical and stylish accessory for children, teenagers, and women.

Techniques and Construction

This knitting pattern uses fundamental techniques appropriate for beginner-level knitters. The beret is constructed using the flat knitting method on straight needles, beginning with a cast-on edge and working in rows rather than in the round. The pattern incorporates basic shaping techniques including increases and decreases to form the characteristic beret silhouette. Striping is achieved through simple color changes between two yarn colors, allowing knitters to create visual interest without complex colorwork techniques. The finished piece requires sewing up, which is completed using a wool needle to join seams and create the final three-dimensional hat shape.

Stitches Used

• Stocking Stitch (Stockinette Stitch): The primary stitch throughout the pattern, created by alternating knit rows and purl rows to produce a smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern appearance on the right side
• Knit Stitch (K): The fundamental stitch worked on knit rows
• Purl Stitch (P): The fundamental stitch worked on purl rows
• Increases (inc): Shaping technique used to expand stitch count where needed for the beret's crown
• Decreases (dec): Shaping technique used to reduce stitch count and form the beret's rounded top
• Ribbed Edge Detail: The pattern begins with alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 ribbing) to create an elastic, fitted edge that helps the beret sit securely on the head

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The pattern calls for Lincraft Merrijig 12ply worsted weight yarn. Yardage requirements are based on 50-gram balls providing 64 meters each. For all four sizes, knitters need 2 balls of the first color (C1, specified as black in the example) and 1 ball of the second color (C2, specified as pink in the example). The designer notes that quantities may vary depending on individual knitting tension and yarn type characteristics.

Needles and Tools: A pair of 5.50mm knitting needles (UK size 5, US size 9) are required for the main knitting. A wool needle is needed for sewing seams and finishing the beret after the knitted pieces are complete.

Tension: The pattern specifies a tension of 17 stitches and 23 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working in stocking stitch using 5.50mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for the beret to fit properly across all four size options.

Pattern Difficulty and Characteristics

Rated as easy and beginner-friendly, the Milly beret is described as quick to knit and very warm to wear. The straightforward construction, limited stitch vocabulary, and simple color-change striping make this an excellent project for knitters new to hat construction. Despite its beginner rating, the finished beret provides practical warmth and attractive striped styling suitable for everyday wear across multiple age groups.