Simple Beret

Simple Beret by Hannah Fettig

What is Being Made

The Simple Beret is a classic, timeless hat pattern designed by knitbot / Hannah Fettig. This beret is a versatile accessory suitable for various skill levels and yarn weights, making it an essential addition to any knitting library. The pattern accommodates multiple gauges and yarn weights, allowing knitters to create berets in different sizes and textures depending on their chosen materials and gauge.

Pattern Overview and Sizing

This downloadable PDF pattern is written to accommodate multiple yarn weights and gauges, with finished measurements provided for each option. The pattern includes instructions for fingering, DK, worsted, and bulky weight yarns, each producing different finished sizes. Knitters are advised to carefully consider the finished measurements before beginning the project to ensure the desired fit.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Simple Beret employs fundamental circular knitting techniques that are appropriate for intermediate-level knitters. The construction begins with casting on stitches using smaller circular needles and joining for working in the round while being careful not to twist stitches. A stitch marker is placed to mark the beginning of the round for easy tracking throughout the project.

The pattern uses a systematic decrease method to shape the crown of the beret. Knitters work a setup round followed by a decrease round that is repeated every other round until the desired crown shaping is achieved. The decrease technique involves knitting to two stitches before each marker, then working a slip-slip-knit decrease before slipping the marker. This creates an even, symmetrical crown reduction.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the beret construction
• Knit and Purl Ribbing (K1, p1): Used in the setup round to create the brim edge
• Slip-Slip-Knit (ssk): A left-leaning decrease used in the crown shaping rounds

The pattern includes a setup round using alternating knit and purl stitches to establish the ribbed brim. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic appearance. Decreases are strategically placed and repeated every other round to gradually reduce the crown until the final stitches remain.

Materials and Needles

The Simple Beret pattern is written for multiple yarn weights, including fingering weight, DK weight, worsted weight, and bulky weight yarns. This flexibility allows knitters to choose their preferred yarn based on desired finished size and fabric characteristics.

Circular needles in a smaller size are required for the initial cast-on and early rounds. As the stitch count decreases during the crown shaping, knitters will need to transition to double-pointed needles (dpns) when the remaining stitches can no longer comfortably stretch around the circular needles. This transition ensures proper tension and control during the final decreases.

Pattern Details

The cast-on varies by yarn weight and gauge, ranging from 60 to 120 stitches depending on the selected option. The setup round establishes the ribbed edge and divides stitches into sections marked with stitch markers. The decrease round is worked repeatedly, reducing 10 to 11 stitches per round until only 10 to 11 stitches remain in the crown, which are then finished off.

Pattern credits: Design by Hannah Fettig and Knitbot; illustration by Neesha Hudson; technical editing by Jerusha Robinson; design layout by M J Gumayagay. © 2012 Hannah Fettig and Knitbot. All rights reserved.