How to Crochet a Simple Slouchy Beret

Add a pom pom or ribbons to the top of your crocheted beret.

After learning to make scarves, beginning crocheters usually go on to crochet hats. Hats or berets and scarves make good gifts for holidays and birthdays. A beginner that feels comfortable making a double crochet stitch, can easily learn the decrease stitch used for crocheting hats and berets. This beret requires chunky yarn, but use a lighter-weight yarn if you prefer. Go down one hook size for worsted-weight yarn and two hook sizes for sport-weight yarn. The beret pattern fits all sizes.

Things You'll Need

• Two skeins of variegated chunky weight yarn
• Crochet hook size N-13
• One stitch marker
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors

Instructions

Phase I

1. Establish the beginning round by chaining 3 stitches and join the third chain with a slip stitch to the first chain. Chain 3 stitches and count the chains as the first double crochet. Crochet 8 double crochet stitches in the ring and slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3 stitches. Place a marker to designate the beginning of the round. Move the marker up at the beginning of each round.

2. Chain 3 and count the chains as a double crochet. Crochet 2 double crochets in each stitch around until reaching the beginning chain 3. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3. That completes sixteen double crochet stitches in the round.

3. Chain 3 and count the chains as the beginning double crochet. *Crochet 1 double crochet in the next stitch. Crochet 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Repeat between the two asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3. That completes twenty-four double crochet stitches in the round.

4. Chain 3 and count the chains as the beginning double crochet. *Crochet 1 double crochet in each of next 2 stitches. Crochet 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3. Slip stitch in the top of chain 3. That completes thirty-two stitches in the round.

5. Chain 3 and count the chains as the beginning double crochet. *Crochet 1 double crochet in each of next 3 stitches. Crochet 2 double crochets in next stitch.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3. Slip stitch in the top of chain 3. That completes forty double crochet stitches in the round.

Phase II

1. Chain 3 stitches and count the chains as the beginning double crochet. *Crochet 1 double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Crochet 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3 stitches. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches. That completes forty-eight double crochet stitches in the round.

2. Chain 3 stitches and count the chains as a double crochet. *Crochet 1 double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches. Crochet 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3 stitches. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches. That completes fifty-six double crochet stitches in the round.

3. Chain 3 stitches and count the chains as a double crochet. *Crochet 1 double crochet in each of the next 6 stitches. Crochet 2 double crochets in the next stitch.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3 stitches. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches. That completes sixty-four double crochet stitches in the round.

4. Instructions for a decrease: Crochet a decrease by crocheting 2 double crochets together: Insert the crochet hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop. Insert the crochet hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop. Make a yarn over and pull the yarn through all 3 loops on the hook.

5. Crochet the next six rounds in the following pattern: Chain 3 stitches and turn to work in the opposite direction. Double crochet once in each stitch around until reaching the beginning chain 3 stitches. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches.

Phase III

1. Chain 3 stitches and count them as the first double crochet. *Double crochet in each of next 6 stitches. Decrease by crocheting 2 double crochets together.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3 stitches. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches. That decreased the round to 56 stitches.

2. Chain 3 stitches and count the chains as the first double crochet. *Double crochet once in each of next 5 stitches. Decrease by crocheting 2 double crochets together.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3 stitches. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches. That decreased the round to 48 stitches.

3. Chain 3 stitches and count the chains as the first double crochet. *Double crochet once in each of the next 4 stitches. Decrease by crocheting 2 double crochets together.* Repeat between the asterisks until reaching the beginning chain 3. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches. That decreased the round to 40 stitches.

4. Crochet the last two rounds as follows. Chain 3 stitches and count the chains as a double crochet. Turn to crochet in the opposite direction. Work in the back loops only and double crochet in each stitch around. Slip stitch in the top of the chain 3 stitches. Cut the yarn leaving a tail long enough to weave in invisibly. Weave it in and fasten off.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to move the marker up at the beginning of each round so you don't lose your place.

References

• Lion Brand Yarn; Floppy Beret
• "The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs"; Linda P. Schapper; July 2007
• "Crocheted Hats on the Go";

Resources

• "Cool Crocheted Hats: 40 Contemporary Designs;" Linda Kopp; Sep 2008