How to Make a Knitted Beret

Using alternating colors creates a muted striped effect for your beret.

Berets are timeless fashion accessories that suit all ages and personal styles. Learning how to make a knitted beret enables you to create custom accessories to match any outfit, as well as hand-crafting one-of-a-kind gifts for birthdays and holidays. Tuck your yarn and needles into a purse or bag, and work on your project during road trips or while spending time in coffee shops.

Things You'll Need

• 2 skeins, chunky-weight yarn
• Size 11 circular knitting needle
• Size 13 circular knitting needle
• Size 13 double-pointed knitting needles
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Create a slip knot, and slide it onto your size 11 circular needle. Cast on 51 additional stitches. Join stitches into a round.

2. Knit one stitch and purl one stitch for five rounds, or until you have reached the desired length for your ribbed brim.

3. Knit one stitch, and increase one stitch for one complete round. Switch to the larger circular needle.

4. Knit in every stitch to create a stockinette stitch pattern for every round. Continue to work in rounds for 4 to 5 inches, or until you reach the beret height desired.

5. Knit 11 stitches, then knit two stitches together. Repeat once around. Knit once in every stitch around.

6. Knit 10 stitches, then knit two stitches together. Repeat once around. Knit once in every stitch around.

7. Knit nine stitches, then knit two stitches together. Repeat once around. Knit once in every stitch around. Continue to decrease in this way, knitting one less stitch before decreasing in every other row. Switch to the double-pointed needles if needed.

8. Cast off when 12 stitches remain on the needles. Cut the yarn, leaving a 3-inch tail. Thread a tapestry needle with thread end, and use it to sew the center point of the beret together

Tips & Warnings

• Use smaller needles and worsted-weight yarn to scale this beret for children. For babies and toddlers, use fingering or sport-weight yarn.

• Use a different color on every round for an eclectic, striped look.

• When mixing yarns, ensure they share the same washing requirements.

• If using cotton or wool, use a needle that's a size bigger to allow for shrinkage after washing.

References

• Crazy Aunt Purl; Super-Simple Fast and Easy Chunky Hand-Knit Beret; Laurie Perry; January 2008
• "Knitting in Plain English"; Maggie Righetti; 2007
• "How to Knit: The Definitive Knitting Course Complete With Step-by-Step Techniques, Stitch Library, and Projects for Your Home and Family"; Debbie Bliss; 1999

Resources

• KnittingHelp.com: Get Started and Learn to Knit