No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face.-- John Donne
Lower temperatures are the perfect excuse to pull out the knitting needles. This beret is sure to warm you through autumn. The yarn is a heavy-worsted acrylic, so the beret knits up quickly. I made mine in an afternoon! Some basic knitting skills are needed, but trust me, if you can knit a scarf, you can knit a beret.
These directions are for a 21" head / medium adult female.
MATERIALS
Size 9 (5.5mm) 16" circular needles
Size 9 double-pointed needles
(Hint: If you are new to double-pointed needles, use bamboo or wood ones.)
1 skein each of Lion's Brand Yarn "Jiffy" in Espresso, Camel and Paprika (or other similar yarn)
split ring stitch marker
large tapestry needle
scissors
GAUGE
4 stitches / 5 rows to the inch in the round on #9 needles
STITCHES
Stockinette Stitch (in the round): Knit every row
Moss Stitch: *K1, P1* repeat from * to * end with a K1
DIRECTIONS
Using the long-tail cast on method, cast on 73 stitches with Espresso.
Place a stitch marker after the last stitch, join the circle and begin to work in stockinette. When you reach the last two stitches, K2tog. You should now have only 72 stitches. The decrease tightens and closes the gap where you joined the circle.
Continue knitting for 1.5 inches. The edge with curl up and create the beret's band.
Once you have completed the 1.5 inches for the band, cut Espresso leaving a 2-3" tail and tie on Camel.
Increase using an M1 every two stitches for a total of 108 stitches.
Knit 4 more rows of Camel (5 total).
Cut leaving a 2-3" tail and switch to Paprika. Knit 5 rows of Paprika.
Repeat this stripe sequence for the rest of the hat.
When you have 20 rows completed, begin decrease.
Place a stitch marker every 18 stitches.
Continuing with the stripe sequence, kK2tog before every stitch marker on every row.
Switch to double points when only 42 stitches remain.
When you have 6 stitches remaining, cut a long tail, thread onto your tapestry needle and sew tail through remaining loops. Pull tight. Bring the tail to the inside of the hat and weave it in.
Weave in all other tails.
For Bow
Using Espresso and your double pointed needles, cast on 11 sts using the long-tail method.
Work in Moss Stitch for 5". (If you are worried that you stitches will fall off one end of you needles, add rubber bands to one end so you needles are similar to regular straight knitting needles.)
Cast off all stitches and weave in ends.
Cut a 12" length of Espresso.
Wrap it around the middle of the mini-scarf you just knit. Pull tightly to achieve a bow.
Knot the ends together on the back. Use the tails to sew the bow to the brim of the beret. Weave in the tails.
My daugther and Mimi the Mannequin are modeling Autumn Bow Beret.
For more Autumn / Halloween craft ideas, checkout the work in the Designer Crafts Connection webring wherever you see this logo.
Each blog in the hop is written by a designer associated with the Craft and Hobby Assocition. We each have unique styles, so be sure to hop through to see what each is doing with this month's theme on Autumn / Halloween-inspired crafting!
Don't miss the great give away from Makin's Clay® with a corresponding blog hop featuring the work of 12 CHA Designers!
To enter the give away, go to Makin's Clay® blog October 6- 16 and leave a comment. The give away includes $100 retail value of their products.
What a beauty- your daughter and project!
Such a fun design and color.
Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Dawnll | October 01, 2012 at 09:58 AM
I love hats and this is a great one...thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Ann Butler | October 03, 2012 at 12:24 AM
Oh this is so cool!! Love it! :)
Posted by: Pamela Young | October 07, 2012 at 04:58 PM