Product Description
The basic pattern for these 8 segment berets is pretty straightforward but the charts are arranged slightly differently to the standard "church window" design, that I hope may make the decreases easier to follow.
I used a variety of contrasting pairs of 4ply/fingering yarns to knit the four individual berets pictured and the finished blocked sizes varied slightly as a result, some berets being slouchier than others, depending on the nature of the yarn. All the berets fit my "average" head perfectly well however, including the 100% acrylic version that I made for my wool allergic friend.
Wild Berets by Sara Hall
What is Being Made
Wild Berets is an advanced knitting pattern collection featuring three distinct beret and tam designs. Each style showcases animal-inspired colorwork patterns, including a Giraffe design and Jaguar/Tiger variations. These are one-size hats designed to be blocked and shaped over a dinner plate to achieve the classic beret silhouette.
Knitting Techniques Used
This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The primary construction method involves knitting in the round, which creates seamless cylindrical fabric ideal for hat construction. The colorwork is achieved through stranded knitting, a technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the fabric. The pattern features color linking, a refinement technique where unused yarn is picked up and linked into the work to prevent loose strands and create a more polished interior finish.
The hats are shaped through wet blocking, where the finished knitted piece is stretched over a dinner plate to create the characteristic beret shape and to even out the fabric after knitting.
Stitches and Pattern Structure
The pattern uses ribbing for the base of the hat, which provides elasticity and helps the beret fit securely on the head. The colorwork patterns are created by following a colored chart that repeats eight times around the circumference of the hat, creating an all-over repeating design. The ribbing section stretches the most during blocking, which affects the final fit of the finished hat.
Materials: Yarn and Needles
- Giraffe Design: Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply (100% Merino wool), finished size 9.75 inches (35 centimeters) after blocking
- Jaguar/Tiger Designs: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, finished size 10 inches (35.5 centimeters) after blocking
- Needle Requirements: Double-pointed needles (dpns) or 16-inch circular needles in appropriate size for 4 ply yarn. The Giraffe pattern is recommended for 3.25mm needles, though 3mm needles can be used to create a denser fabric with slightly more stretch after blocking
Yarn Characteristics and Blocking Behavior
The pattern notes important differences in how various yarn fibers respond to blocking. The pure merino wool and wool-blend hats grow slightly during the blocking process, as is typical with natural fibers. The denser fabric created by using smaller needles (3mm instead of the recommended 3.25mm) with Baby Cashmerino produces a tighter knit that stretches marginally more than other versions after blocking. Understanding these material properties helps crafters anticipate the final fit and appearance of their finished beret.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Designer: | Sara Hall |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
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