Arcadia Beret & Mittens Designed by Debbie Bliss & Chloé Elizabeth Birch in Morris DK

Arcadia Beret & Mittens Knitting Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Arcadia collection features two coordinating knitted accessories designed by Debbie Bliss and Chloé Elizabeth Birch: a classic beret and a pair of matching mittens. These pieces are created in West Yorkshire Spinners Morris DK yarn and are available in two size ranges (S/M and M/L) to accommodate different head and hand circumferences. The beret is designed to fit head circumferences of 52cm (20½ in) for S/M and 56cm (22 in) for M/L, while the mittens accommodate hand circumferences of 20cm (8 in) for S/M and 22cm (8¾ in) for M/L, with a mitten length of 23cm (9 in) for both sizes.

Techniques Used

Both garments in the Arcadia pattern employ advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The beret is worked in the round using circular needles, creating a seamless construction that is characteristic of hat knitting. The mittens are also worked in the round, utilizing either circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs) depending on the crafter's preference. This method of construction eliminates the need for seaming and creates a professional, polished finish. The pattern incorporates various shaping techniques including increases and decreases to achieve the proper fit and silhouette of each piece.

Stitches Used

The Arcadia pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in structured ways to create texture and shaping. Key stitches and techniques referenced in the pattern include:

• Knit (K) – the basic knit stitch
• Purl (P) – the basic purl stitch
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – alternating knit and purl rows to create a smooth, classic fabric
• Increases (inc) – including make 1 stitch (m1), created by picking up the loop between stitches and working into the back of the loop
• Decreases (dec) – including K2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit), which are worked through the back of loops for a refined appearance
• Slip stitches (sl1) – slipped knitwise for edge definition
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – used in decrease sequences

Pattern repeats are clearly marked with asterisks and brackets to guide crafters through the structured design elements.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Arcadia pattern is designed specifically for West Yorkshire Spinners Morris DK yarn, a double-knit weight that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The pattern offers color options in two shades:

• Marigold (shade 1287)
• Daffodil (shade 1286)

Yarn quantities vary depending on which pieces are being made. For the beret alone, crafters need 2 x 50g balls of Marigold and 1 x 50g ball of Daffodil. For the mittens alone, 1 x 50g ball each of Marigold and Daffodil are required. For the complete Arcadia Beret & Mittens set, 3 x 50g balls of Marigold and 2 x 50g balls of Daffodil are needed.

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction:

• 3.25mm (UK10/US3) needles – available as 40cm long circular needles or 25cm long circular needles/DPNs, used for ribbing and initial setup
• 3.5mm (UK9/US4) needles – available as 25cm long circular needles, 60cm long circular needles, or DPNs, used for the main body of the garments

Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and stitch holders for securing stitches during construction. The choice between circular needles and double-pointed needles offers flexibility to accommodate individual knitting preferences.