Beret and Scarf Hat Knitting Pattern

Beret and Scarf in Plymouth Yarn DeAire

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Plymouth Yarn Design Studio provides instructions for creating a coordinated set consisting of an adult-sized beret and matching scarf. Both pieces are designed to be knitted from the same yarn, with the pattern recommending that crafters complete the hat first and use the remaining yarn to create a longer scarf. The set showcases a sophisticated slip stitch pattern worked in two contrasting colors.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern uses Plymouth Yarn DeAire, a worsted-weight yarn available in 100-gram skeins. The colorway specified includes color 1662 (Blue) as the main color and color 401 (Grey) as the contrast color, with two skeins of each required to complete both projects. DeAire yarn is ideal for creating garments with excellent stitch definition, making it particularly well-suited for displaying the intricate slip stitch patterns featured in this design.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires different needle sizes and styles for each component:

• For the Beret: US size 15 circular needle in either 16-inch or 24-inch length, plus size 11, 13, or 15 double-pointed needles for the crown shaping. A stitch marker is essential for tracking the beginning of rounds.
• For the Scarf: US size 15 straight knitting needles for flat knitting.

Gauge

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 9 stitches and 13 rows over 4 inches when measured in stockinette stitch on US size 15 needles. Achieving the correct gauge is critical for ensuring the finished beret and scarf have the intended dimensions and drape.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques and stitches to create visual interest and structure:

• Slip Stitch Patterning: Both the beret and scarf feature slip stitch patterns worked over a multiple of 4 stitches (with the scarf pattern using a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3). Slip stitches are executed purlwise, either with yarn in back (wyib) or yarn in front (wyif), creating a textured, woven appearance while maintaining the overall stitch count.
• Two-Color Knitting: The pattern alternates between the main color (Blue) and contrast color (Grey) across multiple rounds or rows, with color changes creating the distinctive slip stitch design.
• Ribbing: The beret begins with 2x2 ribbing worked for 6 rounds, providing elasticity and a finished edge.
• Increases: An increase round using the make-one (m1) technique expands the beret from 48 stitches to 72 stitches, shaping the crown.
• Decreases: Multiple decrease rounds using knit-two-together (k2tog) and slip-slip-knit (ssk) techniques gradually reduce stitches as the beret crown is shaped, culminating in a final draw-through closure.
• Circular and Flat Knitting: The beret is worked in the round using circular and double-pointed needles, while the scarf is worked flat on straight needles.

Beret Construction

The beret is constructed in the round beginning with a cast-on of 48 stitches on a US size 15 circular needle. After establishing a 2x2 ribbed cuff over 6 rounds, an increase round expands the stitch count to 72 stitches. The main body is then worked in the slip stitch pattern for 28 rounds, creating the characteristic textured fabric. The crown is shaped through a series of strategic decrease rounds that progressively reduce the stitch count from 54 stitches to 36 stitches and finally to just 5 stitches. The work transitions to double-pointed needles as the stitch count decreases, and the remaining stitches are drawn closed and secured. All yarn ends are woven in for a finished appearance.

Scarf Construction

The scarf is worked flat on US size 15 straight needles using a slip stitch pattern adapted for row-by-row construction rather than rounds. The pattern is a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3, worked over 4 rows that repeat throughout. The slip stitch pattern in the scarf alternates between the two colors, creating a balanced, revers