Beret Hat Knitting Pattern

Beret in Plymouth Yarn Encore Mega Colorspun

What Is Being Made

This is a classic adult-sized beret knitted in the round using Plymouth Yarn Encore Mega Colorspun yarn. The finished beret features a 20-inch circumference brim and is designed to fit an average adult head. The construction method includes turning the hat inside out once completed, creating a finished appearance with the yarn's colorful texture showcased on the exterior.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a beginner-level knitting project that teaches fundamental circular knitting techniques. The beret is constructed entirely in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The pattern progresses from a ribbed brim through a textured body section, then systematically decreases stitches to shape the crown. This design demonstrates how strategic increases and decreases create three-dimensional shaping in knitted garments.

Stitches Used

• 1x1 Ribbing: Alternating knit and purl stitches create an elastic, fitted brim that stretches to fit comfortably around the head
• Stockinette Stitch: Smooth knit rows form the primary fabric of the hat body
• Reverse Stockinette Accents: Purl stitches interspersed throughout the pattern create textural interest and visual definition
• Make One (M1) Increases: Purlwise increases add 20 stitches after the ribbed brim to expand the hat to full circumference
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) Decreases: Multiple decrease rounds systematically reduce stitches from 50 down to 5 stitches, shaping the crown
• Purl Two Together (P2tog) Decreases: Used in the first crown decrease round to maintain pattern continuity

Knitting Needles Required

• US Size 11 (8mm) circular needle, 16 inches long—for the ribbed brim
• US Size 15 (10mm) circular needle, 24 inches long—for the expanded body section
• Large double-pointed needles in US Sizes 11 (8mm), 13 (9mm), or 15 (10mm)—for the crown decreases when stitches become too few for circular needles
• One stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for Plymouth Yarn Encore Mega Colorspun in color 7157 Blue Mix. You will need 2 balls of 100 grams each to complete the project. Encore Mega Colorspun is a bulky-weight yarn that knits quickly on larger needles, making this an efficient project for beginners. The colorspun designation indicates the yarn features multiple colors blended throughout each strand, creating visual interest without requiring color changes during knitting.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked at a gauge of 8 stitches and 16 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on US Size 15 (10mm) needles. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions. The beret begins with 40 cast-on stitches at the brim, increases to 60 stitches for the body, then decreases progressively to shape the crown. The finished brim measures 20 inches in circumference, fitting an average adult head comfortably.

Construction Sequence

• Cast on 40 stitches using the smaller circular needle and join to work in the round
• Work 8 rounds of 1x1 ribbing to create the elastic brim edge
• Switch to the larger circular needle and work an increase round that adds 20 stitches purlwise, bringing the total to 60 stitches
• Work the pattern stitch (alternating knit and textured rounds) for 7½ inches from the cast-on edge
• Execute six decrease rounds that progressively reduce stitches from 50 to 5, shaping the crown
• Cut the yarn, draw it through the remaining 5 stitches, and fasten off
• Turn the completed hat inside out to display the finished appearance
• Weave in all yarn ends for a polished look