Berroco Bennington Accessory Knitting Pattern

Berroco Bennington Knitted Accessories

Overview

The Bennington is an intermediate-level knitting pattern designed by Amy Christoffers that includes two coordinating accessories: a fitted hat and a generous cowl. Both pieces showcase beautiful lace stitch work and are constructed using Berroco Mochi yarn, a soft and luxurious fiber perfect for close-to-the-face accessories.

Hat Construction

The hat is a classic in-the-round knitted design with finished measurements of approximately 18 inches around the bottom edge and 8½ inches in height. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked on smaller needles to create a snug, elastic edge that hugs the head comfortably. After establishing the rib pattern, knitters increase stitches and transition to larger needles to work the main lace pattern section, which creates an elegant drape and visual interest.

Cowl Construction

The cowl is a larger accessory measuring approximately 40 inches around the bottom edge, tapering to 32 inches around the top edge, with a length of 12 inches. Like the hat, the cowl is worked in the round using circular needles and features the same sophisticated lace stitch pattern, allowing for a coordinated set when both pieces are made in the same yarn color.

Stitches and Techniques

Both garments employ intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for crafters with foundational skills. The primary stitch work includes:

• Ribbed cuff: A K1, P2, K1 rib pattern that provides stretch and structure
• Lace pattern: Multi-round repeating motifs featuring yarn overs, slip stitches, knit two together decreases, and slip-slip-knit decreases that create openwork designs
• Increases: Make one increases distributed evenly to transition from the ribbed section to the lace pattern
• Decreases: Double decreases (slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) and paired decreases (SSK and K2tog) that balance yarn overs in the lace design

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Berroco Mochi, a premium yarn that provides a soft, smooth texture ideal for accessories worn close to the face. The hat requires 1 ball (50 grams) in colorway #3248 Aubergine, while the cowl requires 2 balls of the same yarn. The gauge is 16 stitches and 24 rounds over 4 inches in the pattern stitch on larger needles after blocking.

Needles and Notions

For the hat, knitters will need a 16-inch circular needle in sizes 6 (4mm) and 8 (5mm), one set of size 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles for the crown shaping, 8 stitch markers (with one in a contrasting color to mark the beginning of round), and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The cowl requires a 24-inch circular needle in sizes 6 (4mm) and 8 (5mm) and one stitch marker. Needle size may be adjusted to achieve the specified gauge.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

Designated as an intermediate project, the Bennington pattern assumes knitters are comfortable with circular needle techniques, reading lace charts or written instructions, managing multiple stitch markers, and executing decreases and yarn overs with consistency. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF, making it convenient for digital access and printing.