Classic Elite Yarns Viewpoints From Folly Cove - Annisquam Beret

Annisquam Beret by Julia Farwell-Clay

What Is Being Made

The Annisquam Beret is a classic knitted hat inspired by prints by Peggy Norton, a member of the Folly Cove Designers group based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. This intermediate-level beret features a structured casing band and adjustable fit, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various head sizes. The design celebrates the artistic heritage of the Annisquam neighborhood through its colorwork details and refined construction.

Techniques Used

This beret is constructed using several advanced knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Seamless, worked in the round: The entire beret is knitted in continuous rounds, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a smooth, professional finish.
• Bottom-up construction: The beret is worked from the brim upward to the crown, allowing for easy adjustments and a natural shaping progression.
• Stranded colorwork: Fair Isle patterning is incorporated into the casing band, requiring the knitter to work with multiple yarn colors simultaneously while maintaining even tension across the strands.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The Annisquam Beret is primarily worked in stockinette stitch (St st), which creates the smooth, classic fabric characteristic of traditional berets. The Fair Isle pattern on the casing band introduces color changes and pattern complexity, though this decorative element may be omitted for a simpler version. The brim features a casing band designed to accommodate a silk satin ribbon for adjustable fit.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Proper gauge is essential for this project: 22 stitches and 28 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles. The finished beret measures 18 (19½, 21) inches in brim circumference across three sizes (S, M, L), with the shown example in size M. The fit is adjustable through a silk satin ribbon threaded through the brim casing, allowing for customization even after completion.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Color by Kristin yarn by Classic Elite Yarns, a premium blend of 50% wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% mohair. Each 50-gram ball yields 93 yards. The color palette includes:

• Color A (Sage): 2 balls, color #3218
• Color B (Deep Forest): 1 ball, color #3212
• Color C (Julia's Pink): 1 ball, color #3289
• Color D (Sunflower): 1 ball, color #3250

The yarn's blend of natural fibers provides warmth, elasticity, and a luxurious feel appropriate for a refined hat design.

Needles and Notions

The Annisquam Beret requires circular needles in sizes US 5 and 6 (3.75 and 4 mm) in a 16-inch length, as well as double-pointed needles (dpn) in size US 6 (4 mm) for working the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a 2-yard length of 2-inch silk satin ribbon for the adjustable brim casing. A large safety pin is used to secure the ribbon during threading.

Skill Level and Design Notes

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colorwork and shaping techniques. The design emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning, as accurate gauge directly affects the finished measurements and fit. Knitters are advised to work the hat close to their actual head measurement and then use the ribbon casing to fine-tune the fit. The Fair Isle pattern on the casing band is optional, allowing knitters to simplify the project if preferred.