Debbie Bliss Nancy Beret & Hand Warmers Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Nancy Beret & Hand Warmers

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern includes two coordinated accessories: a beret hat and a pair of hand warmers (wrist warmers). Both pieces are designed to fit an average-sized adult, with the hand warmers available in two sizing options: small/medium and medium/large. These are classic, practical accessories that can be worked in complementary colorways.

Craft and Techniques

Both the beret and hand warmers are created using knitting techniques. The primary construction method is worked in the round, which creates seamless, tubular fabric ideal for hats and wrist wear. This technique eliminates the need for seaming and produces a polished, professional finish. The pattern is classified as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to progress beyond basic projects.

The beret features strategic shaping through increases and decreases. Increases are created using the make 1 (m1) stitch technique, which adds stitches evenly across rounds to expand the fabric. Decreases are worked using knit 2 together (k2tog), which reduces stitch count to shape the crown of the beret. The hand warmers use similar decrease techniques to create a fitted finish at the wrist.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k): The foundation stitch used throughout both projects, creating smooth stockinette stitch fabric
• Purl stitch (p): Referenced in pattern abbreviations for potential ribbing or textured sections
• Make 1 (m1): An increase stitch used to add stitches for shaping the beret's crown
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A decrease stitch used to shape both the beret crown and hand warmer cuffs
• Stockinette stitch: The primary stitch pattern, created by alternating knit and purl rows (or knit rounds when working in the round), producing a smooth, classic fabric

Materials and Needles

The pattern calls for two coordinating Debbie Bliss yarns worked together throughout:

• Debbie Bliss Angel: 2 balls of 25g/9-10oz each in Sunset 056 (a warm, peachy tone)
• Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal: 2 hanks of 50g/1¾oz each in Strawberry 32 (a rosy red shade)

The pattern requires multiple needle sizes to accommodate the different gauges and construction methods:

• 40cm/16in long 4.5mm (US 7) circular needle for larger sections
• 40cm/16in long 4mm (US 6) circular needle for ribbing or smaller sections
• 4.5mm (US 7) set of double-pointed needles for transitioning when the circular needle becomes too large
• 4mm (US 6) set of double-pointed needles for detailed shaping
• Pair of 4.5mm (US 7) straight knitting needles (alternative option)
• Pair of 4mm (US 6) straight knitting needles (alternative option)

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The beret is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over a 10cm/4in square using 4.5mm (US 7) needles in stockinette stitch. The finished beret measures 54cm/21¼ inches in circumference and 19–21cm/7½–8¼ inches in height from cast-on edge to crown, depending on sizing. The hand warmers are proportioned to fit small/medium or medium/large hands comfortably.

Both yarns are held together throughout the entire project, creating a blended color effect and adding depth and texture to the finished accessories. This coordinated set makes an ideal gift or personal project for adding warmth and style to a winter wardrobe.