Merle Beret & Wristlets Hat Knitting Pattern

Merle Beret & Wristlets in Juniper Moon Farm Patagonia

What Is Being Made

The Merle collection features a coordinating set of two knitted accessories designed by Claudia Wersing: a classic beret and matching wristlets. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a cohesive Nordic-inspired ensemble perfect for adding warmth and style to any wardrobe. The beret offers a relaxed, slightly stretched fit, while the wristlets provide a snug, functional accent piece.

Garment Details & Finished Measurements

Beret: Available in three sizes to accommodate different head circumferences. The beret is designed to fit head circumferences of 18 (19½, 21¼) inches or 46 (50, 54) centimeters, with an actual finished circumference (slightly stretched) of 19 (19¾, 21¼) inches or 48 (52, 56) centimeters. The length measures 8¾ inches or 22 centimeters from crown to brim.

Wristlets: These companion pieces measure 6 inches or 15 centimeters in length with a circumference of 7½ inches or 19 centimeters, making them suitable for most wrist sizes.

Knitting Techniques & Stitches

This intermediate project employs several essential knitting techniques worked primarily in the round using circular and double-pointed needles. The construction demonstrates proper gauge management and stitch pattern integration.

• Stockinette Stitch (in rounds): The foundation stitch worked by knitting every round, creating the smooth, classic fabric base for both pieces.
• Ribbed Stitches: A 2x2 rib pattern (K2, P2 repeat) provides elasticity and structure, particularly useful for the beret's brim and wristlet edges.
• Cable Pattern in Rib: A more complex stitch pattern combining ribbing with cable work. Rounds 1–3 alternate knit and purl stitches in a divisible-by-6 pattern (*K4, P2), while Round 4 introduces a C4F cable cross (slip 2 stitches to cable needle, knit 2, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle) to create textured interest.
• Slip Stitch Pattern: A decorative stitch worked over 5-stitch repeats, with knit stitches alternating with slipped stitches (yarn held at back), repeated across multiple rounds for visual texture.
• Bobble Stitch: An advanced embellishment technique where multiple stitches are created into a single stitch, worked back and forth, then decreased back to one stitch to form a three-dimensional bobble.
• Cable Cross (C4F): A fundamental cable technique requiring a cable needle to create twisted rope-like textures throughout the pattern.
• Increases & Decreases: Shaping techniques including even increases distributed across rounds to expand the beret crown and decreases to shape the finished edges.

Materials & Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 1 x 100-gram hank of Juniper Moon Farm Patagonia in color 101 Light Grey. This yardage is sufficient for completing both the beret and wristlets as a coordinated set.

Needles & Notions: The project requires US 4/3.5mm circular needles measuring 24 inches or 60 centimeters long for the main beret construction, paired with a matching set of US 4/3.5mm double-pointed needles for transitioning to smaller circumferences as the crown decreases. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable pattern stitches. The pattern notes that LYKKE® needles are recommended for best results, suggesting these needles provide optimal performance for this design.

Gauge & Pattern Specifications

Achieving the correct gauge is critical for proper fit. The pattern specifies 22 stitches and 40 rows equal 4 inches or 10 centimeters when measured over Stockinette stitch using US 4/3.5mm knitting needles. Knitters should swatch and adjust needle size as needed to obtain this gauge before beginning the project, ensuring the finished beret and wristlets achieve their intended dimensions and drape.

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and includes a comprehensive glossary for reference, making it accessible