Radande Beret, Cowl, and Mitts Mittens Knitting Pattern

Radande Beret, Cowl, and Mitts in Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Overview

The Radande collection is a coordinated three-piece knit set designed by Alison Green, featuring a beret hat, cowl, and matching mitts. This intermediate-level knitting project uses Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn in five coordinating colorways, allowing knitters to create a cohesive accessory set with color blocking and patterned details.

What Is Being Made

• Beret Hat: A classic beret measuring approximately 18½ inches (47 cm) around the bottom edge and 9 inches (23 cm) high
• Cowl: A neck warmer measuring approximately 27½ inches (70 cm) around and 10 inches (25.5 cm) high
• Mitts: A pair of fingerless mittens, each measuring approximately 8 inches (20.5 cm) around and 8 inches (20.5 cm) long

Techniques Used

This intermediate knitting project employs several essential techniques for creating fitted, seamless accessories. Circular knitting is used throughout to create tubes without seams, utilizing both circular needles and double-pointed needles depending on the project component. Chart-based colorwork is a primary design element, with all three pieces following stitch patterns from provided charts. Gauge swatching and blocking are emphasized as critical steps to ensure accurate finished measurements. The pattern requires working in the round using the stockinette stitch as the base fabric, with increases and decreases to shape the beret crown and mitt openings.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout all three pieces, worked in the round to create a smooth, V-textured fabric
• Chart Stitches: Pattern-specific stitches worked from charts for both the hat and mitts (gauge: 24 stitches and 26 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm on larger needles) and the cowl (gauge: 21 stitches and 24 rounds = 4 inches / 10 cm on larger needles)
• Increases and Decreases: Used to shape the beret crown and create proper fit for the mitts

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, 100 grams per hank. The full set requires one hank each of five colorways: #6297 Lobster Mix (C1), #6209 Moonshadow (C2), #6288 Blueberry Mix (C3), #6280 Mahogany Mix (C4), and #62195 Hops (C5). This alpaca yarn creates a soft, luxurious fabric ideal for close-fitting accessories worn near the face and hands.

Needles for Hat: 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 6 (4 mm), plus one set of double-pointed needles size 6 (4 mm) for working the small circumference of the crown. Needle size should be adjusted as needed to obtain correct gauge.

Needles for Mitts: One set each of double-pointed needles or preferred small-circumference needles in sizes 3 (3.25 mm) and 6 (4 mm), with size adjusted to match gauge requirements.

Needles for Cowl: 24-inch (60 cm) circular needles in sizes 5 (3.75 mm) and 7 (4.5 mm), sized to obtain proper gauge.

Additional Notions: Five removable stitch markers (one in a different color to mark the beginning of round), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and waste yarn for holding stitches during mitt thumb construction.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Radande pattern is designed for knitters with foundational circular knitting experience. The pattern is provided as a downloadable PDF file, allowing crafters to access instructions and charts digitally. Proper gauge measurement after blocking is emphasized as essential for achieving the specified finished measurements.