Valley Yarns Nieve Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Nieve Knit Beret

What is Being Made

The Nieve is a luxurious knit beret designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring an on-trend silhouette with a narrow ribbed band and elegantly gored crown. This sophisticated hat is crafted from Valley Yarns Peru, a premium blend of 84% baby alpaca, 8% Merino wool, and 8% nylon that provides exceptional warmth and softness ideal for cold-weather wear. The beret is available in three sizes to fit head circumferences of 18"-19" (small), 20"-21" (medium), and 22"-23" (large), making it a versatile accessory for various wearers.

Construction Techniques

The Nieve employs several key knitting techniques that create its distinctive shape and refined finish:

• Seamless, in-the-round construction: The entire beret is worked in one continuous piece from the ribbed brim to the crown, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a polished, professional appearance.
• Bottom-up approach: Knitting begins at the band and progresses upward toward the crown, allowing for easy adjustments to fit and width as the piece develops.
• Gored shaping: The crown features strategic increases and decreases that create six distinct gores, which give the beret its characteristic rounded, elegant silhouette.
• I-cord finishing: A decorative i-cord knot tops the beret, adding a refined detail that anchors the crown shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Nieve utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision to achieve its structured yet graceful form:

• Ribbing (K1/P1): The brim is worked in alternating knit and purl stitches for approximately 1" to 2" depending on size, creating an elastic band that holds the hat securely on the head while maintaining comfort.
• Stockinette stitch: The crown is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (knit every round), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a refined appearance.
• Make One (M1) increases: Used during the crown expansion phase to increase stitches evenly and create the gored structure.
• Knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases: These paired decreases are worked symmetrically on either side of each gore marker to shape the crown and gradually reduce stitches toward the top.

Materials and Tools

Creating the Nieve requires specific materials chosen for both their functional and aesthetic qualities:

• Yarn: Valley Yarns Peru in colorway 06 Sagebrush; 2 balls are required. Each ball contains 50 grams and 109 yards, providing ample yardage for all three sizes.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) needles are used throughout, including a 16-inch circular needle for the brim and crown, with double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the final crown decreases when stitch count becomes too small for circular needles.
• Notions: Stitch markers are essential for tracking the six gore sections during crown shaping, and a tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends and securing the i-cord knot.

Gauge and Density

Achieving proper gauge is critical to the success of the Nieve. The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 26 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked, using US 7 (4.5mm) needles. The pattern notes that smaller-than-normal needles are intentionally used to add density and structure to the beret's shape, ensuring it holds its elegant form and does not become too loose or floppy.

Difficulty Level

The Nieve is classified as an advanced beginner project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more sophisticated shaping. The pattern requires competency with circular needle techniques, working in the round, stitch markers, and various increase and decrease methods. The gored crown shaping, while not overly complex, demands attention to detail and marker placement. The i-cord finishing adds a decorative element that enhances the knitter's skill set.