Valley Yarns Boracite Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Boracite Lace Beret

What Is Being Made

The Boracite is a classic lace beret designed by Julie Turjoman, updated with contemporary construction techniques. This intermediate-level knit hat features a snug ribbed band and elegant lace patterning throughout, making it an ideal accessory for spring and breezy weather. The beret is available in three sizes to fit head circumferences of 18–19 inches (small), 20–21 inches (medium), and 22–23 inches (large).

Techniques Used

This beret is worked seamlessly in the round from the ribbed band upward to the crown, eliminating the need for seaming. The construction begins with a fitted ribbed band that provides structure and comfort around the head. The design incorporates lace patterning throughout the body and crown sections, creating an open, decorative fabric. Decreases are strategically placed within the lace pattern to shape the crown, gradually reducing stitches as you work toward the top. The pattern includes a dedicated crown decrease section that uses paired decreases to cinch the top of the beret closed.

Stitches Used

The Boracite employs fundamental knitting stitches combined with lace techniques. Core stitches include:

• Knit and purl stitches for the ribbed band and base structure
• Yarn overs (yo) to create the open lace motif
• Knit two together (k2tog) for right-leaning decreases
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) for left-leaning decreases
• Slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (sk2p) for double decreases within the lace pattern
• Knit into front and back (k1fb) for increases

The lace pattern repeats over 16 rows in the body section, then transitions to a crown decrease pattern that continues until only a small number of stitches remain for gathering.

Materials and Tools

The Boracite calls for 2 skeins of Valley Yarns Sunderland, a yarn composed of 100% Baby Alpaca that provides softness and coziness. Each skein contains 50 grams and 109 yards of fiber. The sample shown is worked in the Plum colorway.

Needles required include a US 6 (4.00 mm) circular needle, 16 inches long, paired with US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles for the ribbed band and for working the crown when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles. Additional materials include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and gathering the crown closure.

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 22 stitches and 30 rounds over 4 inches in the lace pattern when blocked using the US 6 needle. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements.