The Design

This simple, urbane beret employs a DK-weight cashmere yarn knit down to a fingering gauge for a cozy, dense fabric that’s soft on even the smoothest pate. The flattering shape looks great on men and women alike. And it’s very ‘Euro’—our friend Craig wore his on a trip to Paris and tourists kept asking him for directions!

See how we've used this pattern!

The Details

FINISHED SIZES
Small adult/large child: 19"/48cm around band.
Medium adult: 21"/53cm around band.

YARN
1 skein Hand Maiden 4-Ply Cashmere (185 yds/170m).
Or approx. 185 yds/170m of an equivalent dk-weight yarn that will compress nicely, or a fingering-weight yarn such as Brooklyn Tweed Loft.

NEEDLES
US 2 (2.75mm) 16"/40cm circular and double-points, or size to get gauge.
US 1 (2.25mm) 16"/40cm circular, or 1 size smaller than size to get gauge.

GAUGE
28 sts/38 rows = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch.

KNITTER'S NOTES
While getting the correct gauge is important in determining your beret's finished measurement, the blocking steps are equally important. If you don't have a dinner plate with the proper diameter, consider cutting a proper-sized disc out of foam core or corrugated cardboard. It will come in handy if you ever want to re-block your beret, and for all the subsequent berets you will be asked to knit!