The Design

With Gallic or Highland flare, a beret or tam is flattering on virtually everyone. Its slightly slouchy shape can be pulled this way and that for style or down over the ears for warmth. The Studio Beret is made with a tall band, roomy crown, and a chunky-weight yarn knit on smaller needles for a little more sculptable structure and warmth.

We love exceptionally soft, chunky-weight yarns for the Studio Beret. For a super fluffy topper, we held Blue Sky Fibers Brushed Suri double. For a smoother, loftier fabric, we picked Blue Sky Fibers Techno.

This 2-page pattern includes:

• Color photography by Laura Gehring.
• Instructions for blocking and finishing your piece.

See how we've used this pattern!

The Details

FINISHED SIZES
Details given for smallest size; larger sizes in parentheses ( ). When only one number is given it applies to all sizes.

S (M, L): Approx. 18 (19, 20)"/46 (48, 51)cm around band, 8½ (9, 9¾)"/21.5 (23, 25)cm deep, and 10 (10½, 11)"/25.5 (26.5, 28)cm diameter at widest point, after blocking.

To fit 20½–21½ (21½–22½, 22½–23½)"/52–54.5 (54.5–57, 57–60)cm head, with approx. 2½–3½"/6–9cm negative ease at band.

YARN
Approx. 210 (240, 270) yds/192 (220, 247)m of DK-weight yarn held doubled; or approx. 105 (120, 135)yds/96 (110, 124)m of chunky-weight yarn held single.

Shown in cream in 2 skeins Blue Sky Fibers Brushed Suri (142 yds/130m each), Color 900, Whipped Cream, held doubled throughout. Model is wearing size M on 22"/56cm head.

Shown in navy in 1 skein Blue Sky Fibers Techno (120 yds/109m each), Color 1988, Tranquil, held single throughout. Model is wearing size M on 22"/56cm head.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 6 (4mm) 16"/40cm circular needle and set of 5 double-point needles, or size to obtain gauge.
US 4 (3.5mm) 16"/40cm circular needle, or 2 sizes smaller than gauge needle.
US 5 (3.75mm) 16"/40cm circular needle, or 1 size smaller than gauge needle.
7 locking markers (one in contrast color).
Darning needle to finish.
Dinner plate (or sturdy cardboard wrapped in plastic film) approx. 10 (10½, 11)"/25.5 (26.5, 28)cm in diameter and 1 yd/m smooth waste yarn for blocking

GAUGE
Approx. 17 sts/25 rounds = 4"/10cm in stockinette stitch, after blocking.

Errata & Clarifications

KNITTER'S NOTES
Choose a chunky yarn and knit it down to create a snug and structured beret. We like to use needles with sharp tips to help us with increases and decreases.

You'll want your finished beret to measure 2½–3½"/6–9cm less than your head circumference. This slight bit of negative ease helps your hat stay snugly on your head, but without popping off. Measure around the roundest part of your head—just above your ears, your brow, and around the back of your skull.