I think the variations possible with brioche stitch are very attractive. This slouchy beret takes advantage of Honeycomb Brioche worked in the round using two colors. As I was working the hat, I found that I actually liked the “wrong side” better, so I wrote the pattern so that either side of the hat could be used.

Note: This pattern is available as a combined pattern (e-book) with the Saunter Cowl.

For a pattern preview, click here.

Small (Large): 18 (22) in / 45.5 (56) cm hatband
Shown in size Large on a 22 inch head.

Yarn Notes:
To make this beret you will need worsted weight yarn in two colors. The yarn used was Berroco Ultra Alpaca, which is a 50% alpaca /50% wool blend. It knits to 5 st to the inch on size 7 US/4.5 mm needles. The yarn has a slight halo due to the alpaca. As shown:
Dark - 94 (110) yd / 86 (100) m - Shown in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Fig
Light - 65 (76) yd / 60 (70) m - Shown in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Pastel Blue

Needles:

• Size 5 US/3.75 mm
• Size 6 US/4.0 mm
• Size 8 US/5.0 mm 16 in/40 cm cable
• Size 8 US/5.0 mm preferred type for small circumference knitting

Gauge: 18 sts/36 rnds = 4 in/10 cm in Honeycomb Brioche stitch in the round using 2 colors with size 8 US/5 mm needles, blocked. To ensure correct size, take time to check gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers and a contrasting marker for beginning of round. Yarn needles for finishing and weaving in ends.

Construction: The hat band is knit flat in Crossed Brioche and then joined in the round for the crown. The hat band is knit in smaller needles than the crown.

This pattern contains both written and charted instructions as well as a blocking schematic and stitch diagrams.

Skills:

• Join to knit in the round
• Work brioche stitches - knit or purl stitches together with yarn overs
• k2tog/p2tog
• Slip stitches

Experience Level: Intermediate

Technical Notes: This pattern is 5 pages long in 12 pt font and 540 KB in size.