This is a “slouchier” version of my Twilight Mandala Beret. I love to crochet mandalas and with that in mind, created and adapted a mandala to use for a beret pattern. A friend of mine told me she prefers her hats to be able to cover all of her hair. Hence, this “slouchy” version of my mandala beret. I love how it turned out in these great colors and I think you’ll really enjoy working the pattern for this wearable work of art! You’ll want to make at least one for yourself and several to give as gifts. It’s stretchy, so one size fits most women. Perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, Birthdays, Mothers’ Day and many other occasions.

Size: The flat top part of the beret measures about 11.75” across. The head opening is designed to be stretchy, so one size fits most women. If you are making it for a small child, you might want to make 1 additional decrease on some or each of the decrease rows; if you are making it for a larger than average adult head size, you may want to make one less decrease on some or each of the decrease rows. Another option is to change to a larger (for large adult) or smaller (for child) hook size for Rows 14-23.

Skill Level: Some experience is helpful but patience and concentration is the key. An advanced beginner with some experience might find it a little challenging but should be able to handle it. For the experienced crocheter, the variety of colors and stitches should make it an interesting project.

Materials:

Hook: G Hook (4.25 MM) (See Gauge below and adjust hook size if needed)

Stitch Markers

Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, worsted weight, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 1 skein each of 5 colors. See colorways below.

Beret #1:
Color A Lullaby (24274)
Color B Cloud (23432)
Color C Spruce (23421)
Color D Turmeric (25651)
Color E Cranberry (23425)

Beret #2:
Color A Ciel (25984)
Color B Conch (25973)
Color C Silver (25977)
Color D Tranquil (25981)
Color E Cloud (23432)

Beret #3:
Color A Victorian (25980)
Color B Spruce (23421)
Color C Almond (25072)
Color D Fern (23433)
Color E Turmeric (25651)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 4 rows in single crochet equal about 1”. Adjust hook size to obtain gauge. Rows of single crochet are used to create the brim (the part where it curves in to the head opening), but the main section of the beret is worked in a variety of stitches. After Round 4, the piece should measure about 5” in diameter. After Round 10, it should be just under 11.5” in diameter (Round 11 adds just a tiny bit to the diameter - it is where the piece will start to curve for the brim, however, it will appear flat until you start your decreases on Round 14, so check your measurement at Round 10)

Stitches Used:

Chain
Skip stitch (es)
Single Crochet
Slip Stitch
Single Crochet Decrease
Half Double Crochet
Half Double Crochet Back Loop Only
Double Crochet
Double Crochet Back Loop Only
Treble Crochet
Front Post Half Double Crochet
Back Post Half Double Crochet

Special Stitches: DC Cluster (directions in pattern)