Try One of These Delightful, Stylish, and Free Beret Patterns!

Tired of beanies? Try knitting a sleek and chic beret for a fun change of pace

Have you grown tired of knitting beanies?

Beanies are, of course, endlessly practical and versatile. But sometimes you might feel like you can only figure out so many ways to make them unique. 😳

Perhaps it’s time for you to consider a different hat shape.

How about a beret?

An Elegant Take on a Hat

Berets, as you probably know, originated in France. Their defining feature is a soft, flat crown. They differ from the beanie in that they are usually not worn tightly to the head, but instead, stand out around the sides and back.

A similar type of hat, called the tam-o’-shanter or simply “tam” for short, is popular in Scotland. Tams differ from berets in that they often hold an exterior hat band at the bottom and a pom-pom at the top center.

However, the terms “beret” and “tam” are often used interchangeably. (Probably not by the French or Scots, though!) 😉

Ultimately, there’s something about the classic beret that makes its wearer seem infinitely more fashionable. (Did that sentence make me want to immediately knit myself a beret? … I plead the fifth. 🤐)

If you’d like to give beret knitting a try–for charity, for gift-giving, or for yourself–I’ve gathered a collection of lovely, stylish beret patterns! They move from simple to not-so-much… but all of them will be fun to knit.

Surprisingly Simple Beret Patterns

1. Streets of Paris

• What you’ll need to make it: 250 yards sport weight yarn (pattern calls for sport weight held together with lace weight–this is optional); US Size 2 and 3 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; 20- to 25-inch-long elastic; stitch markers

• Why you’ll want to: This beret is the simplest of the bunch, but it’s still cute and cozy. I love the little stem at the top!

2. Baby Rollin’ Beret

• What you’ll need to make it: 100 yards Aran/light worsted weight yarn; US Size 7 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round

• Why you’ll want to: This is essentially a baby/child’s version of Streets of Paris, aside from the rolled brim. If you’d like to get your feet wet with beret knitting (and end up with an adorable gift for a baby or child, to boot), try this sweet pattern!

3. Starving Artist

• What you’ll need to make it: 104 to 130 yards bulky weight yarn; US Size 10.5 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round

• Why you’ll want to: I have seen very few 1 x 2 ribbed stitch patterns, and I love the effect it produces in this unique yet simple-to-knit beret. The texture is glorious!

Tantalizing Trickier Beret Patterns

4. One-Day Beret

• What you’ll need to make it: At least 200 yards of the yarn of your choice; circular needles and/or DPNs (depending on how you prefer to knit in the round) appropriate for your yarn weight, plus a second set 1 size smaller

• Why you’ll want to: This is probably the easiest of the “trickier” patterns, but nonetheless it isn’t for beginners. It’s more a recipe and tutorial for creating a beret (with any weight of yarn) that’s a perfect fit for your head. You’ll need a working knowledge of hat construction to make it work.
  
  But if you have the necessary experience and knowledge, it’s a great way to custom-design your own tam!

5. Meret (Mystery Beret)

• What you’ll need to make it: 225 yards Aran/light worsted weight yarn; US Size 7 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; 10 to 12 stitch markers;

• Why you’ll want to: This is a sweet, lacy pattern that makes a lovely introduction to lace knitting in beret form. Its name stems from its offering as a mystery knit-along when it was first published.

6. Brambles

• What you’ll need to make it: 220 to 250 yards worsted weight yarn; US Size 4 and 6 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; cable needle or spare DPN; scrap yarn; balloon or plate (for blocking)

• Why you’ll want to: Not only does this hat feature stunning cable work–with a petal-like design on top–but the pattern also offers three variations. Depending on how long you knit the hat body (and how you block it), you can create a snug beanie, a slouchier beanie, or a full beret.

7. Opus Spicatum

• What you’ll need to make it: 138 yards Aran/light worsted weight yarn, in two different colors; US Size 6 and 9 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round

• Why you’ll want to: This could be a good way to try your hand at stranded colorwork. The herringbone two-color pattern isn’t terribly difficult, but the results are beautiful!

8. Three Tams

• What you’ll need to make it: 109 yards solid color worsted weight yarn, and another 109 yards variegated worsted weight yarn; US Size 4 and 6 circular needles and/or DPNs, depending on how you prefer to knit in the round; 10.5 inch diameter plate (for blocking)

• Why you’ll want to: Its name comes from the three exquisite Fair Isle design variations. Each hat is constructed in exactly the same way, it simply features a different design. Using one variegated color yarn creates an even more spectacular design while working with only 2 different yarns!

Pick one or try them all; you’re sure to have fun knitting any of these popular free beret patterns!