Beret Brained!

POSTED BY Tricia Royal, 29 November 2007

I'll admit it: I've got berets on the brain lately!

The style has become quite trendy in recent days, but it's really quite a fashion classic, for men, and women: its one of those pieces that will almost always continue to look chic, no matter the current rage.

Of course, i think that making your own beret (or own ANYTHING) is a heck of a lot more creatively and personally satisfying than merely plunking down your cash for one at an urban outfitters (or it's sartorial hipster equivalent). Making stuff is awesome and you know this, too: that's why you watch Threadbanger, right? :)

I think the key to making a beret that will be in for ages is the choice of yarn, and of course, the design. for me, classic stitches and simple patterns or thoughtful innovations on classic ideas win every time, style-wise, especially when paired with good, somewhat classic good-quality yarns. A beret is a small accessory, and you are not likely to need much yardage to get the beret deed done: it's the perfect excuse to splurge on a nice yarn. think wools, thick soft cottons, alapaca, mohair, even cashmere, or blends of any of the above. Save those squeaky acrylics for durables like blankets (or better yet...eschew that nasty stuff altogether, seriously!).

Wanna make your beret totally o' the moment? Think color! Pick a hue that's haute right this second, but preferably one that simultaneously suits your own idiosyncratic spin on style.

In my internet travels, I've come across some promising beret styles, ones i am actually considering taking for a spin on the ye olde needles. Below are some of my faves:

This moss stitch beret has a classic beret shape, but the moss stitch keeps it interesting, for the ladies *and* the guys. Big ups to the guy who designed it, Kent. Knitting is for everyone! His version has a little nub at the top, but to make it even more fun, add a giantically oversized pom-pom! 

This crocheted beret by Drops design is another classic shape, with beginner-tackle-able basic stitches. I'd imagine it would really come alive with yarn choice...and if you wanted it make it a bit more funky, you could add on a myriad of extras: a bunch of band pins, sparkly vintage brooches you thrifted, or perhaps a crocheted scrumbled flower. This hat proves that being so basic is a bonus.

Know how everything is oversized at the moment? this beautifully baggy beret by Anna of knitting up a storm fits right in with that aesthetic. A dark rich color would do it right. I see it with a reconstructed tee and slouchy, comfortable jeans.

More patterns that are in the running:

-This crocheted beret straight outta the 70s
-A hypnotic knitted chevron lace beret, a little more of a needlework challenge!

Some bonus beret-bits:

-If you're lucky enough to have a beta account, the fiber-centric social networking site Ravelry is a great place to peruse patterns for berets, or just about anything else you can fashion outta yarn. The site has links to free and paid patterns, and has a lot of helpful reviews, which is a total bonus.

-I have also had some luck looking for berets at Knitting pattern central and it's sister site, Crochet pattern central. It's not as easy to navigate as some sites as it's non-visual, but it's a good in that it has a generous collection of free patterns in one place.

-When seeking out beret patterns, think outside the box: do your damndest to overlook other people's yarn choices, and (sometimes not-so-good) photography. Try to envision the hat in your own yarn and color choice.

...and then, get stitchin'!