Featuring a relatively ornate center and a hex-mesh fill, this beret is a great introduction to working lace in rounds. Once you understand how a beret is constructed, you can follow the general instructions to use fingering- or sock-weight yarn to turn any other eight-wedge doily into a similar beret.
About 16" (40.5 cm) in circumference; will stretch comfortably to 19" (48.5 cm).
Fingering weight (#1 Extra Fine).
Shown here: Malabrigo Sock (100% superwash merino wool; 440 yd [402 m]/100 g): Indicita, 1 skein.
Beret: U.S. size 2 (2.75 mm): set of 5 double-pointed (dpn) and 16" and 24" (40 and 60 cm) circular (cir).
Bind-off: U.S. size 4 (3.5 mm), or any needle that’s one to two sizes larger than used for the beret.
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Size 2 (2.25 mm) steel crochet hook for circular cast-on; stitch marker (m); tapestry needle; 11" (28 cm) dinner plate and coffee can for blocking.
12 sts and 20 rnds = 2" (5 cm) according to Rnds 61–72 of Giverny chart, worked in rnds on smaller needles, after blocking.
With crochet hook, use Emily Ocker’s Circular method (see Techniques) to CO 8 sts. Divide sts evenly on 4 dpn so that there are 2 sts on each needle. Place marker and join for working in rnds, being careful not to twist sts. Slip marker every rnd.
Knit 1 rnd.
Work Rnds 1–44 of Giverny Chart, changing to progressively longer cir needle as necessary—200 sts.
Rep Rnds 41–44 three more times, then work Rnds 45–77, changing to shorter cir needle as necessary—96 sts rem.
With larger needle, BO as foll: K2, *return 2 sts just worked to left needle tip, k2tog, k1; rep from *, ending k2tog.
Cut yarn, leaving a 9" (23 cm) tail. Bring tail through rem st and pull tight to secure.
Weave in loose ends but do not trim the tails.
Soak in cool water at least 30 minutes (washing and rinsing if necessary). Roll in a towel to remove excess water. Place beret over an 11" (28 cm) dinner plate, gently stretching the top “flower” so that it lies flat and using your fingers to block into shape. Place the plate over the coffee can, allowing the headband to hang below the plate.
Allow to air-dry completely before moving.
Trim tails on woven-in ends.
