When I began Shescrafty Knits over 7 years ago I was selling knitted baby hats, cardigans and booties that were hand knitted by my fine group of knitters here in New Zealand. One of the of the most popular hats was the Petite Beret which is now included in my baby pattern book Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. We have knit this cap in hundreds of color combinations over the years and the possibilities are endless. Since the Petite Beret pattern in my book go up to age 3, I thought I would include the pattern here for ages 4-8 years for those of you who's girls are growing up before your eyes.
Girls Petite Beret (ages 4-8)
Size
To fit girls age 4-8 years
Materials
*50g Ball of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino or other DK/semi worsted yarn.
*Yarn of choice for i-cord (fingering/4ply works best)
*1 Pair US 3 (3.25mm)knitting needles.
*1 Pair US 5 (3.75mm) knitting needles.
*2 double pointed needles US 5 (3.75mm)
Gauge
24sts and 32 rows to 4” (10cm) on larger needles in st st.
Cap
Using smaller needles, CO 90 sts loosley.
Work 8 rows in K1, P1 rib.
Change to 3.75mm (US 5) needles.
Next row: *(K1, inc) 15x; (k2, inc) 7x; k1 rep from * to end (156 sts).
Next Row: Purl
Work eyelet row as follows: K4, *yo, k2tog, k2, rep from * to end
Next Row: Purl
Work 14 rows of st st.
Shape Crown
1st row: K1, *K15, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
2nd and alt rows: P
3rd row: K1, *K14, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
5th row: K1, *K13, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
7th row: K1, *K12, K2tog, rep from * to last 2 sts, k2
Continue to decrease in this way on every following alt row until 21 sts remain.
Next row: Purl
Next Row: K1, K2tog 10 times.
Thread wool through remaining 11 sts and fasten off securely.
Make i-Cord
CO 3 sts using double pointed needles.
Knit, don't turn.
Slip the sts back to the beginning of the needle and k the row again.
Continue in this manner until you have a short length of knitting, pull down on the cord and the gap at the back will close.
Continue until the cord is the 30” (76cm).
Thread the yarn through the sts and pull firmly.
Finishing
Press fabric according to instructions on ball. Using back stitch, join seam.
Starting at the side towards the front, weave i-cord through eyelets and tie a bow at open end.
