Materials
The Gourmet Beret begins with a simple hexagon motif, and that is exactly why it looks so relaxed and artistic. There is no complicated stitch pattern to memorize, just clusters and chain spaces that grow into a floppy, oversized beret. Gather everything first, then settle in for a few happy evenings of stitching.
- Yarn: bulky weight yarn. The designer used Bernat Fluffee for its light and lofty texture.
- Hook: 7 mm, US size K.
- Scissors.
- A smaller hook for weaving in ends.
That is the entire supply list, which makes this a lovely project for using a single skein of something soft.
Because the yarn is bulky, the fabric builds quickly, and the finished beret has that airy, slightly oversized drape that makes a beret feel effortless rather than fussy. If your first rounds feel dense and stiff, try a larger hook before you go any further.
Loose fabric is the goal here, and the pattern has a yield of 1 beret.
Abbreviations
Before you work the first stitch, it helps to know the shorthand. The pattern uses these abbreviations throughout:
- ch = chain
- dc = double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- ch sp = chain space
- dc3tog = double crochet 3 together, which is a decrease
Most of these will feel familiar if you have crocheted in the round before. The one worth practicing on a scrap of yarn is dc3tog. It gathers three stitches into one, and it is the stitch that shapes the crown of the beret.
The pattern also references a downloadable, printable crochet abbreviations chart, which is handy to keep beside you if you like a quick visual reminder while you work.
Pattern
The beret is worked in four parts: the hexagon top, the shaping rounds that draw the crown in, the brim, and a small finishing nubbin.
Each round is joined with a slip stitch, and the piece is turned at the start of most rounds, which gives the fabric a subtle texture.
The original pattern is published by The Snugglery, and you can follow along with the full Gourmet Beret pattern if you want the complete designer notes.
Top of the Beret (Hexagon motif)
This is where the beret is born. You build a small ring, then grow six clusters out of it, and those six clusters become six corners. Work rounds 1 through 6 as follows.
Round 1. Start with a slipknot, chain 4, and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. Chain 3, which counts as 1 double crochet, then work 1 double crochet in the ring. Chain 1, then work 2 double crochet in the ring.
Repeat the sequence of chain 1 and 2 double crochet in the ring 4 more times, chain 1, and slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain 3.
You now have 6 sets of 2 double crochet clusters with a chain 1 between each set.
Round 2. Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 double crochet in the chain space below, chain 1, then 2 double crochet in that same chain space, chain 1.
Now make a corner: work 2 double crochet in the next chain 1 space, chain 1, then 2 double crochet in that same space. Repeat the corner sequence around and slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 3. You should have 6 corners.
Rounds 3 through 6. Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 double crochet in the chain space below, chain 1. Then work a corner into each corner chain space, which means 2 double crochet, chain 1, 2 double crochet.
Between corners, work 2 double crochet and chain 1 into the regular chain 1 spaces. Repeat around, ending with a slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 3.
By round 6 the motif is wide and flat, and the hexagon shape is clearly visible. That is your cue to move on to the shaping.
Shaping the Beret
Now the fabric starts to curve. Round 7 keeps the stitch count steady, then four decrease rounds pull the crown in so the beret sits like a beret instead of a flat pancake.
Round 7, no increase. Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 double crochet in the chain space below, chain 1. Then work 2 double crochet in each next chain 1 space with a chain 1 between, repeating around, and slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 3.
Decrease Round 1. Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 double crochet in the chain space below. Counting that first 2 double crochet cluster, work a total of 5 clusters with chain 1 between them.
Then work a dc3tog decrease across the next two chain spaces, placing the center double crochet of the decrease between the 2 double crochet of the previous row. After that, work 10 clusters of 2 double crochet.
Repeat that combination until you have worked 3 dc3tog decreases in total, then work 5 more 2 double crochet clusters and slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 3 to complete the round.
Decrease Round 2. Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 double crochet in the chain space below. Counting that first cluster, work a total of 10 clusters with chain 1 between them.
Then skip the next chain space and work 10 clusters of 2 double crochet. Repeat until one chain space remains, then slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 3, skipping that last chain space.
Decrease Round 3. Chain 3 and turn. Work 1 double crochet in the chain space below. Counting that first cluster, work a total of 5 clusters with chain 1 between them.
Then skip the next chain space and work 9 clusters of 2 double crochet. Repeat until you have completed 3 decreases and 4 chain spaces remain, then work 4 clusters of 2 double crochet and slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 3.
Decrease Round 4. Before chaining or turning, slip stitch into the top of the next double crochet, then slip stitch to the next chain space. Chain 2 and turn. Begin a dc3tog across the next 2 chain spaces.
Chain 1 and work a total of 7 clusters with chain 1 between them, then work a dc3tog decrease across the next two chain spaces.
Repeat until you have worked 3 dc3tog decreases in total, then work 7 more clusters of 2 double crochet and slip stitch to your first dc3tog to close the round.
A quick note on the decreases: keep your chains relaxed. Tight chain spaces are the main reason shaping rounds feel fiddly, and a loose hand makes the dc3tog sit neatly without pulling the fabric.
Brim
The brim gives the beret its snug band and its polished edge.
Brim Round 1. Chain 1, and there is no need to turn. Work 1 single crochet in the same stitch, then single crochet in the next chain 1 space and single crochet between the next 2 double crochet.
Repeat that around and slip stitch to the first single crochet. You may also work 1 single crochet in the dc3togs from the previous row.
Brim Rounds 2 and 3, waistcoat stitch. Chain 1, then work 1 single crochet in the center of each single crochet post around, and slip stitch to the first single crochet. Fasten off after round 3.
The waistcoat stitch is what gives the brim its dense, firm texture. It works best when your tension stays loose, so let the yarn flow and resist the urge to tug.
Finishing Touch: The Nubbin
The nubbin is the little knot at the very top of the beret. It closes the center ring and adds that final charming detail.
- With a new length of yarn, make a slipknot with a tail about hand length long.
- Wrap the tail over the front of the hook and cross it over the working yarn.
- Yarn over with the working yarn and pull through 2 loops.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice more.
- Cut the working yarn and pull it through.
- Attach the nubbin to the top center of the beret, weaving both ends in opposite directions under the first round of stitches, then secure tightly to close up the chain 4 ring.
Pull firmly when you secure it. The nubbin should sit flat against the crown, not float above it.
Tips
Keep your tension loose on the brim rounds to make the waistcoat stitch easier. This is the single most useful piece of advice for this pattern, because the waistcoat stitch asks you to work into the post of each stitch rather than the top, and tight fabric makes that awkward.
For a fun twist, try alternating colors every round. The designer made one version with blue, black, and cream, and the color changes highlight the hexagon corners beautifully. If you change colors, carry the unused yarn loosely up the inside so it does not pull the fabric.
A few more things worth knowing:
- Work the hexagon rounds flat and check that the motif lies smooth before you begin the decreases.
- Count your clusters at the end of each shaping round. It is much easier to fix a missed cluster early than to unravel several rounds later.
- Choose a yarn with a bit of loft so the finished beret stays light rather than heavy.
- Block the beret lightly when you finish. It helps the brim settle into an even band.
Keep the brim rounds loose. A relaxed hand is what makes the waistcoat stitch comfortable and the finished band even.
The finished beret is cozy and stylish, and it works with almost any outfit. The designer invites makers to share their finished pieces online and tag her, which is a lovely way to see how the same pattern looks in different color combinations.
More Accessories
Berets are one of those accessories that make the rest of your crochet wardrobe more fun, and once you have the hexagon method in your hands, you can apply the same cluster and chain space logic to other hats and small wearables.
If you like projects that finish quickly and use up leftover bulky yarn, the Five Minute Fall Free Crochet Patterns collection is full of small makes that pair nicely with a handmade hat.
And if you want something tiny and giftable, the Free Crochet Pearl Oyster Keychain Pattern is a sweet little project that works well as a matching gift for the person who receives the beret.
Both are easy to work between the shaping rounds of this beret when you want a break from counting clusters. Keep your finished pieces in the same color family and you end up with a coordinated set that looks intentional rather than accidental.
And there you have it, a floppy, artistic beret that starts from one small hexagon and ends up feeling très chic. Happy crocheting.
FAQs
What yarn and hook size do I need for The Gourmet Beret?
The pattern requires bulky weight yarn and a 7mm crochet hook, which is a US size K. The designer recommends Bernat Fluffee for its light and lofty texture, but any bulky yarn works well. You will also need scissors and a smaller hook for weaving in ends.
How can I adjust the size of The Gourmet Beret pattern?
You can change your hook size by half a millimeter to make the beret larger or smaller. Working additional increase rounds in the hexagon motif section before the shaping rounds will also change the overall size. The pattern uses several decrease rounds to shape the crown and create the floppy fit.
What is the waistcoat stitch and how is it worked in the brim?
The waistcoat stitch, also called the center single crochet, is worked by inserting your hook into the center post of the single crochet stitch from the previous row. This creates a dense, woven-like ribbing that gives the brim a neat finish. Keeping your tension slightly loose on these rounds makes the stitch much easier to perform.
How do I make and attach the nubbin finishing touch?
The nubbin is a small decorative knot that finishes the top center of the beret. It is made separately by wrapping the yarn tail over the hook and pulling the working yarn through the loops. You attach it by weaving the ends in opposite directions under the first round of chain stitches and pulling tightly to close the center ring.
The Gourmet Beret
- Yield: 1 beret 1x
Description
Materials The Gourmet Beret begins with a simple hexagon motif, and that is exactly why it looks so relaxed and artistic. There is no complicated stitch pattern to memorize, just clusters and chain spaces that grow into a floppy, oversized beret.
Ingredients
Materials
Bulky weight yarn
7mm hook
Scissors
Smaller hook for weaving in ends
Instructions
Top of the Beret (Hexagon motif)
1-Start with a slipknot, ch 4, sl: Start with a slipknot, ch 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 1 dc in ring, *ch 1, 2 dc in ring; repeat from * 4 more times, ch 1, sl st to top of beginning ch-3. (6 sets of 2-dc clusters with ch-1 between)
2-Ch 3, turn, 1dc in the ch: Ch 3, turn, 1dc in the ch sp below, ch1, 2dc in the same ch sp, ch1. *2 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, 2 dc in same sp (corner made), ch 1*; repeat from * around, sl st to top of starting ch-3. (6 corners)
3-Ch 3, turn: Ch 3, turn. 1 dc in the ch sp below, ch1. *work a corner (2dc, ch1, 2dc) into the corner ch sp, ch1. 2dc, ch1 into regular ch1 spaces*; repeat from * around, ending with sl st to top of starting ch-3.
Shaping the Beret
4-Ch 3, turn: Ch 3, turn. 1dc in the ch sp below, ch1, *2 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1*; repeat from * around, sl st to top of staring ch-3.
5-Ch 3, turn: Ch 3, turn. 1dc in the ch sp below. Counting that first 2dc cluster, work a total of 5 clusters with ch 1s bewteen them. *dc3tog decrease across the next two ch spaces (work the center dc of the decrease between the 2dc of the prev row). Then, work 10 2dc clusters*; repeat from * until you’ve worked 3 dc3tog decreases total, then work 5 more 2dc clusters. Sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd.
6-Ch 3, turn: Ch 3, turn. 1dc in the ch sp below. Counting that first 2dc cluster, work a total of 10 clusters with ch 1s bewteen them. *skip the next ch sp, Then, work 10 2dc clusters*; repeat from * until one ch sp remains, sl st to the top of your starting ch3, skipping that last chain space.
7-Ch 3, turn: Ch 3, turn. 1dc in the ch sp below. Counting that first 2dc cluster, work a total of 5 clusters with ch 1s bewteen them. *skip the next ch sp, Then, work 9 2dc clusters*; repeat from * until you’ve completed 3 decreases (skipping ch spaces) and 4 ch sps remain, work 4 2dc clusters and sl st to the top of your starting ch3 to complete the rnd.
8-Before chaining or turning, slip stitch into: Before chaining or turning, slip stitch into the top of the next dc, and slip stitch to the next ch sp. Then, ch2 and turn. Begin completing a dc3tog across the next 2 ch sps. *Ch1 and work a total of 7 clusters with ch 1s bewteen them. dc3tog decrease across the next two ch spaces; repeat from * until you’ve worked 3 dc3tog decreases total, then work 7 more 2dc clusters. Sl st to your first dc3tog to complete the rnd.
Brim
9-Ch 1 (no need to turn) sc: Ch 1 (no need to turn) sc in same st, *sc in next ch-1 sp, sc between next 2 dc; repeat from * around, sl st to first sc. (you make work 1sc in the dc3togs from the prev row as well)
10-Ch 1, sc in center of each: Ch 1, sc in center of each sc post around, sl st to first sc.
11-Fasten off: Fasten off.
Finishing Touch: The Nubbin
12-With a new yarn, make a slipknot: With a new yarn, make a slipknot with a tail about hand-length long.
13-Wrap the tail over the front of: Wrap the tail over the front of the hook, cross it over the working yarn.
14-Yarn over with working yarn, pull through: Yarn over with working yarn, pull through 2 loops.
15-Repeat steps 2-3 twice more: Repeat steps 2-3 twice more.
16-Cut working yarn and pull through: Cut working yarn and pull through.
17-Attach the nubbin to the top center: Attach the nubbin to the top center of the beret, weaving both ends, in opposite directions, under the first round of stitches and secure tightly to close up the ch4 ring.
- Method: other
Keywords: The Gourmet Beret, crochet pattern