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This is an extra slouchy beret inspired by a delightfully odd bird - the flamingo! From its unusual legs and elongated curvy feathers, to its crustacean- and algae-sourced coloring, to its quirky step-and-neck-turn mating dance, flamingoes definitely stand out. I like to imagine this beret is something a flamingo would wear strolling down the street! Long ribbed stripes are interspersed with an unusual lace pattern, and the crown is topped with a small I-cord loop (if desired) to add a bit of jaunty charm to your beret!

Worked in the round from the brim to the crown, this hat is easily adjustable in size. Both written and charted instructions are provided. Just remember - this hat is VERY slouchy!!

SIZES: 1 (2, 3)
Brim circumference (after blocking, but unstretched): 18 (20, 22)“ / 45.7 (50.8, 55.9) cm
Body circumference at widest point (after blocking / unstretched): 27 (30, 33)” / 68.6 (76.2, 83.8) cm
Height: 7.25 (8.25 , 9.25)“ / 18.4 (21, 23.5) cm

YARN:
This pattern uses one strand of worsted weight and one strand of lace mohair held together. 200 yds / 182 m of worsted weight yarn should be enough to knit any of the three sizes given. I recommend having a little more than that amount in lace mohair to account for possible differences in knitting tension.

Sample is shown in KnittyAndColor Indie Rock Worsted (100 % Superwash Merino; 218 yds / 199 m, 3.5 oz / 100 g) in colorway “Flamenco Flamingo,” and FibreArtStudio Brushed Kid Mohair Silk Lace (72% Kid Mohair, 28% Silk; 459 yds / 420 m, 1.75 oz / 50 g) in colorway “Cotton Candy.”

NEEDLES:
4.0 mm / US 6 size circular needles, or whatever size attains gauge for k2, p2 brim
4.5 mm / US 7 size circular, and optionally double-pointed, needles or one needle size above gauge needles

This beret is meant to be blocked generously for plenty of slouch and to show off the lace. Since berets are often blocked over plates or balloons, and the slouchiness of this beret means there’s a lot of fabric draping downwards, the brim may end up being more stretched out than it would be otherwise. For a tighter brim, you can go down an additional needle size so the brim is worked TWO needle sizes below the size used for the body.

NOTIONS: Darning needle, stitch marker

A note about gauge: Because this is such a stretchy beret, gauge will probably vary from knitter to knitter. When I re-blocked my hat to take the pictures for this pattern, I used my new favorite method (described in the Finishing section) and my gauge ended up being a bit smaller than it was originally! (Original gauge is listed in the Gauge section below). The important thing is to have a hat that fits well and gives you the fabric you want. If you are happy with it, don’t worry about achieving exact gauge!

GAUGE (both yarns held together / measured after blocking):
Brim: 16 sts / 28 rounds to 4” / 10 cm in k2, p2 ribbing
Body: Gauge will vary based on how aggressively hat is blocked; the hat sample has a gauge of approximately 16 sts / 28 rounds to 4” / 10 cm in lace pattern (see Body written instructions on page 3, or the charts on page 5)

For a quick demo on my favorite method for blocking slouchy hats, see my Reel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZ2gdeEJWke/?utm_source=ig...

A HUGE thank you goes to:

Tech editor: Susan Hislop

Test knitters:
Amanda (@stitch.banshee),
Rav user WoolcraftbyCarol (@Carol_Bodnarchuk),
Rav user EntrelaceQueen