1 x 50g ball Patons Orient DK  (Ecru)

1 x 50g ball Patons Studio Mohair DK (red)

28 Coats buttons - we used 14 cream shell buttons (0351), 5 red square (0491), 5 red shell (0469) and 4 red fish eye (0218)

Prym knitting needles, pair each 3 ¼ mm and 4mm (UK8)

22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm stocking st on 4mm needles or size needed to achieve stated tension.

Check your tension before starting. If there are too many stitches to 10cm, your tension is tight and you should change to a larger size needle. If there are too few, your tension is loose and you should change to a smaller size needle. It is essential to work to the stated tension, and we cannot accept responsibility for the finished product if any other yarn other than the specified yarn is used.

K=knit; P=purl; RS= right side; st(s)=stitch(es); patt=pattern; cm=centimetres; mm=millimetres; MS=main shade; C=contrast; cont=continue; rem=remaining; dec=decrease, by working 2 sts together; M1= by picking up horizontal loop lying before next st and working into back of it;

With 3 ¼ mm needles and MS, cast on 114 sts.

Row 1 – (RS), K2, *P2, K2; rep from * to end.
Row 2 – P2, *K2, P2; rep from * to end.
Rep these 2 rows for 3 cm, ending with row 1.

Increase row – Rib 4, M1( by picking up horizontal loop lying before next st and working into back of it), (rib 3, M1, rib 4, M1) 15 times, rib 5 (145 sts). 

Change to 4 mm needles and joining in colours as required and carrying yarn when not in use loosely up side of work, stripe patt thus;

Row 1 – (RS), in MS, K.

Row 2 – In MS, P.

Rows 3 to 6 – As rows 1 and 2, twice.

Rows 7 and 8 – As rows 1 and 2, using C instead of MS.

These 8 rows form stripe patt.

Cont in stripe patt and work a further 18 rows, thus ending with RS facing for next row.

Keeping stripe patt correct, shape crown thus:

Row 1 – (RS), K1, *K2tog, K16; rep from * to end (137 sts).

Row 2 – P.

Row 3 – K1, * K2tog, K15; rep fom * to end (129 sts).

Row 4 – P.

These 4 rows set shaping.

Cont thus, dec 8 sts on next and every foll alt row as before, working 1 st less between each dec until 9 sts rem. Break yarn, thread through rem sts, pull up tightly and fasten off securely.

Join seam. Cut a circle from white card approx. 30 cm diameter. Stretch beret over card and cover with a damp cloth. After 30 minutes, remove cloth and leave to dry flat, then place under a heavy weight for 24 hours. Remove card.

Sew on buttons around rib border as in photograph.