Crochet Elegant Mustard Sunburst Beret Free Pattern
Crochet Elegant Mustard Sunburst Beret Free Pattern
Introduction
This elegant mustard sunburst beret is a wonderful project for anyone who wants a stylish, wearable accessory without a complicated pattern. It is beginner-friendly, using only double crochet, single crochet and simple decreases, yet the openwork body gives it a beautiful radial sunburst effect that looks far more advanced than it is. Worked in worsted weight yarn, the beret is soft, warm and lightweight, with a gently slouchy top and a neat fitted brim. Whether you are new to crochet or a seasoned maker looking for a quick gift, this beret is a joy to make and lovely to wear on a sunny day out.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in mustard, approximately 150–200 yards (one skein is plenty).
- Hook: Size H / 5 mm crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional, for marking the beginning of each round).
- Finished size: Flat top diameter approximately 10 inches (25 cm); brim circumference approximately 21 inches (53 cm) unstretched, to fit an average adult head of 21–23 inches.
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sk: skip
- sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
Gauge
16 dc and 8 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) in double crochet after blocking. To check, crochet a small swatch in the round and measure it after gently blocking; adjust your hook size if needed so the beret fits as intended.
Tips Before You Start
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place; the ch 2 at the start of dc rounds does not count as a stitch.
- Keep your tension even and slightly relaxed so the openwork body drapes softly rather than standing stiff.
- When working the eyelet rounds, always count your ch-1 spaces — each repeat should contain exactly one, keeping the stitch count at 96.
- Blocking is what gives a beret its shape, so plan to wet-block or steam-block the finished piece over a plate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Top of Beret
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 2 (does not count as dc here and throughout), 12 dc into ring, join with sl st to first dc (12 sts).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc around, join (24 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc*, repeat from * to * around, join (36 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *dc in next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc*, repeat from * to * around, join (48 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, *dc in next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc*, repeat from * to * around, join (60 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *dc in next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc*, repeat from * to * around, join (72 sts).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, *dc in next 5 dc, 2 dc in next dc*, repeat from * to * around, join (84 sts).
Rnd 8: Ch 2, *dc in next 6 dc, 2 dc in next dc*, repeat from * to * around, join (96 sts).
Body of Beret
Rnd 9: Ch 2, dc in each dc around, join (96 sts).
Rnd 10: Ch 2, *dc in next 11 dc, sk next dc, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around, join (96 sts including ch spaces).
Rnd 11: Ch 2, *dc in next 11 dc, dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1*, repeat from * to * around, join (96 sts including ch spaces).
Rnds 12–13: Repeat Rnd 11 (96 sts including ch spaces).
Brim
Rnd 14: Ch 1, sc in each dc and ch space around, join (96 sts).
Rnd 15: Ch 1, *sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog*, repeat from * to * around, join (84 sts).
Rnd 16: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, join (84 sts).
Assembly and Finishing
Fasten off after Rnd 16 and weave in all ends using the tapestry needle, working them through the inside of the fabric so they are invisible from the outside. There are no seams to sew — the beret is worked in one continuous piece. Block the beret to give it shape and structure: mist or soak it lightly, then stretch it over a dinner plate or a round bowl slightly larger than the flat top, smooth the brim, and let it dry completely. This opens up the sunburst eyelets and sets the slouchy shape.
Pro Tips and Variations
- For a warmer winter version, work the body rounds in solid dc instead of the eyelet repeats, keeping the same stitch counts.
- Add a small crocheted flower or a vintage button at the side of the brim for a personal touch.
- Try the pattern in a lighter cotton for spring, or in a deep burgundy or teal for a bold autumn look.
