Tania Beret Knit Kit
Tania Beret Knit Kit — Amano Ayni
A soft alpaca-and-silk beret adds a lovely finishing touch to a coat or a simple jumper. Kate Atherley's Tania design combines a snug ribbed band with a generous stocking-stitch body and a neatly shaped crown.
Construction and skill level
Intermediate. Knit from the band upwards in the round, using a long-tail cast-on, K2/P2 ribbing, make-one increases and paired crown decreases. There is no seam. Finish by drawing the yarn through the remaining crown stitches and weaving in the ends. You should be comfortable working in the round and changing to a small-circumference needle method.
Size and yarn guide
Measure around the head and choose by the chart. The pattern is designed with approximately 5 cm of negative ease at the band for a snug fit. All measurements are in centimetres. The kit supplies the yarn amounts below, worked with one strand.
| Size | To fit head (cm) | Band (cm) | Depth (cm) | Ayni supplied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 45.5 | 42 | 23 | 200 metres |
| S | 51 | 45 | 24 | 200 metres |
| M | 56 | 50 | 26.5 | 400 metres |
| L | 61 | 56.5 | 28 | 400 metres |
The original pattern requires 200 metres for XS, S and M, and 400 metres for L. The current Medium kit supplies 400 metres, providing extra yarn beyond the pattern requirement.
Kit contents
- Amano Ayni 4ply in your chosen shade: 200 metres for XS/S or 400 metres for M/L.
- One printed Tania Beret pattern by Kate Atherley.
Ayni blends 80% baby alpaca and 20% mulberry silk, with 200 metres per 50 g hank. Wind the hank into a ball before starting. The sample beret is red; select your kit shade from the available options.
Tension
26 stitches and 34 rounds = 10 cm in stocking stitch on 3.25 mm needles, or the size needed to obtain gauge. Use this pattern tension rather than the general gauge on the yarn label.
Needles and notions required
- 2.75 mm circular needle, 40 cm, for the band.
- 3.25 mm circular needle, 40 cm, or size needed for gauge.
- 3.25 mm needles for small circumferences: double-pointed needles, a long circular for Magic Loop, or two short circulars.
- Stitch markers and a yarn needle.
Needles, stitch markers, a yarn needle and a decorative leather tag are not included.
Care and finishing
Hand wash gently, squeeze out water without wringing and dry flat in the shade. Do not stretch the band. The pattern allows light steaming if desired; follow the yarn care instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the band smaller than the head measurement?
The band is designed with negative ease so it sits snugly. Choose by the 'to fit head' measurement, and check your gauge rather than choosing by the band circumference alone.
How much yarn is in the Medium kit?
The Medium kit supplies 400 metres of Ayni. The original pattern requires 200 metres for Medium, so the kit includes extra yarn.
Do I need straight needles or circular needles?
Use circular needles for the band and body. As the crown narrows, change to double-pointed needles, Magic Loop or two circulars. The beret is worked in the round.
Are the pattern, markers and tag included?
The printed pattern and yarn are included. Stitch markers, a decorative tag and all needles are purchased separately.
Can I stretch it over a plate when blocking?
The pattern says to lay the hat flat and not stretch it. Gentle shaping preserves the snug ribbed band.
More alpaca and silk projects
Browse our hat and accessory kits, or try the Silvana Shawl kit for another project in Amano Ayni.