Olive Acorn Beret Free Pattern
Introduction
The Olive Acorn Beret is a soft, slouchy, fairycore-inspired hat that's easier to make than it looks. It's worked from the crown out as one simple flat circle, then cinched in with a band of single crochet, so even a confident beginner can finish it in an evening or two. The deep olive body has a lovely drape and a gently rounded shape, and the little ochre acorn cap and stem on top give it that woodland, storybook feel. It looks charming with a chunky sweater and feels light and comfortable on the head, with just enough stretch to stay put.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted (4) weight acrylic or wool blend. Color A (olive): about 200 yd (183 m). Color B (ochre): about 20 yd (18 m).
- Hook: 6 mm (US J/10), or the size needed to match gauge.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scissors, small amount of polyester fiberfill for the acorn cap.
- Finished size: Flat circle diameter about 11 in (28 cm); brim circumference about 20 in (51 cm) unstretched, stretching to about 23 in (58 cm). Fits an adult head of 21–23 in (53–58 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- MR – magic ring (an adjustable loop you crochet into)
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- inc – increase: work 2 sc in the same stitch
- dec – decrease: work 2 sc together into 1 stitch
- dc2tog – double crochet 2 together: work 2 dc together into 1 stitch
- sts – stitches
Gauge
12 dc x 7 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in double crochet after blocking. To check it, crochet a small flat swatch in dc, block it lightly, and measure a 4 in (10 cm) section; adjust your hook size if you have more or fewer stitches than 12 per 4 in.
Tips Before You Start
- Join every round with a sl st to the first stitch, then ch 2 (for dc rounds) or ch 1 (for sc rounds) to begin the next round. The ch-2 does not count as a stitch.
- Keep your tension relaxed on the straight rounds (R9–14). Too-tight stitches will make the beret stiff instead of slouchy.
- Stuff the acorn cap only lightly so it keeps a rounded shape without bulging.
- Block the finished brim to 20 in (51 cm) so the hat holds its shape and fits comfortably.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Beret Crown (Color A)
Rnd 1: MR, 12 dc into the ring, join with sl st (12 sts).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around, join (24 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, [dc, 2 dc in next st] x12, join (36 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, [2 dc, 2 dc in next st] x12, join (48 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, [3 dc, 2 dc in next st] x12, join (60 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, [4 dc, 2 dc in next st] x12, join (72 sts).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, [5 dc, 2 dc in next st] x12, join (84 sts).
Rnd 8: Ch 2, [6 dc, 2 dc in next st] x12, join (96 sts).
Rnds 9–14: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join (96 sts).
Rnd 15: Ch 2, [dc2tog, 6 dc] x12, join (84 sts).
Rnd 16: Ch 2, [dc2tog, 5 dc] x12, join (72 sts).
Rnd 17: Ch 2, [dc2tog, 4 dc] x12, join (60 sts).
Brim Band (Color A)
Rnd 18: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join (60 sts).
Rnds 19–21: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join (60 sts). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Acorn Cap (Color B)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 5: [sc, dec] x6 (12 sts). Stuff lightly. Fasten off, leaving a 12 in (30 cm) tail for sewing.
Stem (Color B)
Row 1: Ch 6, sl st in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (5 sts). Fasten off, leaving a 6 in (15 cm) tail.
Assembly and Finishing
Thread the 12 in tail of the acorn cap onto your tapestry needle. Position the cap at the very center top of the beret, flat side down, and sew it securely all the way around its lower edge. Next, sew the stem upright to the center of the cap with its 6 in tail, anchoring it at the base so it stands up. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Lightly block the beret, pinning the brim out to about 20 in (51 cm) in circumference, and let it dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- For a warmer hat, work the crown in a wool blend; for an extra-slouchy look, add one or two more straight dc rounds before the decreases.
- Swap the ochre acorn for a rust or cream one, or add a tiny crocheted leaf beside the stem for extra woodland charm.
- If the brim feels loose, work Rnds 19–21 with a half-size smaller hook to cinch it in a little more.
