Halo Beret

Halo is a beginners’ tam/beret using simple garter and stockinette stitch. It is not about complicated techniques, but about doing the simple techniques well and showing off the qualities of the yarn.

The pattern is written in an expanded format for beginners.

It uses one skein of a light dk yarn. In the main part of the hat a second yarn of mohair and silk is incorporated, but still using small needles, to create a change in colour and thick felt-like fabric with a halo, for which the hat is named.

Sizing:

Sized for head circumferences of approximately 55-58cm (21.5 – 22.5 inches).

Yarn:

For the band and main part of hat use a light DK or Sport yarn recommended for 3.5mm to 3.75mm (US 4 or 5) needles, with a gauge of about 24 stiches and 33 rows to 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette.  

Suggested options - 1 skein of either:

• Rowan Felted Tweed, 50% merino wool, 25% alpaca and 25% viscose, 175m per 50 grams; or
• Skeinz Southlander Sport, 100% NZ Wool, 303 m per 100 grams.
• Isager Tweed, 70% wool, 30% mohair, 199 m per 50 grams.

A second fine yarn is incorporated into the main part of the hat to provide the halo, such as either:

• Rowan Kidsilk Haze 70% mohair, 30% silk 210m per 25 grams; or
• Isager Silk Mohair 75% mohair, 25% silk 212m per 25 grams.

The hat in the image is worked in Rowan Felted Tweed shade ‘Seafarer’ and Rowan Kidsilk Haze shade ‘Navy’.

Approximate Yardage:

(requires both yarns):

Light dk/sport yarn

150 m (164 yards)

Fine mohair and silk

110 m (120 yards)

Gauge:

23 stiches and 33 rows, to 10cm (4 inches) in stockinette with two yarns worked together.