Career Girl Beret – Modernized Vintage Crochet Pattern
The Career Girl Beret transforms the timeless versatility of the classic beret into an elegant and sophisticated accessory, making it a perfect statement piece for professional or formal settings. The base beret pattern provides the structure, while the intricate trimming adds a refined touch of creativity and artistry. This chic design showcases the adaptability of crochet and is a testament to vintage-inspired style reimagined for today.
The trimming instructions are where the magic happens. Wire-formed “feathers” are crocheted, spiraled, and adorned with beads, creating a stunning visual effect that enhances the beret’s overall allure. These embellishments are a striking contrast to the soft crochet base, blending texture and dimension. The final placement of the feathers, paired with carefully positioned tucks, gives the beret its polished and tailored look.
Whether you’re crafting this beret for a special occasion or as an everyday wardrobe upgrade, the Career Girl Beret is a project that combines nostalgia and modernity. Its thoughtful design and customizable elements ensure a stylish and unique accessory to suit any personal flair.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Hats by Beehive Knitted and Crocheted (1950s era). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2024. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Career Girl Beret Crochet Pattern
Base Pattern: Versatile Beret
If this pattern looks familiar, it’s because the base of this hat is also the versatile beret Pattern. We’ve included complete instructions below so no need to leave the page. It’s the trimming and styling instructions that transform this hat into the Career Girl Beret.
Materials
- 3 oz. Miss Canada Crochet-Knitting Wool
- One No. 4 Steel Crochet Hook (American Gauge)
- For trimming materials, refer to the Trimming Instructions section.
Head Size
- Fits 22 inches.
Gauge
- 7 single crochets (s.c.) and 8 rows = 1 inch. Check your gauge carefully to ensure proper sizing.
Pattern Instructions
- Form the Ring
- Chain 4 stitches. Join with a slip stitch (s.s.) to form a ring.
- Crown Shaping
- Round 1: Work 8 single crochets (s.c.) into the ring. Join to the first s.c. of the round with an s.s.
- Round 2: Work 2 s.c. in each s.c. of the previous round (16 s.c. in round).
- Round 3: Work 1 s.c. in each s.c. of the previous round.
- Round 4: Work 2 s.c. in the first s.c., 1 s.c. in the next s.c. Repeat from * to end of round (32 s.c. in round).
- Continue increasing as needed to keep the work flat and round, ensuring that increases are staggered and not placed directly above those of the previous rounds. Stop increasing when the work measures 6½ inches in diameter. The outside edge of the circle should measure ½ inch less than the desired head size.
- Body of Beret
- Work even in s.c. (no increases) until the beret measures 3¾ inches from the center to the outer edge.
- Shaping the Brim
- Round 1 (Increase Round): Work 2 s.c. in the first s.c., 1 s.c. in the next s.c. Repeat from * to end of round.
- Round 2 and Subsequent Rounds: Work 1 s.c. in each s.c. of the previous round.
- Repeat Round 2 until the brim measures 2 inches from the last round of the crown.
- Final Round:
- Draw up a loop in each of the next 2 stitches. Yarn over hook (y.o.h.) and draw through all 3 loops on the hook. Repeat from * to end of the round. Fasten off.
- Finishing the Brim:
- Turn under a hem 1 inch deep and sew lightly in position. Press lightly.
Trimming Instructions
Materials
- Bugle Beads
- Seed Beads
- 13½ inches of heavy Millinery Wire (cut into two 6¾-inch lengths)
- One Beading Needle
Making the Trimming
- Wire Base for “Feathers”:
- Cut the wire into two equal pieces, each 6¾ inches long.
- With your crochet hook and yarn, chain 51 stitches.
- Lay one wire piece along the chain and work 1 single crochet (s.c.) into the second chain from the hook and each chain to the end. Work over the wire to cover it completely.
- Chain 3, turn.
- Creating the Spiral:
- Work 5 double crochets (d.c.) in each stitch across for the entire row. Break the yarn and fasten off.
- Repeat the process to create a second wire-covered spiral piece.
- Arrange the double crochet stitches in a spiral shape around the wire, forming a decorative “feather.”
- At each end of the wire, turn under ½ inch and sew it firmly in place.
- Adding Beads:
- Sew bugle and seed beads along the edge of the spiral as follows:
- Bring the needle up through a bugle bead, then through a seed bead.
- Pass the needle back down through the bugle bead and into the spiral.
- Space the beads approximately ¼ inch apart and continue around the entire spiral.
- Add decorative clusters of three bugle beads at the tip of each feather.
Arranging and Finishing the Beret
- Shaping the Beret:
- Place the beret on your head and pull the fullness forward to create a flattering drape.
- Pin two tucks on each side, extending from front to back.
- Each tuck should be approximately 1¼ inches deep at the center, tapering to nothing at the back. The tucks should blend together at the front of the beret as shown in the design illustration.
- Tack the tucks lightly on the wrong side and steam the beret gently over a kettle to smooth creases and set the shape.
- Attaching the Feathers:
- Insert the wire ends of the decorative feathers under the stitching of each tuck.
- Position the feathers at a flattering angle and sew securely in place.
Enjoy your elegant Career Girl Beret! This versatile and stylish design is perfect for any occasion.
