How to Sew a Super Cute Beret in 2 Different Styles

Both versions:

1. Measure

Measure the circumference of your head around the widest part. 

Divide this measurement by 6.28 to find the radius. My head is 22 inches (56 cm) in circumference so the radius is 3.5 inches (8.9 cm).

Version 1:

2. Draft pattern

Fold a letter-size sheet of paper in half widthways.

With the fold to the right, measure and mark the length of the radius from the corner, on to the lower edge, the folded edge and the diagonal between them.

Join the points, using a French curve or a plate, to make a quarter circle.

Draw another quarter circle 2.4 inches (6 cm) outside the first one.

Add a seam allowance of 0.4 inches (1 cm) outside the larger curve and inside the smaller one. 

Cut out the pattern and open it out to a semicircle.

3. Cut fabric

Place the ends of the semicircle on the fold of the lining fabric.

Cut around the larger curve, then separate the pieces and cut around the smaller curve on one piece only. 

Cut two pieces from the main fabric in the same way.

4. Sew pieces

Pin and sew the two lining pieces together, with right sides facing. 

Pin the main pieces together. Stitch around the outer edge, leaving a 2 inch (5 cm) opening.

5. Shape pieces

Cut notches around the outer edge of the lining. 

Press the outer seam open on the wrong side. 

Turn the lining over and press the top seam allowance to the outside. Turn the lining right side out and press flat.

Cut notches in the main fabric and press the seams in the same way.

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6. Attach lining

Turn the main piece wrong side out. Insert the lining right side out. Pin the inner edges together, right sides facing, and sew.

Cut notches in the seam allowance of the inner edge.

Pull the lining through the opening in the outer edge of the main piece, turning the main piece right side out.

Stitch the opening closed.

Version 2

2. Draft pattern

Fold a letter-size sheet of paper in half and half again.

With the main fold at the bottom, mark the length of the radius from the corner on to the lower and side edges and join with a curved line to make a quarter circle as for version 1.

Draw a second quarter circle 2.4 inches (6 cm) outside the first and add seam allowances as before.

For the optional band, draw a rectangle half your head measurement plus 0.5 inches (1 cm) in width and 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep.

Cut out the pattern pieces.

3. Cut fabric

Open out the pattern to a full circle and place it on the doubled fabric. Cut around the outer edge.

Set one piece aside as the upper part and cut out the inner circle from the other piece, to make the lower part.

Place the short end of the band pattern on the fold of the fabric and cut one.

4. Sew beret

Place the upper and lower parts together, right sides facing, and stitch around the outer seam allowance.

Serge or zigzag stitch the raw seam edges and press.

5. Attach band

Sew the short edges of the band together.

Turn the beret right side out and pin the right side of the band around the inner edge, right sides together.

Sew in place along the seam allowance. 

Finish the raw edges and press the seam.

DIY beret hat

Both my DIY beret hats turned out really well and look very different, although they use the same basic pattern.

Both are easy to sew too, and suitable for beginners. A more advanced sewer could make the second version in under an hour.

If you cut the lining carefully, the first one could be worn as a reversible beret too.

I’d love to know if you’re going to give these a try and how they turn out. Please let me know in the comments if you do.