Fixing a Hand Knitted Beret with a Too Wide Opening for the Perfect Fit

A knitted hat or a beret with an opening that’s too wide can be frustrating. It slips off easily, doesn’t keep your head warm, and ruins the look of your carefully crafted hat. Fortunately, adjusting the fit of a knit hat is possible without starting over.

Few years back I knitted a sweater by the amazing artist and textile designer Alice Starmore. Simply just a phenomenal designer that uses inspiration from the landscape of Hebridean, Islands of the West coast of Scotland for her hand dyed pallet that she uses to knit breathtaking garments full of theater and drama. I was hooked with her designs and clever knitting techniques so I bought the Henry VIII, hat set. It was such a mesmerizing project, knitting with hand dyed wool that took me back to the Scottish Islands, changing colors frequently to get this stunning gradient affect was pure joy, but....I knitted the opening of the hat to big!

I never could used it!

So in this blog I walk you through my steps to fix the opening, so it fits snugly and comfy.

Henry VII, hat by the textile designer Alice Starmore with a too wide opening knitted by me.

Understanding Why the Opening Feels Too Wide

Before fixing the hat, it helps to understand why the opening is too wide. Common reasons include:

• Incorrect stitch count or gauge: The number of stitches cast on or the tension used might be larger than needed.

• Stretchy yarn or loose knitting: Some yarns and knitting styles create a looser fabric that stretches more.

• Hat style: Some hats are designed with a loose fit, but you might want a tighter fit for warmth or style.

• Wear and stretching: Over time, the hat may stretch out, especially around the brim.

  
  

Knowing the cause helps you decide the best fix. For example, if the hat is new but too large, you can adjust the opening by altering the brim. If it’s stretched out, you might need to tighten the existing stitches. In my case, I used too large needles for the band as I misjudged the woolen yarn I was knitting for the first time. I just jumped right into the knitting, the yarn and the pattern were just so irresistible. Not the first time I skip gauging, but this time the gauge was super important!

Simple Methods to Reduce the Opening Size

I looked at many methods making the opening smaller without undoing the entire hat.

1. Add a Drawstring or Elastic Thread

One of the easiest fixes is to weave a drawstring or elastic thread through the stitches near the brim.

• Use a yarn needle or a small crochet hook.

• Thread elastic or a matching yarn through the stitches around the opening.

• Pull gently to gather the fabric until the opening fits your head.

• Tie the ends securely and tuck them inside the hat.

  
  

This method keeps the hat flexible and comfortable while reducing the size.

2. Sew a New Ribbed Band

If the brim is too wide, adding a ribbed band can help.

• Measure your head circumference to know the desired opening size.

• Pick a stretchy ribbing pattern (like K2, P2) and knit a band separately.

• Sew the band inside the existing brim, folding the original edge under.

• This creates a snug fit and a clean finish.

  
  

This approach works well for hats with a simple edge and gives a professional look.

3. Use a Crochet Edge to Tighten

Crocheting a tighter edge around the brim can shrink the opening.

• Use a smaller hook than the yarn weight suggests.

• Single crochet or slip stitch around the brim edge.

• The crochet stitches pull the fabric tighter, reducing the circumference.

• Repeat if needed for a firmer fit.

  
  

Crochet edges add texture and can be decorative as well as functional.

But non of these methods felt right so periodically through the years I picked up the hat, admired the color panel and closed the drawer, but there comes a time when we, the knitters either admit our mistakes, give the hat to a person with bigger head, throw it away, undo the hat and use the yarn for another project or try to fix it!

My Fixes for a Hat with a Wide Openings: Re-knit the band and stitch it to the hat

After few years of admiring this hat in the "need to fix box" I finally found a permanent solution that would result in me actually finding the perfect home for this amazing color mesmerizing beret that feels warm and cosy. Perfect for the January weather that feels extra cold this year.

So this is what I did!

1. Re-knit the band with smaller needles

• I re-knitted the band with smaller needles, 2mm circular needles instead of 2.75mm, but kept the original number of stitchers.

• The band turned out to be 2 inches smaller than the original band.

• It fitted snugged around my head, so it felt the right size.

2. Stitch the band to the hat

• I used a tapestry needle with the same color of yarn as the first row of the body of the hat.

• I kept the original band attached as a guide, as I didn't want loose stitches from the body interfering with the weaving of the band to the body of the hat.

• I basically just knitted the first row of the hat by making each stitch with a tapestry needle, connecting the band and the body together imitating a knitted stitch.

3. Cut the old band off with scissors

• I started slowly and cut one stitch at a time to make sure I didn't cut into the yarn from the body or the new band.

• I unraveled the stitches one at a time.

• I took my time and kept making sure I had caught each stitch of both the knitted band and the hat.

Finished, reduced the size of the circumference by 2 inches!

• This method requires patience but gives full control over the fit.

• Be careful to keep the shape balanced so the hat looks even.

• Take your time with the weaving, making sure you pick up every stitch on the way!

Tips for Preventing Wide Openings in Future Knits

To avoid this problem in future projects, I need to keep these tips in mind:

• Check gauge before starting especially if I am knitting with a yarn that I have never knitted before. Knit a swatch and measure stitches per inch.

• Try the hat on as I knit to adjust size early.

• Follow patterns carefully BUT adjust stitch counts if needed.

Sometimes is might be better just to start over, unravel and re-knit projects with smaller or bigger needles. Knowing when to start fresh saves frustration and ensures you have a hat you love.

Well, I love my new hat!

Now it´s your turn to mend a project that lies in your drawer unused.