I’ve been designing for minis lately, using the beautiful gradient mini sets from A Hundred Ravens. Today’s brand-new pattern is Mini Martello, an intriguing beret.

The name comes from Martello towers, which defended British coastlines during the 19th century. Each small, round tower supported a single cannon, set on a rotating platform that allowed 360 degrees of artillery fire.

Take a closer look! Those aren’t plain old stripes.  The concentric circles of color are actually ovals, created with judicious use of short rows.

Mini Martello is worked top-down, both in the round and flat, using short rows and staggered increases to create the concentric offset ovals. You will need 4 pairs of different stitch markers; counting is required.

This hat is especially designed for gradient mini sets from A Hundred Ravens. If substituting yarns, you will need about 40 yards each of 7 different colors. Mini Martello comes in four sizes; in all cases, the top is worked the same, and the sizing is achieved by more/fewer decreases before the brim. (Sample is size M.)

Sizes: XS(S, M, L)
To fit (head circumference): 20(21, 22, 23)”
Finished circumference: 18.5(19.5, 20.5, 21.5)”