Memento Hat

Memento Hat by Stana D. Sortor

What is Being Made

The Memento Hat is a beginner-friendly knitted hat designed by Stana D. Sortor. This project creates a classic, fitted hat available in three sizes: small (18" circumference), medium (20" circumference), and large (22" circumference). The hat features a structured body with a defined crown, measuring approximately 7" to 7.75" in length depending on size. The design uses worsted weight yarn and is suitable for knitters new to hat construction.

Yarn and Materials

The Memento Hat is designed to be worked in Knitpicks Memento, a worsted weight yarn composed of 100% Pima cotton. This yarn offers 232 yards per 100 grams and provides a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for warm-weather hat wearing. Yardage requirements are modest: 125 yards for the small size, 145 yards for the medium, and 165 yards for the large. A single skein of Knitpicks Memento in Moon Shadow colorway is sufficient to complete this project.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, available as either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, depending on the knitter's preference. Additional notions include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and size increases, a crochet hook and scrap yarn for provisional cast-on, and either a stitch holder or spare circular needle and DPNs for holding stitches during construction.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Memento Hat employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginner-level projects. The primary stitch used is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates a provisional cast-on method, allowing for seamless integration of the brim. Knitters will use standard abbreviations including CO (cast on) and K (knit), along with basic shaping techniques to create the crown decrease.

The pattern requires working to a specific gauge of 18 stitches and 22 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Maintaining this gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished hat dimensions. Stitch markers are used throughout to help track pattern sections and manage increases or decreases as the hat is shaped from the brim to the crown.

Pattern Structure

The hat construction begins with a provisional cast-on at the bottom edge, establishing the brim. The body is then worked upward in stockinette stitch until reaching the appropriate length before crown shaping begins. The crown is decreased to a small opening at the top, which is then closed off to complete the hat. This straightforward construction method makes the Memento Hat an excellent introduction to hat knitting for beginners.