Rasa Beret

Rasa Beret by Kristen TenDyke

What is Being Made

The Rasa Beret is a classic knitted beret hat designed by Kristen TenDyke and published by Caterpillar Knits. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished hat with a head circumference available in three sizes: 16 inches (40.5 cm), 20 inches (51 cm), and 24 inches (61 cm), accommodating different head sizes from children to adults. The beret features a traditional rounded crown shape characteristic of this iconic hat style.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked in the round using circular needles. The pattern combines multiple knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. The construction involves working circular rows with both knit and purl stitches to establish texture, along with yarn overs and decreases that create the lace patterning typical of more refined beret designs. The designer emphasizes earth-friendly practices, encouraging knitters to use recycled materials and sustainable yarn choices.

Stitches Used

• Circular Garter Stitch: Created by alternating knit rounds with purl rounds (Rnd 1: Knit; Rnd 2: Purl), this stitch provides textural depth and is repeated throughout sections of the pattern
• Lace Pattern: A 16-stitch repeat that incorporates yarn overs (yo) for openwork details, creating an elegant decorative element
• Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, slip, knit (ssk) stitches are used to shape the beret and control stitch counts as the lace pattern expands and contracts
• Yarn Overs: Multiple yarn overs within each round of the lace pattern create the characteristic holes and flowing lines of lace knitting

Materials

The pattern is designed for aran weight yarn. The sample shown uses Berroco's Remix, a blend of 30% nylon, 27% cotton, 24% acrylic, 10% silk, and 9% linen. One 100-gram ball of this yarn yields approximately 216 yards (198 meters). Depending on the size being knitted, the pattern requires 1 ball of yarn or 100 to 150 yards in a comparable earth-friendly yarn alternative. Circular needles appropriate for aran weight yarn are needed to work this project in the round.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner friendly, making it an excellent introduction to beret knitting. While the pattern includes lace work with yarn overs and decreases, the straightforward stitch repeats and clear instructions make it accessible to knitters new to hat construction and decorative techniques.