Sestra

Sestra Knit Beret by Rastus Hsu

What Is Being Made

Sestra is a classic and timeless knit beret designed by Rastus Hsu. This elegant hat is crafted to fit an average female head circumference and serves as a sophisticated, versatile accessory suitable for everyday wear and styling. The beret combines visual interest with beginner-friendly construction, making it an accessible project for knitters new to hat design.

Design Features and Construction

The Sestra beret showcases a refined balance of texture and simplicity. The design incorporates classic 3/3 cables that stand out prominently against a background of moss stitch, creating visual sophistication without requiring complex or advanced knitting techniques. This thoughtful combination makes the finished piece both interesting to look at and straightforward to construct, resulting in an essential wardrobe piece that is easy to style with various outfits.

Stitches Used

• Moss Stitch: A fundamental textured stitch that forms the primary background of the beret, creating visual depth and interest while remaining beginner-accessible
• 3/3 Cables: Classic cable stitches that provide elegant contrast against the moss stitch background, adding sophistication to the overall design

Knitting Techniques

• Circular needle construction for seamless knitting
• Long-tail tubular cast-on method (optional, for a refined edge)
• Magic loop technique (alternative method for working small circumferences)
• Double-pointed needle (DPN) work for crown decreases
• Cable techniques for textured stitch pattern integration
• Blocking for finished garment shaping and gauge accuracy

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Sestra beret requires approximately 80 grams of yarn, equivalent to 144 meters or 158 yards. The recommended yarn is 100% Merino in a light worsted weight (DK weight), which provides softness, breathability, and drape suitable for a beret silhouette. A single 50-gram skein of Merino yarn at 90 meters per 98.4 yards will complete this project.

Needles and Tools Required

• US 5 / 3.75mm circular needle: 50cm length, used for the optional long-tail tubular cast-on method
• US 6 / 4.0mm circular needle: 50cm length for pattern sections
• US 7 / 4.5mm circular needle: 50cm length as the primary working needle for the main pattern
• US 7 / 4.5mm double-pointed needles (DPNs): Set of needles for crown shaping, or alternatively an 80cm or longer circular needle for magic loop method
• Cable needle: For executing cable stitches
• Stitch marker: For tracking pattern repeats and shaping points
• Tapestry needle: For weaving in yarn ends and finishing

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 32 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working moss stitch using US 7 / 4.5mm needles, after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the beret to fit the average female head circumference as intended.

Skill Level

Sestra is rated as a beginner-level knitting project. While the design includes cable stitches, the overall pattern structure and techniques remain accessible to knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and basic stitch work. The combination of straightforward moss stitch with classic cables makes this an ideal intermediate-beginner project for those looking to expand their technical repertoire without overwhelming complexity.