Aada

Aada Slouchy Beret by Ashley Knowlton

What is Being Made

Aada is a slouchy beret hat featuring Estonian lace and textured nupps that grow and shrink across the crown. This downloadable knitting pattern offers three finished sizes with brim circumferences of 19 inches (48.5cm), 21 inches (53.5cm), and 23 inches (58.5cm) when stretched. The design combines traditional Estonian lace techniques with decorative raised stitches to create a sophisticated, relaxed-fit hat suitable for advanced knitters.

Techniques and Construction

The Aada beret is constructed using Estonian lace as the primary design element, combined with strategic placement of nupps—textured knitted bobbles that add dimensional interest. Nupps are traditional Estonian knitting embellishments created by increasing and decreasing stitches in a controlled manner to form small, raised clusters across the fabric.

The pattern is worked in the round, which is the standard method for hat construction. Knitters can choose their preferred needles for working small circumferences: long circular needles using the magic loop technique, two circular needles, a short circular needle, or double-pointed needles (dpns). This flexibility allows crafters to use their preferred small-circumference knitting method.

For an advanced challenge, the pattern offers customization options: knitters can enlarge the nupps by working them over 7 stitches instead of the standard 5 stitches, or incorporate beads into the nupps for added embellishment and visual interest.

Stitches Used

• Estonian lace stitches—openwork patterns that create delicate, decorative holes throughout the hat
• Nupps—5-stitch bobbles (with optional 7-stitch variation) that create textured, three-dimensional elements
• Knit and purl stitches—fundamental stitches used in combination with lace and nupps to construct the hat fabric
• Yarn overs and decreases—essential techniques for creating both the lace openwork and the nupps

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Aada pattern requires 140 to 170 yards (128 to 155 meters) of fingering weight yarn, depending on size selection. The sample shown was knitted in Manos del Uruguay Serena, a yarn blend of 60% Baby Alpaca and 40% Pima Cotton, using 1 skein. The sample color is 6977 (Willow). Although labeled as sport or DK weight, the Serena yarn used in the sample is lighter than its label indicates and provides longer yardage than stated.

Needles required include US 2 (2.5mm) needles and US 5 (3.75mm) needles, with the US 5 size adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge. The specific gauge information is referenced in the full pattern document. Knitters should select needles in their preferred format for working in the round with small circumferences.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated advanced, reflecting the complexity of Estonian lace techniques and nupps, which require careful stitch manipulation and attention to pattern details. Prior experience with lace knitting and specialty techniques is recommended before attempting this design.