Mimizan Hat

Mimizan Hat by Tess Young

What is Being Made

The Mimizan Hat is a knitted beanie designed to fit a full range of head sizes. This intermediate-level knitting project takes inspiration from the large cones of maritime pine trees found in the forests surrounding Mimizan in the Aquitaine region of France. The hat features a classic construction with a ribbed band at the base that transitions into a patterned body, culminating in crown decreases that shape the top of the hat.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several essential knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with a ribbed band worked on smaller needles to create elasticity and a snug fit around the head. The ribbed section is followed by a transition to larger needles for the main body, which features a stitch pattern that showcases the yarn's qualities. The crown shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases that progressively reduce the number of stitches, allowing the hat to taper smoothly to a finished point at the top. Knitters have flexibility in their needle choice, selecting between double-pointed needles (dpns) or short circular needles based on personal preference and the chosen size.

Stitches Used

• Ribbing: The ribbed band creates vertical columns of texture that provide stretch and recovery, essential for a comfortable hat fit
• Stitch Pattern: A stitch pattern is worked across the body of the hat on the larger needles, adding visual interest and depth to the finished piece
• Decreases: Crown decreases are strategically placed to shape the top of the hat, reducing stitches progressively until the piece is complete

Materials and Yarn

The Mimizan Hat is worked in aran-weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits up quickly while maintaining excellent stitch definition. Knitters have two yarn options to choose from:

• Malabrigo Merino Worsted: One 100-gram skein (210 yards/192 meters) each in two colors (Col A and Col B)
• Rowan Felted Tweed Aran: One 50-gram skein (95 yards/87 meters) each in two colors (Col A and Col B)

The pattern requires two needles in different sizes. 3.75mm (US5) needles are used for the ribbed band at the maximum stitch count, available in either double-pointed or short circular format. 4mm (US6) needles are used for the body and crown decreases, also available in dpn or short circular options. A stitch marker is needed to track the beginning of rounds during construction.

Gauge

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this hat to fit correctly. In the ribbed section worked on 3.75mm needles, the gauge is 20 stitches by 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured in a relaxed state. In the main stitch pattern worked on 4mm needles, the gauge is 19 stitches by 35 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). The slight difference in stitch count between gauges reflects the natural relaxation of ribbing and the characteristics of the main stitch pattern.