Heliosphere is the first of our hat patterns that start to show you the real power of Showy Decreases when designing hat tops. We first published the Vortex, Ripcord and Yosemite hats to introduce some of these new techniques in simpler ways. This Heliosphere hat adds more drama with a distinctive pattern that hides the decreases in plain sight. That’s due to the Showy Decrease, a modification of the k2tog decrease that adds height and texture to stockinette.

That’s not all, there are two more new techniques included in this hat pattern. You’ll start with a Resilient Cast On that’s not just pretty, it adds give to hat brims so you don’t have to worry about a tight cast on. Finish up with a Double Decker hat top that adds real interest to the top of hats. Free tutorial downloads foe all three of these are available on our web site. Best of all, all three are straight forward modifications of existing techniques. They’re not overly complicated.

If you’d like to play around with some of these new techniques we’ve included three of our introductory patterns in a free Ravelry eBook. They’re a great way to get started. The Vortex Hat is a bit easier and uses the K2tog Showy Decrease.

More information on Gauge and Yarn
The pattern includes 3 gauges and 5 cast on options are included which provide lots of flexibility.
Almost any smooth yarn will work, but you want one with some structure (merino, cotton blends) or some loft to highlight the raised spiral design.

What’s different about this hat pattern?

• Resilient Cast On
• Showy Decreases
• Double Decker Hat Top

There’s more information available on the KnittingNuances.com web site where you can download free sample pages of the pattern and find links to our Photobucket site which has more detailed pictures of the project and skills used