This hat has thick stripes that spiral around to the tip. The design was inspired by the thin stripes of Joan Hamer’s Helix Striped Cap. (Lots of mathematics was involved in generalizing to thicker stripes, and that is detailed in the chapter of Crafting by Concepts in which this pattern appears.)

When choosing yarn for this project, be sure to choose a very smooth yarn. This will reduce the inevitable tangling. Four different colors of yarn are needed. If you are planning to also make the Helix Striped Spiral Bedsocks, you will need one additional ball of yarn (in addition to the leftovers from the four balls used in the hat; the socks use 350 yds total).

The hat is also interesting (in a different way) when turned in-side-out, as shown in the fourth photo!

Stitches and techniques needed:
cast on, knit, purl, knit two together, slip slip knit, counting of stitches