A good hat in winter is indispensible when it comes to fighting off the cold. Helmut is a fun take on a traditional Helmet: a nice cabled band for interest, ear flaps for extra wind-chill protection and braids for fun.

The cable band is worked first and everthing else is knit from there. The band requires some concentration but the cable twists are all small enough that they can be worked without a cable needle if you like that method.

The earflaps and braids are entirely optional, you can work this as a classic beanie silhouette if you prefer. Or, make earflaps but leave off the braids.

Instructions for the cable band are provided both in chart and written form, choose whichever you prefer.

Sizes
Small - to fit a head not larger than 50cm (20”) around.
Medium - to fit a head not larger than 55cm (22”) around.
Large - to fit a head not larger than 60cm (24”) around.

Gauge
Gauge is CRITICAL with this pattern. The cable band is not very forgiving, if your gauge is incorrect you run the risk of making a hat you cannot get on your head.

The pattern is written in a way that accommodates the relaxation of the specified yarn upon blocking. Do not expect the hat to fit well in an unblocked state. If you wish to substitute yarn I strongly recommend you use one containing a large proportion of superwash wool. If you use a non-superwash yarn, you should consider knitting a size larger since it is unlikely to grow as much upon blocking. I recommend that you swatch and block your swatch to understand how your chosen yarn will behave.

Unblocked cable pattern on 3.00mm needles: one pattern repeat is 5.5cm (2.2”) long and 7cm (2.8”) wide.
Blocked cable pattern on 3.00mm needles: one pattern repeat is 6.5cm (2.52”) long and 6.5cm (2.6”) wide.
So, the medium sized hat will “grow” by 8cm in total circumference with blocking.

Unblocked stocking stitch on 3.25mm needles: 28 stitches and 36 rows in 10cm (4”).

Helmut was designed for supply drop two of The Loopsmith Brigade, 2016.