Ridged Helmet Hat

The designer modeled this hat after some close-fitting hats she’s seen pictured on children in 1940s-era knitting books. But she suspects that the luscious alpaca yarn she used is much softer and more comfortable around the face than the scratchy wool used way back then. She worked the hat “inside out” so she could knit more rows than she purled. Three three-color braided tassels add a flash of color and bit of fun.

Finished Size: 21″ (53.5 cm) circumference.
Yarn: Knit Picks Andean Treasure (100% baby alpaca; 110 yd [100 m]/50 g): #23485 sunset (MC), 2 skeins; #23483 lagoon and #23489 peach, a few yards each.
Yarn weight: #2 – Fine
Gauge: 24 sts and 48 rnds = 4″ (10 cm) in ridged patt, worked in the rnd.
Needles: Size 3 (3.25 mm): 16″ (40-cm) circular (cir) and set of 4 or 5 double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Marker; tapestry needle.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits, Winter 2005