Felted Helmet

On these cold winter days, there is nothing better to keep you warm than a felted helmet! The felted fabric keeps out the wind and snow, yet it is amazingly soft and light to wear. It is easy and very fast to make as well.

Size: Adult (both men and women can wear this hat - the size is really determined by the amount you felt it)
Yarn: 2 balls Fritidsgarn (chunky weight 100% wool, 70m/50g, 15sts with 5.5mm needle)
Needles: Short circular 6mm needles and 6mm double pointed needles
Crochet Hook: 6mm
Tension: 13 sts in st st / 10cm
Increases: With the left ndl pick up the bar between 2 sts, from front to back. K into the back of the bar.


PATTERN
The hat is knit from the top down. So, with 6mm DP ndls cast on 10 sts. Then...
Row 1: Knit row
Row 2: *Knit 1, inc 1* ...repeat around (10 sts added = 20 sts total)
Row 3: Knit row
Row 4: *K2, inc 1*...repeat around (30sts)
Row 5: Knit row
Row 6: *K3, inc 1* ...repeat around (40 sts)
Row 7: Knit 4 rows
Row 8: *K4, inc 1* ...repeat around (50 sts)
Row 9: Knit 4 rows.
Row 10: *K5, inc 1* ...repeat around (60 sts)
Row 11: Knit 4 rows
Row 12: *K6, inc 1* ...repeat around (70 sts)
Row 13: Knit 4 rows
Row 14: *K7, inc 1* ...repeat around (80 sts)Now work 3 rows without inc.
On the next row inc 4 sts evenly spaced around. Work without further inc until the hat from the last inc measures 18 cm.
Next row: Cast off the first 7 sts, knit 21 sts (*this includes the st that remains on the right hand needle from casting off) = right ear flap. Cast of next 29 sts, K21 sts (see*) = left ear flap. Cast off remaining 6 sts = back.
Left Ear Flap
You will now be knitting back and forth.
Start at the back and p 1 row.
K1, k2tog, K 13, turn.
Slip 1, p14, turn.
K1, k2tog, k7, turn.
Slip 1, p8, turn.
K1, k2tog, k1, turn.
Slip 1, p2, turn.Now work st st on all flap's sts, and at the same time dec 1 st at each side on all right side rows until 6 sts remain. Finish with a wrong side row. Cast off.
Right Ear Flap: Work as left ear flap, but with turns and decs on wrong side rows.
Finishing: Crochet 1 row of slip sts all around the edge of the hat. This will give it some structure. Weave in all loose ends on the inside of the hat, and cinch up the hole that was created by casting on at the top of the hat.
Felting: Felt the hat in washer machine on hottest cycle with a pair of jeans (to add extra agitation), adding a small amount of mild detergent. Check after one wash to see if the hat fits - it may be necessary to do it a second time (or even a third). Expect the hat to come out looking a little wonky - in will need to be shaped and even stretched with your hands. The best way to do this is to stretch it onto your head. Let the hat air dry. I like to stuff the hat with grocery bags in order for it to maintain its shape.
Keep warm! -- Rachel James