Heliocoidal
A hat which takes Latvian Braids to the extreme. One long spiral of braid coiling around creates the body of the hat, while a folded brim is extra cosy. All the decreases are worked in the braid. And the hat is reversible!
Many colour options and combinations are possible: a Silk / Mohair blend held alongside the main yarn, different shades for brim and the main body of the hat, or for the interior and exterior.
Minimum yarn requirements are shown under materials, if you wish to include the Silk / Mohair see the optional yarn requirements given below in italics.
Size
Small, Medium, Large. To fit approximately 18 (20, 22)” / 46 (51, 56) cm.
Gauge
26 stitches and 40 rows over 4 “ / 10 cm on 2.5 mm / US 1.5 needles in 2x2 rib.
20 stitches and 20 bands over 4 “ / 10 cm on 3 mm / US 2.5 needles in Latvian Braid. The stitches refer to the horizontal stitches formed by the Latvian Braid, the bands refer to the rounds of the horizontal stitches stacked upon one another.
Materials
250 (350, 440) yds / 230 (300, 400) m of Fingering Weight / Sport Weight Yarn.
2.5mm / US 1.5 Circular Needle or DPNs
3mm / US 2.5 Circular Needle or DPNs
Spare Circular Needles or DPNs, 2.5 mm / US 1.5 or smaller
9 (11, 13) Stitchmarkers
Tapestry Needles
Waste yarn
Optional – 250 (350, 440) yds / 230 (300, 400) m of laceweight Silk / Mohair yarn. Two strands of this yarn is held alongside the main yarn in the Latvian Braid section.
Sample shown used Garnstudio Drops Alpaca (Shade 517 Medium Gray) and Debbie Bliss Angel Prints (Shade 15812 Monet).