Shibui Knits Helix Hat Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Helix Broken Rib Hat

What is Being Made

The Helix is a functional cold-weather hat designed by Shellie Anderson that combines practical warmth with modern aesthetic appeal. This one-size hat features a finished circumference of 21.25 inches and stands 9 inches tall, making it suitable for average adult head sizes. The design elevates a classic hat silhouette through the incorporation of subtle texture and graphic visual interest, creating a contemporary take on a traditional winter staple.

Construction Techniques

This hat is constructed using a bottom-up, seamless approach worked in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, professional finish. The construction begins with a decorative picot edge created using the Channel Island Cast-On method, a traditional technique that produces an elegant, finished appearance at the brim. The hat is then worked continuously in the round using circular needles or the Magic Loop method, maintaining consistent tension and stitch quality throughout the piece.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used in this hat is the Broken Rib Stitch, which creates the subtle texture and graphic appeal referenced in the design. The Broken Rib Stitch is worked over two rounds: the first round alternates knit and purl stitches (K1, P1), while the second round is worked entirely in knit. This two-round repeat is then continued on one half of the hat following a provided chart, creating visual interest and dimension. The pattern includes a charted section that guides the placement of the Broken Rib Stitch pattern across the hat's body.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Helix pattern offers flexibility in yarn selection, with two distinct fiber combinations available:

• Haven and Silk Cloud combination: Worked by holding one strand of Shibui Haven (80% Extra Fine Merino, 20% Cashmere; 160 yards per 50 grams) together with one strand of Shibui Silk Cloud (60% Kid Mohair, 40% Silk; 330 yards per 25 grams). One skein of each yarn is required.
• Haven and Lunar combination: Alternatively, one strand of Shibui Haven can be held together with one strand of Shibui Lunar (60% Extra Fine Merino, 40% Mulberry Silk; 401 yards per 50 grams). One skein of each yarn is required.

Both combinations are worked by holding two strands together throughout the entire project, creating a cohesive blend of fibers that provides warmth, softness, and subtle sheen. The Haven and Silk Cloud pairing is shown in Ash colorway, while the Haven and Lunar pairing is shown in Graphite.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two sizes of circular needles to accommodate the stitch gauge changes:

• Size 6 (4 mm) 16-inch circular needle for the cast-on and initial brim work
• Size 9 (5.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle for the main body of the hat

Alternatively, size 9 (5.5 mm) double-pointed needles or a 32-inch or longer circular needle for Magic Loop technique can be used for working in the round. Additional tools include locking stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Skill Level

The pattern is rated at an Intermediate skill level, indicating that knitters should have foundational knowledge of circular knitting, chart reading, and stitch techniques. The gauge is 17 stitches and 24 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, worked with two strands held together on size 9 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions.