Helmet and Hats in Sirdar Freya - 9884 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar 9884: Helmet and Hats in Sirdar Freya – Four Chunky Knit Designs for Ages 4–6 Years to Adult

Sirdar pattern 9884 is a downloadable PDF knitting pattern from Sirdar featuring four distinct hat designs worked in Sirdar Freya, a chunky-weight yarn. The four designs included are a Tam O'Shanter, a Slouchy Hat, a Helmet, and a Pull On Hat. Sizes range from 4–6 years through to adult woman, making this a versatile pattern collection suitable for the whole family. Each design is worked flat on straight needles and shaped to fit an average-sized head for the age indicated.

Materials and Yarn

All four designs use Sirdar Freya chunky yarn, each worked in a different shade:

• Tam O'Shanter – Sirdar Freya shade 857, requiring 1 x 50g ball for all sizes
• Slouchy Hat – Sirdar Freya shade 852, requiring 1 x 50g ball for all sizes
• Helmet – Sirdar Freya shade 854, requiring 1 x 50g ball for sizes 4–6 years, 7–9 years, and 10–12 years, and 2 x 50g balls for the adult woman size
• Pull On Hat – Sirdar Freya shade 851, requiring 1 x 50g ball for all sizes

Knitters will need one pair of 6mm (UK4 / USA10) knitting needles and one pair of 5mm (UK6 / USA8) knitting needles. The Helmet design additionally requires stitch holders for shaping. Yarn amounts are based on average requirements when the stated tension and yarn are used.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is essential for a well-fitting hat. Two different tension requirements are specified across the designs:

• 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10cm (4in) over stocking stitch on 6mm needles – applicable to the Tam O'Shanter
• 13 stitches and 20 rows to 10cm (4in) over eyelet and ridge pattern on 6mm needles – applicable to the Slouchy Hat

Knitters are advised to check their tension swatch carefully before beginning. If fewer stitches than stated are achieved, a thinner needle should be used; if more stitches result, a thicker needle is recommended.

Design 1: Tam O'Shanter

The Tam O'Shanter is a classic Scottish-style flat-crowned hat with a wide, circular silhouette that sits comfortably on the head. In this pattern it is worked in Sirdar Freya shade 857 using chunky yarn for a warm, modern interpretation of the traditional design.

Techniques and Stitches

• Stocking stitch (st-st) forms the main body of the hat, created by alternating a knit row on the right side and a purl row on the wrong side
• Crown shaping is worked using k2tog (knit two together) decreases, reducing stitches evenly across rows to create the characteristic flat, rounded top
• Stitch counts are adjusted at the transition to crown shaping, with increases or decreases applied depending on the size being worked
• The hat body is worked in stocking stitch until the piece measures between 18cm and 20cm depending on size, before crown shaping begins

Design 2: Slouchy Hat

The Slouchy Hat is a relaxed, fashionable beanie with a generous, slightly oversized fit that gathers softly at the crown. It is worked in Sirdar Freya shade 852 and features a textured stitch pattern that adds visual interest to the chun