Hats for HerOS adapted from a Royal British Legion Pattern by Jacqui Walker A project started by the Royal British Legion to provide warm woollen beanies for the troops to wear undel their helmets in Afghanistan when the night temperatures can be very low. The hats must be made from 1oo% wool that is also machine washable - this is because manmade fibres melt if exposed to fire and then stick to the skin, wool is much safer. Wool is also warmer. With this in mind you must enclose the ballband (or a photocopy of it) from the yarn you have used with your hat. They must be made from plain dark colours, brown, black, dark blue, beige, dark green - this is because bright colours might make the wearer more of a target. The Royal British Legion are issuing their own pattern but as it is knit flat and then seamed I have put this version together based on their pattern but knit in the round and therefore seamless. The Legion have asked that only their pattern (or this adaptation of it) be used as they need to ensure that when they give the hats to the forces for distribution they are all accepted.
Materials
50gm 100% superwash wool Double Knit (lused King Cole Merino Blend DK) 4.5mm douple pointed needles, or, 40cm 4.5mm circular needle plus 4.5mm dpns for the crown, or, 80cm 4.5mm circular needle for magic loop. Instructions: Cast on 90 stitches using a thumb cast on (long tails cast on or other stretchy cast on). Join into a round and work 5 rounds in total of k1, p1, rib. Make 1 stitch on the last round (either knit front and back of 1st stitch or use any other increase of your choice), (91 stitches) Knit stocking stitch rounds (every round knit) until work measures 6" from cast on edge. Crown shaping: 1st round: \*k2tog, k11, repeat from \* 6 more times 2nd round (and allfollowing alternate rounds): knit. 3rd round: \*k2tog, k10, repeat from \* 6 more times 5th round: \*k2tog, k9, repeat from \* 6 more times 7th round: \*k2tog, k8, repeat from \* 6 more times 9th round: \*k2tog, k7, repeat from \* 6 more times 11th round: \*k2tog, k6, repeat from \* 6 more times 13th round: \*k2tog, k5, repeat from \* 6 more times 15th round: \*k2tog, k4, repeat from \* 6 more times 17th round: \*k2tog, k3, repeat from \* 6 more times 19th round: \*k2tog, k2, repeat from \* 6 more times 21st round: \*k2tog, k1, repeat from \* 6 more times 23rd round: \*k2tog, repeat from \* 6 more times (7 stitches) break yarn and thread end through the final 7 stitches, pull up tight and fasten off Please sew in ends carefuly to avoid ridges. Finished hat needs to be as smooth as possible. RingaRosie in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside is acting as a collection point but you may be able to find a local collection point near you too. Try contacting the Royal British Legion 08457 725 725 or asking in your local yarnshop. If you would like to use this pattern for yourself or are not able to make any beanie hats at the moment why not consider donating to the Legion to help them with their work supporting service men and their families http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/support-us/how-to-give
