Product Description
NEW! A lot of people are asking me for the modifiations with cables, bobbles, 'spectacle helm' and a ribbed beard. This has now been written up as a new version 'Dwarven Battle Bonnet 2' which is also top down construction and desn't necessarily need fulling. Do check that out too before you buy the pattern, see which one you prefer! Sally April 2012
By popular request, here are instructions for the Dwarven Battle Bonnet. This is a fun variation on a balaclava, and instructions are given for both the variations shown in the top picture. This hat lends itself well to yarn that can be lightly fulled, but if you wish to knit it using yarn that will not felt at all, you may wish to go down a needle size. Suggestions for additional embellishments are given and the pattern is extensively supported with photographs of the hats in progress.
Gauge is pretty approximate, this is a very forgiving pattern to knit, but the pattern as given does assume you will be fulling the hat
Dwarven Battle Bonnet by Sally Pointer
What is Being Made
The Dwarven Battle Bonnet is a knitted hat designed as a fun and warm variation on a traditional balaclava. This intermediate-level project creates a helmet-style head covering that can be customized and embellished in numerous ways to make each finished piece unique. The pattern is suitable for average adult head sizes, with options to adjust for smaller child sizes by starting with fewer stitches.
Knitting Techniques Used
This project employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate crafters. The pattern incorporates shaping methods necessary for creating a fitted helmet structure. The designer recommends a light fulling process after knitting is complete, which helps firm up the bonnet's structure and improve its overall durability. This finishing technique is particularly beneficial when working with suitable yarn weights, though crafters using non-felting yarns may choose to compensate by going down slightly in needle size.
Stitches and Pattern Variations
The Dwarven Battle Bonnet pattern offers two distinct variations, allowing knitters to choose their preferred construction method. Additional modification suggestions are provided throughout the pattern, enabling customization based on personal preferences and skill level. The pattern's flexibility makes it suitable for creative embellishment, with opportunities to add decorative elements that reflect the dwarven theme.
Materials and Yarn Requirements
- Yarn Weight: Aran/Worsted or 10ply weight yarn
- Recommended Yarns: The designer used New Lanark Aran in Pebble for the helmet portion and New Lanark Donegal Tweed for the hair component
- Yarn Quantities: Approximately half a 100g skein for the helmet shade, with enough remaining for accessories such as wristlets, plus most of a 100g skein for the hair shade
- Yarn Compatibility: Any similar weight yarn in the aran/worsted/10ply range should work effectively for this project
- Needle Size Consideration: Standard needles appropriate for aran weight yarn; crafters using non-felting yarns may wish to select needles one size smaller
Design Features
The Dwarven Battle Bonnet combines practical warmth with thematic appeal, making it an engaging project for knitters interested in fantasy-inspired accessories. The balaclava-style construction provides coverage suitable for cold weather while maintaining the decorative potential of a statement hat. The pattern's intermediate difficulty level makes it accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle shaping and finishing techniques.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Aran |
| Pages: | 7 |
| Designer: | Sally Pointer |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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