My son, an avid Cleveland Browns fan, sent me a message one day: “Can you make me one of these?”. The message was attached to a photo of an orange football style helmet. I said that I could - then set out to find a knit pattern (the sample he sent me was crochet).

Well, I didn’t find a 100% knitted pattern. I found plenty of crocheted ones, a few that were part crochet/part knit…or the stripe was stitched on ….but not an all knit, one piece pattern.

So I had some fun in writing a knitting pattern. The stripe running down the middle presented a bit of a challenge for the decreases in the crown, but I’m happy with the results!

This is a one piece design, with integrated ear flaps and stripe knit right in! No crocheting is required. There is a small seam down the back, but it’s pretty much invisible as it runs up against the stripe.

The pattern uses a bulky yarn (like Redheart “Heads Up” shown or Wool-Ease “Chunky”, not Thick and Quick!), but I tested it on worsted held double, which works, too. The fabric was heavier and more dense, but the gauge was about the same and would be great for those cold days at the football stadium! Here’s a sample made with 2 strands of Vanna’s Choice.

If you are a football knitter and would like to test this pattern and produce a project in Fall 2014, drop me a message and I’ll gift it to you!