Thales

Thales Knit Hat by Kelly Menzies

What is Being Made

Thales is a downloadable knitting pattern for a classic knit hat featuring colorwork design. This intermediate-level project produces a finished hat with two size options: a smaller circumference of 46 cm (18 inches) and a larger circumference of 50 cm (19.5 inches). The corresponding heights are 20 cm (7.75 inches) for the smaller size and 22 cm (8.5 inches) for the larger size. The hat is designed to be finished with a pompom, adding a traditional and playful element to the completed garment.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Fair Isle Colorwork: The primary technique featured in this pattern is Fair Isle knitting, a traditional method of incorporating multiple colors into a single row of knitting. This technique involves carrying unused yarn colors along the inside of the work and picking them up as needed, creating intricate patterned designs on the fabric surface. Fair Isle work adds visual interest and depth to the hat while maintaining structural integrity.

Circular Knitting: The hat is constructed using circular needles, which allows for seamless knitting in the round. This method eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, continuous fabric. The pattern utilizes two different circular needle sizes during construction: a 3.75mm (US 5) needle for the ribbed cuff and a 4mm (US 6) needle for the main body and colorwork sections. Double-pointed needles in 4mm (US 6) are also required for the crown decreases when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles.

Stitches Used

• Knit Stitch (K): The fundamental stitch that forms the base fabric of the hat
• Purl Stitch (P): Used in ribbed sections to create texture and elasticity
• Knit Two Together (K2TOG): A right-leaning decrease stitch used to shape the crown of the hat
• Slip Stitch (SL1): Used purlwise to create clean edges and transitions between sections

The pattern is provided in both written instructions and chart format, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the colorwork pattern. The chart format is particularly useful for Fair Isle knitting, as it provides a visual representation of where each color should be placed in each row.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn Weight and Yardage: This pattern calls for DK weight yarn, which is a lightweight yarn that creates a fabric with good drape and definition for colorwork. The total yardage requirement is 115 meters (126 yards) for the smaller size and 150 meters (164 yards) for the larger size. This yardage approximation does not include additional yarn needed for the pompom finish.

Yarn Distribution by Color: The hat uses three colors of Gründl Classico DK yarn:

• Shade 11 Bordeaux (Main Color): 48 meters (53 yards) for the smaller size; 75 meters (83 yards) for the larger size
• Shade 03 Hellgru (Contrast Color): 44 meters (49 yards) for the smaller size; 48 meters (53 yards) for the larger size
• Shade 19 Anthrazit (Contrast Color): 44 meters (49 yards) for the smaller size; 48 meters (53 yards) for the larger size

Needles Required: The pattern specifies circular needles in two sizes—3.75mm (US 5) and 4mm (US 6)—along with a set of double-pointed needles in 4mm (US 6). This combination of needle types accommodates the different sections of the hat and allows for proper gauge and construction.

Additional Notions: One stitch marker is required to mark the beginning of rounds. A yarn needle is necessary for weaving in ends and attaching the pompom. A row counter is optional but helpful for tracking progress through the pattern.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 27 stitches and 26 rows over a 10 by 10 centimeter (4 by 4 inch) swatch when worked in Fair Isle pattern on 4mm (US 6) needles with DK weight yarn. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly with a fitted garment like a hat. Knitters should take