Kaz Thrummed Hat

Kaz Thrummed Hat by Terry Morris

What is Being Made

The Kaz Thrummed Hat is an ultra-warm knitted hat designed by Terry Morris that incorporates tufts of wooly roving directly into the fabric during the knitting process. These tufts, known as thrums, are held securely in place through the natural clinging properties of wool scales, creating both exceptional insulation and a distinctive textured design featuring contrasting single knit stitches throughout the hat.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs the thrumming technique as its primary construction method. Thrumming involves pinching and pulling small tufts of unspun natural wool roving (approximately 1½ inches long) and incorporating them into stitches as the hat is knitted. The technique relies on the natural scales present in wool fibers to create friction and grip between the roving and the yarn, eliminating the need for additional fastening methods. The hat begins with a ribbed cuff worked in the round before transitioning into the thrummed pattern section.

Stitches and Stitch Details

• 2x2 Ribbing: The cuff is worked using knit 2, purl 2 ribbing for 2½ inches, creating an elastic edge that helps the hat stay securely on the head
• Stockinette Stitch: The gauge is measured in plain stockinette stitch at 6 stitches per 1 inch
• Thrummed Stitches: Single knit stitches of contrasting color are created by the roving tufts themselves as they are knitted into the fabric, producing the hat's decorative pattern

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Kaz Thrummed Hat is knitted using worsted weight wool yarn, requiring approximately 220 yards total. The sample hat shown was knitted in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in the Arctic Pool colorway, using 2 skeins of 50 grams each. In addition to yarn, the project requires a large quantity of unspun natural wool roving to create the thrums that form the hat's distinctive texture and warmth.

Needles and Tools

• 16-inch (40 centimeters) circular needle in US size 5 (3.75 millimeters)
• US size 5 (3.75 millimeters) double point needles for the crown shaping
• Stitch marker for tracking rounds

Sizing and Gauge

The Kaz Thrummed Hat is available in two sizes: Adult Medium and Adult Large. The pattern begins with a cast-on of 112 stitches for the Medium size or 128 stitches for the Large size. After working the ribbed cuff, 8 stitches are increased evenly spaced across the final round of ribbing, bringing the stitch count to 120 stitches for Medium or 136 stitches for Large. The gauge is 6 stitches per 1 inch measured in plain stockinette stitch, which helps ensure proper fit and the correct density needed for the thrumming technique to function effectively.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as advanced difficulty. While the basic stitches used are relatively straightforward, the thrumming technique requires practice and skill to execute properly. Knitters must develop proficiency in consistently pinching, pulling, and incorporating roving tufts into stitches while maintaining even tension and stitch quality throughout the hat.