Tangential thinking

Tangential Thinking Knit Hat by Elizabeth Felgate

What is Being Made

Tangential Thinking is a downloadable knitting pattern for a hat designed by Elizabeth Felgate. This intermediate-level project creates a versatile hat suitable for various head sizes, with options for both snug and relaxed slouchy fits. The design encourages mindful, meditative knitting as a way to work through creative thinking while creating a practical, wearable accessory.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked primarily in the round, which is a fundamental technique for hat construction. The pattern requires intermediate knitting skills and incorporates several essential techniques:

• Knitting in the round: The hat is constructed using circular needles or double-pointed needles to create seamless fabric in a continuous spiral
• Increasing: Strategic increases shape the crown and establish the proper fit across the top of the head
• Decreasing: Decreases are used to shape the hat and create the finished crown shaping
• Slipping stitches: Slip stitches are incorporated into the stitch pattern for texture and structural definition

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The pattern features a main stitch pattern worked over the body of the hat. The gauge is established at 20 stitches and 26 rounds over 10cm (4 inches) in the main pattern stitch, which helps determine the appropriate needle size and ensures proper fit. The pattern includes ribbing at the brim, which provides elasticity and helps the hat stay in place.

Materials and Yarn Weight

Tangential Thinking is designed for aran weight yarn, a medium-weight yarn that knits at a moderate gauge and creates fabric with good structure and drape. This yarn weight is ideal for hats as it produces fabric that is warm without being overly bulky. The pattern requires a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing.

Sizing and Fit Options

The pattern is written for multiple sizes, with the smallest size fully written out and larger sizes indicated in parentheses throughout the instructions. Finished circumferences and lengths are provided for each size. The pattern accommodates two different fit preferences: a snug fit with approximately 11cm (4.3 inches) of negative ease, or a more relaxed slouchy fit with 3-5cm (1.25-2 inches) of negative ease. Knitters are advised to measure from the crown to the base of the ear to determine the required length and can work additional ribbing if needed for a customized fit.

Pattern Format

Tangential Thinking is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it convenient for digital access and printing. The pattern includes clear sizing information, gauge specifications, a skills checklist, and finished measurements to guide knitters through the project from start to finish.