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Thunderbird Hat
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Malabrigo Washted
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Product Description
The Thunderbird is a close relative of the Phoenix. They possess three pairs of powerful wings and have feathers that shimmer with cloud-like patterns. They are known to change colours as they summon storms, their iridescent feathers shifting from various shades of gold to electrifying blue, to grey and silver, to white, and even to deep navy. They can sense danger and create storms as they fly.
A beautiful intermediate knitting pattern using twist stitches against a background of purls, this design just pops.
Thunderbird Hat by Wanded Knit and Crochet
Project Overview
The Thunderbird Hat is an intermediate-level knitted hat inspired by the mythical Thunderbird, a magical creature known for its powerful wings and iridescent feathers that shift through shades of gold, blue, grey, silver, white, and deep navy. This downloadable PDF pattern from designer Jenny Noto of Wanded Knit and Crochet offers knitters the opportunity to create a hat that captures the dynamic color-shifting qualities of this legendary bird.
What Is Being Made
This pattern produces a close-fitting knitted hat measuring approximately 8 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall. The hat is designed to be worked in the round, creating a seamless construction that emphasizes the smooth stockinette stitch fabric. The finished garment is suitable for a range of head sizes and provides a classic hat silhouette with practical warmth and comfort.
Techniques Used
The Thunderbird Hat employs fundamental circular knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern utilizes knitting in the round, which allows for seamless construction without side seams. Decreasing techniques are incorporated through knit 2 together (K2tog) reductions, which are essential for shaping the crown of the hat as stitches are gradually eliminated to create the fitted top. The pattern also includes stockinette stitch in the round, which creates the smooth, flat fabric that forms the base of the design.
Stitches Used
- Knit (K) - The primary stitch forming the stockinette fabric
- Purl (P) - Used as needed in the pattern structure
- Knit 2 Together (K2tog) - A right-leaning decrease used for crown shaping
Materials and Specifications
The Thunderbird Hat requires 135 yards of DK weight yarn, making it an economical project that works well for stash-busting or trying new colorways. The pattern suggests Knit Picks High Desert Yarn as the recommended yarn choice, though any DK weight yarn of similar gauge will work effectively.
The pattern calls for two sizes of US needles to accommodate the transition from the main body to the crown shaping. Knitters will need US 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch circular needles for the initial cast-on and body work, and US 8 (5mm) 16-inch circular needles and/or double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the gauge swatch and main construction. Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
Gauge and Sizing
The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches by 28 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch in the round using US 8 (5mm) needles. Achieving this gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions of approximately 8 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall. Knitters are advised to knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure proper fit and fabric characteristics.
Skill Level
Classified as an intermediate project, the Thunderbird Hat is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic cast-on methods, knit and purl stitches, and simple decreases. The circular knitting construction and crown shaping provide a natural progression for those developing their skills beyond beginner projects.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | DK | Light Worsted |
| Featured Products: | Malabrigo Washted Malabrigo Rios |
| Pages: | 6 |
| Designer: | Wanded Knit and Crochet |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | Cable needle is optional, but if you are not comfortable with twisted stitches or swapping with your fingers, it is recommended. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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