RANADI dESIGN
THYME LEAF
Designed by Pauline Walter
Introduction
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus) are two wellknown species used in cooking or in herbal medicine. Both species are evergreen small shrubs that bloom with white to lavender flowers. They have many tiny elliptical leaves, greenish-grey in colour. I grow both of them in my garden, among other plants. This hat has a greenish-grey colour and stitch patterns that imitate the odorant thyme leaves. It is knitted in the round from brim to top. It starts with a large brim that may be unfolded or folded. The ribbing of the brim merges nicely in the leafy pattern of the body. Knitted with aran weight wool, it is a very cosy hat, warm, large and slouchy.
Skill level
Beginner.
Sizes and finished measurements
Thyme Leaf is offered in one size, available for head circumference 54-58 cm (21-23 in). It is a stretchy and slouchy hat. Circumference (after blocking): 56 cm (22 in). Depth: 24 cm (9.5 in). You may fold the brim to adapt fit according to your head. Some instructions are also given below to reduce slightly the size of the hat.
Materials
Yarn
6 wool, 35% alpaca, 50 g (1.76 oz), 75 m (82 yds)]. Color: light grey green (7120); 2.5 skeir
Needles
3.75 mm (US 5) circular needle for brim; 5 mm (US 8) circular needle for body; 5 mm (US 8) set of 5 double pointed needles (DPN's) for crown. It is recommended to adapt needle size to obtain correct gauge.
Notions
Stitch marker; tapestry needle.
Thyme Leaf with folded brim
Gauge
19 sts and 24 rnds: 10 cm x 10 cm (4 in x 4 in) with 5 mm (US 8) needles through pattern.
Stitch pattern
Abbreviations
k: knit. p: purl. rnd(s): round(s). st(s): stitch(es). k3/p3 ribbing: \*k3, p3. Repeat from \* to the end of the rnd. k2tog: knit 2 sts together. M: stitch marker. PM: place stitch marker. SM: slip stitch marker. ssk: slip, slip knit. slip 2 stitches knitwise separately, put them back on left needle ; then knit them together through the back loops.
Instructions
Brim
With needle 3.75 mm (US 5) cast on 108 sts. Join to work in the round, place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round. Knit one rnd. Then work 20 rnds in k3/p3 ribbing. The unfold brim measures approximately 10 cm (4 in). For the smallest heads or if you prefer a neater fit work only 15 rnds in k3/p3 ribing.
Body
Change for needle 5 mm (US 8). Knit twice the 12 rnds of the 6 sts pattern (see stitch pattern). The six sts pattern has to be repeated 18 times across each rnd. If you prefer a neater fit knit once the 12 rnds; then rnds 1 to 6 Only.
Crown
Shift to DPNs 5 mm (US 8) where necessary as crown circumference reduces. Rnd 1: \*p1, k3, p2tog, p1, k3, p2. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (99 sts). Rnd 2: \*p1, k3, p2, k3, p2tog. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (90 sts). Rnd 3: \*p1, k3, p2, k3, p1. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. Rnd 4: \*p1, k3, p2tog, k3, p1. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (81 sts). Rnd 5: \*p1, k3, p1, k3, p1. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. Rnd 6: Remove M; slip 1st st of the rnd to the right needle; PM. The 1st st of the rnd is now the last st of the rnd. Then \*k3, p1, k3, p2tog\*. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. ( 72 sts). Rnd 7: \*k3, p1. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. Rnd 8: \*k2, ssk, k3, p1. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (63 sts). Rnd 9: \*k6, p1. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. Rnd 10: \*k5, ssk\*. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (54 sts). Rnd 11: knit. Rnd 12 : \*k4, ssk. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (45 sts). Rnd 13: knit Rnd 14: \*k3, ssk. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (36 sts). Rnd 15: knit. Rnd 16: \*k2, ssk. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (27 sts). Rnd 17: knit. Rnd 18: \*k1, ssk. Repeat from \* to end of rnd. (18 sts). Rnd 19: \*ssk. Repeat from \* to end of rnd (9 sts).
Cut yarn leaving a 20 cm (8") tail. With the tapestry needle thread tail through remaining sts and pulltight.
Finishing
Weave in all ends and block the hat at the recommended or desired size.
