The Thistle is very polarizing as flowers go. Detractors will often site the thistle’s propensity to cause discomfort to hands, arms, and legs as the primary reason for their antipathy, while proponents argue that this same thorny nature is one of its greatest attributes. For instance there’s a Scottish legend that claims the Thistle once saved an entire army. The tale goes that late one night an invading army landed and removed their footwear so as to better sneak up upon their sleeping opponents, as they crept closer they trod through a field filled with thistles where their cries of agony wakened the Scots soldiers leading to their victory. Today it is the national flower of Scotland where it is appreciated for its past contributions and as a symbol of the determination, hardiness, and beauty of the national character. I think that deserves a hat!

Finished Sizing:
Hat will be approximately 28 cm /11.024” inches tall and will fit a womens/unisex teen 51cm-58cm/20”- 22” inch head.

Needles:
1 US Size 6 (4.00mm) circular needle
4 or 5 US Size 6 (4.00mm) double pointed needles

Or sizes needed to obtain gauge.

Notions:
3 stitch markers (one in a different colour to denote the beginning of round)
1 Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Gauge:
19 stitches and 24 rows = 4” in colour work in the round.

Thank you to Piimu, OxanaH, Absinthia, and Kaisukas for generously translating this pattern! It is now available in English, Finnish, русский язык, Swedish, and Estonian Downloads.