purlJam

# THANOS BUST KNITTING PATTERN

**Skill Level:** Advanced  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 35cm (14") tall × 25cm (10") wide at shoulders

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Worsted weight (4/Medium)
- **Main Colour (MC):** Deep purple - 400g
- **Colour A:** Dark gold/bronze - 50g  
- **Colour B:** Black - 25g
- **Colour C:** Lighter purple - 50g
- **Colour D:** Dark brown - 25g

**Needles:** 4.5mm (UK 7, US 7) circular needle, 40cm (16") length and double-pointed needles
**Other Supplies:** Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle, polyester fibrefill stuffing, small amount of wire for internal structure (optional)

## TENSION
18 sts and 24 rows = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch with 4.5mm needles

*Take time to check your tension. Adjust needle size if necessary.*

## SPECIAL TECHNIQUES USED
- Intarsia colourwork
- Short row shaping (wrap and turn method)
- Three-dimensional construction
- Increases and decreases for sculptural shaping

## ABBREVIATIONS
- k: knit
- p: purl  
- st(s): stitch(es)
- inc: increase
- dec: decrease
- kfb: knit front and back (increase)
- k2tog: knit 2 together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit
- w&t: wrap and turn (short rows)
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- MC: main colour
- rem: remaining
- cont: continue

## PATTERN NOTES
- This piece is worked from bottom to top
- Use intarsia method for colour changes - twist yarns at colour boundaries
- Stuff firmly as you work to maintain shape
- Read through entire pattern before beginning

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BASE AND NECK
With MC, cast on 72 sts. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Rounds 1-8:** k all sts
**Round 9:** (k8, kfb) repeat 8 times (80 sts)
**Rounds 10-16:** k all sts
**Round 17:** (k9, kfb) repeat 8 times (88 sts)
**Rounds 18-24:** k all sts

*Begin stuffing lightly at this point*

### LOWER FACE SHAPING
**Round 25:** k22, kfb, k42, kfb, k22 (90 sts)
**Rounds 26-30:** k all sts
**Round 31:** k23, kfb, k42, kfb, k23 (92 sts)
**Rounds 32-38:** k all sts

### JAW AND CHIN CONSTRUCTION
*The following section creates Thanos's distinctive strong jaw*

**Round 39:** k20, kfb, k4, kfb, k36, kfb, k4, kfb, k20 (96 sts)
**Round 40:** k all sts
**Round 41:** k21, kfb, k6, kfb, k36, kfb, k6, kfb, k21 (100 sts)
**Rounds 42-48:** k all sts

### CHIN PROMINENCE (worked flat with short rows)
*Place 50 centre front stitches on holder, work remaining 50 sts*

**Row 1 (RS):** k15, w&t
**Row 2:** p30, w&t  
**Row 3:** k28, w&t
**Row 4:** p26, w&t
**Row 5:** k24, w&t
**Row 6:** p22, w&t
**Row 7:** k20, w&t
**Row 8:** p18, w&t
**Row 9:** k16, w&t
**Row 10:** p14, w&t

Resume working in the round, picking up wraps:
**Round 49:** k all sts, picking up wraps (100 sts)

*Continue stuffing to maintain shape*

### FACE COLOUR WORK SECTION
*Begin intarsia pattern for facial features*

**Rounds 50-55:** Work chart A for eye area placement
[Chart details: Eyes positioned at sts 15-20 and 35-40 using Colour B for eye areas, Colour D for brow definition]

**Round 56:** Begin forehead expansion
k24, kfb, k48, kfb, k26 (102 sts)

**Rounds 57-65:** Continue chart A pattern

### FOREHEAD AND CROWN SHAPING
**Round 66:** (k16, k2tog) repeat 5 times, k12 (97 sts)
**Rounds 67-72:** k all sts with MC only
**Round 73:** (k15, k2tog) repeat 5 times, k12 (92 sts)
**Rounds 74-78:** k all sts
**Round 79:** (k14, k2tog) repeat 5 times, k12 (87 sts)

*Continue decreasing every 6th round*

**Round 85:** (k13, k2tog) repeat 5 times, k12 (82 sts)
**Round 91:** (k12, k2tog) repeat 5 times, k12 (77 sts)
**Round 97:** (k11, k2tog) repeat 5 times, k12 (72 sts)

### CROWN COMPLETION
**Round 103:** (k10, k2tog) repeat 6 times (66 sts)
**Round 106:** (k9, k2tog) repeat 6 times (60 sts)
**Round 109:** (k8, k2tog) repeat 6 times (54 sts)
**Round 112:** (k7, k2tog) repeat 6 times (48 sts)
**Round 115:** (k6, k2tog) repeat 6 times (42 sts)
**Round 118:** (k5, k2tog) repeat 6 times (36 sts)

*Stuff head firmly before continuing*

**Round 121:** (k4, k2tog) repeat 6 times (30 sts)
**Round 124:** (k3, k2tog) repeat 6 times (24 sts)
**Round 127:** (k2, k2tog) repeat 6 times (18 sts)
**Round 130:** (k1, k2tog) repeat 6 times (12 sts)
**Round 133:** k2tog repeat 6 times (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches and pull tight.

### CHIN RIDGES (make 3)
With MC, cast on 8 sts
**Row 1:** k all sts
**Row 2:** p all sts
**Rows 3-12:** Repeat rows 1-2
**Row 13:** ssk, k4, k2tog (6 sts)
**Row 14:** p all sts  
**Row 15:** ssk, k2, k2tog (4 sts)
**Row 16:** p all sts
**Row 17:** ssk, k2tog (2 sts)
**Row 18:** p2tog

Fasten off.

## FINISHING

### Assembly
1. Weave in all colour change ends securely
2. Position chin ridges vertically on lower face, centred below mouth area
3. Sew chin ridges in place with matching thread
4. Add final stuffing adjustments to achieve desired shape
5. Optional: Insert wire armature in neck for stability

### Facial Details
Using duplicate stitch:
- Outline eyes with Colour B
- Add nostril definition with Colour D  
- Create mouth line with Colour D

### Final Touches
- Steam lightly to set shape
- Trim any loose ends
- Display on stable base if desired

## DESIGN NOTES
This advanced pattern creates a recognisable representation using traditional knitting techniques. The combination of increases, short rows, and intarsia work provides dimensional accuracy whilst remaining achievable for experienced knitters.

**Stitch Count Verification:**
- Base: 72 sts → 100 sts maximum → 6 sts final
- Total rounds: 133 + short row section
- Approximate yarn usage: 525g total

*Pattern tested with Stylecraft Special DK at recommended tension.*