The Nerdiest Hat In The World

A knitted Klein bottle hat with a twist.

Posted by Justin C. on February 02, 2020 · 3 mins read Category: Art Tags: knitting , klein-bottle , 4d , binary , math , pi

This knit cap was lovingly and painstakingly knitted for me by my wonderful wife. She adapted the pattern from a similar hat showcased by Matt Parker.

In an fascinating presentation at the Royal Institute, Matt Parker claimed to have the nerdiest hat in the world.

First, if you haven’t done so, I encourage you to watch the entire presentation. It’s educational, entertaining, and simply amazing!

After hearing Matt discuss his custom hat, I approached my wife with an absurd idea. I wanted a custom version of the “nerdiest hat in the world”…that was…(wait for it)…even nerdier. With a bit of convincing she graciously agreed (Looking back I don’t think she realized the madness she had agreed to). After what seemed like endless counting, lots of measuring, a ton of frogging, and some artistic magic, the hat was finally ready.

I now surmise that THIS is the nerdiest hat in existence.

  1. The hat is knitted to my size in the shape of a Klein Bottle.
  2. Vertical bands represent the number pi using alternating bands of yarn. The number of rows indicate the pi digit represented.
  3. The rim of the hat is lined with a binary sequence that spells out “I love you”
  4. The hat is knitted with a total of four different colored yarns.
    • Gray – Even pi digits
    • Blue – Odd pi digits
    • Yellow – Pi decimal point
    • Turquoise – Binary message

Klein Bottle Hat Folded (Left Side)

Klein Bottle Hat Folded (Left Side)

Klein Bottle Hat Folded (Right Side)

Klein Bottle Hat Folded (Right Side)

Klein Bottle Hat (Front)

Klein Bottle Hat (Front)

Klein Bottle Hat (Inside Front)

Klein Bottle Hat (Inside Front)

Klein Bottle Hat (Inside Back)

Klein Bottle Hat (Inside Back)

Klein Bottle Hat Folded (Inside Front)

Klein Bottle Hat Folded (Inside Front)

Klein Bottle Hat Unfolded (Back)

Klein Bottle Hat Unfolded (Back) 1

Klein Bottle Hat Unfolded (Back) 2

Wearing Hat

If you’re interested in a Klein Bottle Hat of your own, the pattern is available for free at the link below.

Klein Bottle Pi Hat pattern by Judy Parker

Matt Parker (aka StandupMaths) says: “The Klein Bottle is a topological surface discovered by Mr Klein in 1882. It’s a twisted torus (donut) in the same way that a Möbius Strip is a twisted loop… .”