Celtic Tam

Celtic Tam by Sharon Spencer

What Is Being Made

The Celtic Tam is a knitted hat designed to fit head sizes of 20 to 23 inches, with a finished diameter of 10 or 11 inches. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a traditional tam-style hat, featuring a structured crown and ribbed banding. The design showcases multiple color variations inspired by autumn tones, making it a visually striking accessory piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques to construct the tam. The project begins with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles to create a snug, elastic cuff that sits comfortably on the head. The main body is then worked on larger needles using circular or double-pointed needles, allowing for seamless construction in the round. The pattern incorporates shaping through strategic increases and decreases to form the tam's characteristic rounded crown. Blocking is an essential finishing technique, as the gauge measurement of 39 rows by 32 stitches per 4 inches is taken after blocking, ensuring proper finished dimensions and even fabric texture.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) — The fundamental stitch forming the primary fabric of the tam
• Purl (P) — Used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed texture of the cuff and banding
• Make 1 (M1) — An increase stitch created by picking up the loop between two stitches and knitting into the back of the loop, used to shape the crown
• Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitches Over (S2, K1, PSSO) — A double decrease technique that reduces stitch count while maintaining a neat appearance during crown shaping

Materials and Tools

The Celtic Tam is worked in Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift, a 4-ply yarn weight that provides excellent stitch definition and durability. The pattern calls for 25 grams each of four coordinating colorways: Mooskit, Moorit, Sunrise, and Burnt Umber. These autumn-inspired shades work together to create visual depth and interest throughout the finished hat.

Needles required include 2.75mm double-pointed or circular needles for working the ribbed cuff, and 3.00mm double-pointed or circular needles for the main body. The pattern recommends adjusting needle size as needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking the beginning of each round, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors, and a 10 or 11 inch plate for blocking to ensure proper finishing and shape.