Wolf In The Wild Tam

Wolf In The Wild Tam by Dona Carruth

What Is Being Made

The Wolf In The Wild Tam is an intermediate-level knitted hat designed to be worked in the round. This tam features a distinctive fair isle colorwork pattern inspired by a wolf theme, creating a striking visual design that showcases multiple colors throughout the crown. The finished hat is suitable for those seeking a statement piece that combines traditional knitting techniques with contemporary style.

Knitting Techniques Used

This project employs several key knitting techniques that make it appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The tam is knit in the round, which requires working on circular needles and double-pointed needles to create a seamless, tubular construction. The pattern incorporates fair isle colorwork, a stranded knitting technique where multiple colors are carried across the row to create the patterned design. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked flat before joining, then transitions to the main colorwork section. Stitch increases are worked early in the pattern to expand from the initial cast-on to the full circumference needed for the tam's crown.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The tam utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in strategic ways. The cuff is worked in K1, P1 ribbing (knit one, purl one) for 14 rounds, which creates elasticity and helps the hat sit securely on the head. The ribbed section is followed by an increase round using the KFB (knit front and back) technique, which doubles the stitch count from 128 to 192 stitches. The main body of the tam is constructed using fair isle colorwork, where stitches are knit in different colors according to a chart pattern, with yarn colors stranded across the back of the work to create the design.

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for Knit Picks Palette yarn in multiple colors: Sweet Potato, Hazelnut, Eggplant, Mist, Edamame, Black, and White. The designer notes that only small amounts of each color are required, making this an excellent project for using yarn leftovers or creating coordinating accessories like socks or mitts. The yarn weight and fiber content of Knit Picks Palette make it well-suited for the fair isle technique and the specified gauge.

Needles required include one 16-inch circular needle in size 2.5mm for the ribbed cuff, one 16-inch circular needle in size 3mm for the main colorwork section, and one set of 3mm double-pointed needles for the crown decreases as the hat narrows. Additional notions include 8 stitch markers (with the designer's recommendation to use 7 of one color and 1 of a contrasting color to mark the beginning of each round), a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a 10-inch plate for blocking the finished hat to shape.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches over 3.25 inches in fair isle, which is essential information for achieving the correct finished size. The tam begins with a cast-on of 128 stitches and expands to 192 stitches after the increase round, allowing the hat to achieve the characteristic tam shape with a full crown and fitted band.

Design Flexibility

While the pattern provides a specific color palette inspired by natural wolf tones, the designer encourages customization. Crafters are invited to select any colors they prefer, allowing for seasonal variations or personal preference adjustments. This flexibility makes the Wolf In The Wild Tam adaptable to different yarn stashes and individual style preferences.