Everglade Tam DK

Everglade Tam DK by Emma Sadler

What Is Being Made

The Everglade Tam DK is a beret-style tam hat designed by Emma Sadler as a downloadable knitting pattern. This intermediate-level hat features a decorative tree motif and is intentionally designed to be worn big and baggy for a relaxed, slouchy fit. The motif can be positioned to the front or side of the hat according to wearer preference. The design includes a small ribbed band at the brim that can be customized to a larger size if desired, and offers the optional detail of adding a pom pom to the crown.

Sizes and Finished Dimensions

The Everglade Tam DK is available in three sizes:

• Small: 17" (43 cm) finished brim circumference
• Medium: 18" (46 cm) finished brim circumference
• Large: 19" (48.5 cm) finished brim circumference

The large size requires approximately 60g of yarn, making this an efficient project for yarn stash use.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate knitting pattern uses stocking stitch as the primary stitch structure, worked in the round to create a seamless construction. The pattern incorporates ribbed knitting for the brim band, which provides elasticity and helps the hat sit securely on the head. The tree motif is integrated into the design, likely using techniques such as intarsia or stranded colorwork to create the decorative element across the crown of the tam.

Working in the round is achieved using either short circular needles or double-pointed needles (dpns), eliminating the need for seaming and creating a professional finished appearance. The gauge is consistent at 18 stitches and 26 rows in stocking stitch over a 10x10cm (4x4 inch) square when worked on 4mm needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Everglade Tam DK is designed for DK weight yarn, a versatile yarn weight that works well for hats and creates a fabric with good drape and structure. The pattern requires 1 x 100g ball of DK weight yarn, though the exact yardage needed may vary slightly by size.

The sample shown in the pattern was knitted using King Cole Glitz DK in the colorway Savoy 371. This yarn is composed of 97% polyester and 3% nylon, offering durability and a subtle sheen. King Cole Glitz DK provides 290 meters (317 yards) per 100g ball, giving crafters plenty of yardage for this project with potential for a matching pom pom if desired.

Needles Required

The pattern calls for two sizes of needles to create proper gauge and structure:

• 3.5mm/US4 circular needles or dpns (40cm or shorter) for the ribbed brim band
• 4mm/US6 circular needles or dpns (40cm or shorter) for the main body worked in stocking stitch

Using smaller needles for the ribbed section creates a tighter, more elastic fabric that helps the hat stay in place, while the slightly larger needles for the body allow the fabric to relax into the slouchy silhouette characteristic of this tam design.

Pattern Summary

The Everglade Tam DK is an excellent intermediate project for knitters looking to create a stylish, wearable hat with decorative detail. The combination of ribbed and stocking stitch creates visual interest and functional structure, while the tree motif adds a nature-inspired element to the design. The pattern's flexibility—allowing the motif to be worn front or side, the option to enlarge the ribbed band, and the choice to add a pom pom—makes it customizable to individual preferences. With modest yardage requirements and straightforward construction in the round, this tam is an efficient use of yarn and a satisfying project for intermediate knitters.