Mestral Tam

Mestral Tam by Vanessa Pellisa

What Is Being Made

The Mestral Tam is a knitted hat designed by independent designer Vanessa Pellisa. This tam is a classic, structured hat style suitable for various head sizes, originally published in January 2019 and updated in September 2023. The pattern offers three size options to fit head circumferences of 47 cm (18.5"), 51 cm (20"), and 55 cm (21.5").

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is created using knitting as the primary craft. The tam is worked in the round, which is a fundamental technique in hat construction that creates a seamless, tubular fabric. This method eliminates the need for seaming and produces a smooth, professional finish ideal for fitted headwear.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The Mestral Tam features stockinette stitch in the round as the primary stitch pattern. Stockinette stitch in the round creates a smooth, V-textured fabric that is classic and versatile. The pattern also incorporates long-tail cast-on, a foundational knitting technique that creates a flexible, finished edge suitable for garments worn close to the body.

Special Techniques

The pattern includes the following specialized techniques:

• Make 1 left (M1L) – an increase technique used to shape the hat
• Long-tail cast-on – a casting method that provides elasticity and a professional appearance
• Contrast color work – the design incorporates two yarn colors to create visual interest and definition

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Mestral Tam is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn or similar light sport-weight alternatives. The recommended yarn is Rowan Felted Tweed, a premium blend composed of 50% Merino wool, 25% Alpaca, and 25% Viscose. This fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and a subtle texture.

Yarn yardage requirements vary by size:

• Size 1: 88 meters main color, 30 meters contrast color
• Size 2: 105 meters main color, 35 meters contrast color
• Size 3: 122 meters main color, 40 meters contrast color

The sample shown uses Rowan Felted Tweed colorway "185 Frozen" (light pink) for the main color and colorway "150 Rage" (fuchsia pink) for the contrast color.

Gauge and Needles

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches by 30 rounds over 10 by 10 centimeters (4 by 4 inches) in stockinette stitch in the round on appropriately sized needles after blocking. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly in fitted garments like hats.

Additional Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the Mestral Tam requires minimal additional supplies: a darning needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping, and scissors for cutting yarn.

Difficulty Level

The Mestral Tam is rated as a beginner-level project, making it an excellent introduction to hat knitting. The straightforward stitch pattern, simple shaping techniques, and manageable yardage requirements make this design accessible to knitters new to in-the-round construction.