Nairn Tam

Nairn Tam by Sharon Spencer

What is Being Made

The Nairn Tam is a knitted tam-style hat designed by Sharon Spencer. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished hat with a diameter of 10 or 11 inches, sized to fit heads measuring 20 to 23 inches in circumference. The tam features a classic beret-like silhouette, combining both ribbed and stockinette stitch sections for structure and visual interest.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction begins with ribbed knitting to create the hat's fitted band, then transitions to the main body worked in stockinette stitch. The pattern incorporates both increases and decreases to shape the tam's crown. Increases are created using the M1 (Make 1) method, which involves picking up the loop between stitches and knitting into the back of the loop to add stitches invisibly. Decreases are worked using the S2, K1, PSSO (Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitches Over) technique, which creates a left-leaning decrease ideal for shaping the crown. The hat is worked in the round using either double-pointed needles or circular needles, a technique that eliminates seaming and creates seamless, professional results.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch forming the main fabric
• Purl (P): Used in the ribbed sections to create texture and elasticity
• M1 (Make 1): An invisible increase method for shaping the tam
• S2, K1, PSSO (Slip 2, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitches Over): A decorative decrease technique used to shape the crown
• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch pattern forming the tam's body
• Ribbed Stitch: Used for the fitted band at the base of the hat

Materials and Gauge

The Nairn Tam is worked in Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift, a premium 4-ply yarn available in five beautiful colorways: 122 Granite, 134 Blue Danube, 162 Neptune, 410 Cornfield, and 707 Eclipse. Each color requires 25 grams of yarn. The pattern is worked on 3.00 mm needles for the main body and 2.75 mm double-pointed or circular needles for the ribbed band. The specified gauge is 39 rows by 32 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) when measured on 3.00 mm needles after blocking. Knitters should adjust needle sizes as needed to achieve the correct gauge, ensuring the finished tam fits properly and has the intended drape and structure.

Additional Notions and Finishing

Beyond yarn and needles, this project requires a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round, a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors for cutting yarn, and a 10 or 11 inch plate for blocking. Blocking is an essential finishing step that sets the gauge and helps the tam achieve its final shape and dimensions.