Slipped Stitch Tam

Slipped Stitch Tam by Fox and Folk

What is Being Made

The Slipped Stitch Tam is a classic knitted hat designed by Fox and Folk, available in five size ranges: 1-2, 2-3, 4-6, 8-10, and 10-13. This tam is an ideal beginner-level knitting project that creates a traditional beret-style hat with a structured crown and fitted ribbed edging.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners while incorporating slipped stitch details that add visual interest to the finished garment. The construction begins with a ribbed edging worked in the round on circular needles, establishing a fitted base. The pattern uses both increases and decreases to shape the crown of the tam, creating the characteristic rounded silhouette. Slipped stitches are utilized throughout the design, a technique where stitches are moved from one needle to another without working through them, which creates subtle texture and helps maintain stitch definition.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) - the fundamental stitch creating the primary fabric
• Purl (P) - used in combination with knit stitches for the ribbed edging
• Slip 1 Knitwise (S1k) - slipped stitches that form the decorative element of the design
• Knit Front and Back (Kfb) - an increase stitch for shaping the crown
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog) - a decrease stitch for tapering the top
• Purl 2 Together (P2tog) - a decrease stitch used in ribbed sections
• Stockinette Stitch - the primary fabric structure created by alternating knit and purl rows
• K1, P1 Ribbing - the elastic edging that creates the fitted band around the hat

Materials and Gauge

The Slipped Stitch Tam requires worsted weight yarn in a yardage range of 130-180 yards (119-165 meters), making it an economical project. The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and fit: Size US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needles for the ribbed edging, Size US 8 (5 mm) 16-inch circular needles for the main body, and Size US 8 (5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for transitioning to the crown shaping, with Size US 6 (4 mm) DPNs for the final decreases. The pattern is worked to a gauge of 4½ stitches per inch (3½ stitches per 2 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Additional notions include a yarn needle for finishing, stitch markers, and a fixed stitch marker or safety pin to denote the beginning of rounds. The ribbed edging is cast on with stitch counts varying by size (72, 76, 80, 84, or 88 stitches) and worked for 1.25 to 2 inches depending on the size selected.