Star Anise (Anice stellato)

Star Anise Tam by Alice Twain

What Is Being Made

The Star Anise is a top-down knitted tam, a traditional Scottish beret-style hat designed by independent designer Alice Twain. This intermediate-level knitting project features a distinctive crown pattern that creates a visual resemblance to star anise seed pods. The tam is constructed to fit women's small/teen through large head sizes, with a crown diameter of 29 cm (11½") and a border circumference available in two sizes: 46 cm (16") or 40 cm (18").

Design and Pattern Structure

The tam's most distinctive feature is its crown pattern, which is built around a leafy, starry motif that radiates outward from the center point. This pattern develops along six spokes that serve a dual purpose: they form the visual design elements while simultaneously functioning as the increase points for the top-down construction. This integration of design and shaping creates the tam's signature star anise-like appearance, with the six sections resembling the individual capsules that hold seeds in an actual star anise pod.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Top-down construction: The tam is worked from the crown downward, beginning at the center point and expanding outward
• Circular knitting: The project is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles
• Strategic increases: Increases are placed along the six spokes of the pattern to shape the crown while maintaining the design integrity
• Magic loop method option: Crafters may use the magic loop technique as an alternative to double-pointed needles for the crown shaping
• Blocking: The finished tam requires blocking to achieve proper gauge and shape

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary stitch used throughout the tam, worked in the round
• Patterned sections: The leafy, starry crown pattern that radiates from the center along six spokes

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: The Star Anise tam is designed for Aquilana 4 ply yarn in a natural color. One hank of 100 grams (3.53 oz) with 200 meters (218 yards) of yardage is required to complete the project. The aran weight classification provides appropriate drape and structure for a tam silhouette.

Needles and Notions: The pattern calls for a metric size 4.5 (US 7) circular needle measuring 40 cm (16") in length, along with a set of double-pointed needles in the same size, or alternatively a long circular needle for magic loop work. One stitch marker is essential for tracking the beginning of rounds, with the option to use five additional stitch markers in a contrasting color to mark each of the six pattern spokes for easier tracking during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 25 rows over 10 cm (4") in stockinette stitch worked in the round, measured after blocking. This gauge is critical for achieving the correct finished dimensions. The tam is sized to fit head circumferences of 48 cm (18¾") for woman's small/teen or 54 cm (21¼") for woman's large, with adjustable border circumference options of 40 cm or 46 cm (16" or 18").

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Star Anise tam requires solid foundational knitting skills including proficiency with circular needles, working in the round, and reading stitch patterns. The integration of pattern work with shaping increases adds complexity beyond beginner projects, making it suitable for knitters with prior experience.