Hildasay Tam

Hildasay Tam by K.M. Bedigan

What is Being Made

The Hildasay Tam is a simple, fitted tam—a traditional Scottish-style hat—designed by K.M. Bedigan as a downloadable knitting pattern. This intermediate-level project creates a classic beret-shaped hat available in four sizes to fit head circumferences of approximately 16, 18, 20, and 22 inches (40, 45, 50, and 55 centimeters). The tam is knitted in two contrasting shades of Shetland yarn, creating visual interest through color work.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Hildasay Tam employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The hat is knitted in the round from the brim upward, using either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles depending on the crafter's preference. The pattern incorporates color work by alternating between a main color and a contrasting color yarn throughout the construction. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases as the crown of the tam is formed, requiring attention to stitch manipulation and proper gauge maintenance.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes essential knitting stitches and abbreviations:

• k (knit)—the fundamental knit stitch
• p (purl)—the basic purl stitch
• k2tog (knit 2 stitches together)—a right-leaning decrease used for shaping the crown
• m1 (make 1 stitch)—an increase stitch for adding stitches where needed
• sl1k2togpsso (slip 1 stitch purlwise, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over)—a left-leaning double decrease for more pronounced shaping
• Ribbing (k1, p1)—alternating knit and purl stitches that create an elastic, fitted edge at the brim

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Hildasay Tam is designed to be knitted with Jamieson & Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight yarn, classified as fingering or 4-ply weight. Each 25-gram skein provides 125 yards (114 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires 50 grams total of yarn in two contrasting shades. The sample shown uses shade 106 Mooskit as the main color and shade 231 Bracken as the contrast color, though crafters may select any two complementary shades from the Jamieson & Smith range.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires two sizes of needles to create proper gauge and fit. 2.5mm / US 1.5 needles are used for the initial cast-on and ribbed brim section, while 2.75mm / US 2 needles are used for the main body and crown shaping. Both needle sizes can be worked as double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, offering flexibility based on crafter preference. Additional supplies include a stitch marker to denote the beginning of each round and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends upon completion.

Gauge and Sizing

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 32 stitches to 10 centimeters (4 inches) and 40 rows to 10 centimeters (4 inches) when working on 2.75mm / US 2 needles in the round. This gauge measurement ensures the finished tam will fit correctly at the intended head circumference. The pattern accommodates four distinct sizes by varying the cast-on stitch count: 80 stitches for extra-small, 100 stitches for small, 120 stitches for medium, and 140 stitches for large.