Little Tam

Little Tam by MADuNaier

What Is Being Made

The Little Tam is a beginner-friendly crochet hat pattern designed by Michele DuNaier of MAD Cap Fancies. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a classic tam-style hat suitable for a range of head sizes. The design features a structured brim band and crown construction, making it an accessible project for those new to crochet.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques appropriate for beginners. The construction begins with a brim band worked in rows, utilizing basic stitch manipulation and turning chains. The pattern incorporates stitch decreasing to shape the crown of the hat, allowing the crocheter to practice essential shaping skills. Slip stitches are used to join rounds and create seamless transitions between sections of the hat.

Stitches Used

• Single Crochet (sc): Used in the foundation and brim sections to create a dense, structured base
• Double Crochet (dc): The primary stitch for building the body and crown of the tam
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds and secure stitches
• Chain Stitch (ch): Foundation chains and chain spaces for construction and shaping
• Double Crochet Decrease (dc dec): Essential for tapering the crown and achieving the tam's characteristic rounded shape

Materials and Specifications

This pattern requires DK weight yarn, a lightweight yarn choice that creates a refined, wearable hat. Crafters will need a size H (5mm) crochet hook to achieve the correct gauge of 17 double crochets over 4 inches. Additional notions include a small wooden button for embellishment and stitch markers to track progress through the pattern. The pattern calls for leaving a 9-inch tail when beginning the brim band, which can be used for seaming or weaving in.

This free pattern from an independent designer offers an excellent introduction to hat construction and shaping techniques in crochet.