Bellejouanne Tam

Bellejouanne Tam by Margaret Kendall

What Is Being Made

The Bellejouanne Tam is a sophisticated knitted hat designed by Margaret Kendall. This tam is a classic, rounded hat style that combines textural interest with elegant stitch work. The design features alternating cables incorporated with lace elements, creating a visually dynamic and dimensionally interesting finished piece suitable for advanced knitters.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Bellejouanne Tam is worked from the bottom up and in-the-round, a construction method that allows for seamless shaping and continuous circular knitting. The pattern offers flexibility in brim finishing with two options: a turned hem brim or a 1 x 1 rib brim, allowing makers to choose their preferred edge treatment based on yarn choice and personal preference. The crown features either 2 full repeats or a modified 1.5 repeats of the cable and lace pattern, depending on the yarn weight selected.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The primary stitch work in the Bellejouanne Tam centers on alternating cables combined with lace stitches. These two techniques work together to add texture and dimension throughout the hat. The cables provide structure and visual interest, while the incorporated lace elements offer an elegant, openwork contrast. The brim options include either a turned hem construction or 1 x 1 ribbing, both classic techniques for creating a secure, finished edge on circular knitting projects.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern is designed to work with worsted-weight yarn and provides three yarn options with different fiber content and yardage requirements:

• Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Solids in Fisherman colorway: 80% acrylic, 20% wool blend; 197 yards (180 m) per 3.0 oz (85 g); requires 197 yards (180 m) with turned hem brim and 2 crown repeats
• The Fibre Company Road to China Light in Smoky Quartz colorway: 65% alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere luxury blend; 159 yards (145 m) per 1.76 oz (50 g); requires 210 yards (192 m) with turned hem brim and 2 crown repeats
• Patons Classic Wool Worsted in Plum Heather colorway: 100% wool; 210 yards (192 m) per 3.53 oz (100 g); requires 195 yards (178.3 m) with 1 x 1 rib brim and modified 1.5 crown repeats

Circular needles appropriate for worsted-weight yarn are required for in-the-round construction.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable working with cables, lace stitches, and in-the-round construction simultaneously. The combination of textural techniques and seamless circular shaping requires solid foundational skills and the ability to read and follow complex stitch patterns.