Blithe & Lightsome tammy & beanie

Blithe & Lightsome Tammy & Beanie Knit Pattern

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern by designer Mona Zillah (bunnymuff) provides instructions for creating two distinct hat styles: a tammy and a beanie. Both designs are crafted using the knitting technique and are suitable for knitters with intermediate-level skills. The pattern draws inspiration from poetic elegance, offering a refined approach to classic hat construction.

What Is Being Made

The pattern includes instructions for two complementary hat designs: a tammy (a soft, rounded Scottish-style cap) and a beanie. These are versatile headwear pieces that can be worn casually or dressed up, making them suitable for various occasions and seasons. The designs utilize a multi-color approach with a main color and three coordinating contrast colors, allowing for creative color blocking and striping effects.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Shetland Spindrift by Jamieson's of Shetland, a fingering-weight yarn (4-ply) composed of 100% Shetland wool. This yarn is valued for its softness, breathability, and vibrant color palette. The approximate yardage requirements are as follows:

• Main Color (MC) in Leprechaun: 100 yards (92 meters)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1) in Petrol: 90 yards (82 meters)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2) in Eggshell: 100 yards (92 meters)
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3) in Damask: 48 yards (44 meters)

The relatively modest yardage requirements make this an excellent project for utilizing yarn stash or creating multiple hats from a single skein collection.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires the following needle sizes and configurations:

• 2.75mm (US No. 2) circular needles or double-pointed needles (DPNs)
• 3.0mm (US No. 2.5) circular needles (16 inches / 41 centimeters) or DPNs (6 inches / 15 centimeters)

The inclusion of both circular needle and DPN options provides flexibility for knitters who prefer different working methods. Circular needles are ideal for working in the round with larger stitch counts, while DPNs are particularly useful for the crown decreases typical in hat construction.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern establishes a gauge of 32 stitches by 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring that the finished hats fit properly and display the intended fabric characteristics. Knitters should take time to knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the project.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level pattern employs several fundamental knitting techniques that create structure, shaping, and visual interest:

Cast-On and Foundation

The pattern specifies a long-tail cast on, which creates a flexible, elastic edge ideal for hat openings. This method provides a professional finish and allows the brim to stretch comfortably around the head.

Increase Stitches

Make One (M1) increases are used to add stitches within the fabric. The pattern offers two variations:

• M1R (Make One Right): Worked by lifting the bar between two stitches and knitting through the front loop, creating a right-leaning increase
• M1L (Make One Left): Worked by lifting the bar between two stitches and knitting through the back loop (ktbl), creating a left-leaning increase

These paired increases are often used symmetrically in hat patterns to create balanced, visually pleasing shaping.

Decrease Stitches

Two decrease techniques are employed:

• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease created by inserting the needle through two stitches knitwise and knitting them together as one stitch. This is commonly used in crown shaping.