Tammie

Tammie Slouchy Hat by Katherine Vaughan

What is Being Made

Tammie is a slouchy hat and beret design created by independent designer Katherine Vaughan. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a versatile, packable hat suitable for summer and fall travel. The design combines the relaxed silhouette of a slouch with beret-inspired shaping, making it practical for various climates and occasions, whether traveling to Scotland or exploring your local neighborhood. The hat is forgiving in fit across a wide range of head sizes and avoids creating unwanted creasing or "hat hair" when removed.

Techniques and Construction Methods

Tammie is worked in the round using circular knitting needles, a technique that creates seamless construction. The hat begins with a cast-on of 72 stitches worked on a 24-inch circular needle, then transitions to double-pointed needles (dpns) or a second circular needle as the circumference decreases toward the crown. The ribbed stitch pattern helps the hat fold compactly for travel, while strategically placed eyelets add visual interest and contribute to the hat's overall aesthetic balance of weight and breathability. The combination of ribbing and eyelets creates a design that achieves both structure and a relaxed drape.

Stitches Used

• 2x2 Rib Stitch: The primary stitch pattern used throughout the hat. This classic ribbed texture provides elasticity and helps the hat maintain its shape while allowing it to compress for packing.
• Eyelets: Decorative and functional openings incorporated into the design to enhance the hat's visual appeal and contribute to its characteristic blend of structure and coolness.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Tammie requires 250 yards (229 meters) of worsted weight yarn, making it an efficient project that uses relatively modest yardage. The sample shown in the pattern was created using a bamboo, nylon, and elastic blend yarn that provides excellent drape and performance. The pattern notes that wool blend yarns with good drape characteristics will also work well for this design, offering crafters flexibility in yarn selection based on desired fiber content and feel.

Tools and Notions

• US 9 (5.5mm) 24-inch circular needle
• 1 set US 9 (5.5mm) double-pointed needles or a second US 9 (5.5mm) circular needle for working the crown decreases
• 1 stitch marker for tracking the beginning of rounds
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working 2x2 Rib Stitch in the stretched and blocked state. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the hat fits comfortably across a range of head sizes. Tammie is designed as an adult one-size-fits-most hat, with the ribbed construction providing natural stretch and recovery to accommodate various head circumferences.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, Tammie is suitable for knitters with foundational skills in circular knitting and basic stitch techniques. The intermediate classification reflects the requirement to work in the round, manage stitch markers, and execute the transition from circular needles to dpns or a second circular needle. Knitters comfortable with ribbed stitch patterns and basic shaping will find this hat an accessible and rewarding project.