Walnut Tam

Walnut Tam by Marie Wallin

What is Being Made

The Walnut Tam is a classic knitted hat designed by Marie Wallin from the Wildwood collection. This tam is a one-size-fits-all design intended to fit an average head circumference of 53–56cm (21–22 inches). The tam features a structured crown with a relaxed, rounded silhouette characteristic of traditional tam designs.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The tam is constructed using circular knitting, worked in continuous rounds from the brim upward. The pattern incorporates stranded colorwork (also called Fair Isle), where multiple yarn colors are carried across the wrong side of the work and floated as needed. The instructions specify keeping yarn not in use at the wrong side of the work while working the pattern, a fundamental stranded knitting technique that creates the patterned fabric.

The brim begins with a ribbed edge worked in alternating knit and purl stitches, which provides elasticity and helps the hat sit securely on the head. The colorwork pattern is then introduced and maintained throughout the body of the tam.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the primary stitch forming the fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in the ribbed brim for texture and stretch
• Stranded colorwork – alternating between multiple yarn colors in structured pattern repeats

Materials Required

The Walnut Tam is worked in 4-ply yarn, a lightweight fingering-weight yarn that creates a refined, fitted fabric. The pattern calls for nine different yarn colors from the British Breeds range, each requiring 1 x 25gm (approximately 1 ounce) of yarn:

• Mallard
• Quince
• Dark Apple
• Eau de Nil
• Wood
• Raw
• Russet
• Mulberry
• Rose
• Chestnut

Needles: The pattern requires 2¾mm (US 2) circular needles or a set of 4 double-pointed needles for working the ribbed brim, with a gauge of 28 stitches and 29 rounds to 10cm measured over patterned stockinette stitch using 3¼mm (US 3) needles.

Pattern Construction

The tam begins with casting on 114 stitches using the 2¾mm circular needle, taking care not to twist the cast-on edge. The first round establishes a knit-one, purl-one ribbed pattern. A stitch marker is placed to denote the beginning and end of rounds, essential for tracking progress in circular knitting. The colorwork is then introduced, with the pattern alternating between yarn colors in each round to create the distinctive patterned design characteristic of the Wildwood collection.