I designed this tam as a 90th birthday present for a family friend. The centre motif represents the pyramidal orchid, which is the official flower of the Isle of Wight, where the recipient was born.

Only very small amounts of each colour are needed to make this hat, so it’s a terrific way to use up leftover yarn, especially sock yarn!

Accessibility

Purchasing this pattern gives you access to both a standard-format PDF with the instructions and a low-vision/screen reader version.

Skills Required

• Knitting, purling
• Increasing, decreasing
• Stranded knitting

If you want to follow the chart instructions, you’ll also need to be able to follow a chart. However, this is not required, as written instructions are also provided.

Yarn Requirements

Fingering/sock weight yarn (all yardages shown are approximate):

• Colour 1 (grey shown in sample) 46 yards
• Colour 2 (green): 42 yards
• Colour 3 (yellow): 29 yards
• Colour 4 (blue): 38 yards
• Colour 5 (white): 39 yards
• Colour 6 (light pink): 12 yards
• Colour 7 (dark pink): 12 yards

Other Materials Needed

• 2.5mm 16” circular needle
• 3mm 16” circular needle
• Set of 3mm double-pointed needles
• Stitch marker
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

16 sts and rows to 2” on larger needles in stranded pattern after blocking.

Sizing

One size, to fit head circumferences 21” to 23”. Finished brim circumference: 23”; diameter of flat circular top laid flat: 10.25”.

The pattern notes contain suggestions suggestions on how to make the tam in a smaller or larger size.