Brioche Knit Tam: Basic Pattern
Pattern Size: Fits adult head sizes small to medium (21-1/2 to 22-1/2"). This pattern can be knitted in the round and on straight needles. Pay attention to tool sizes. Larger needles and/or heavier yarn will create a larger hat.
Tools Needed
- Size 3 circular needles or straight needles
- size 5 circular needles or straight needles
- at least 200 yards of weight 3 DK yarn
- one stitch marker (with circular needles)
- a darning needle.
Directions
Using the size 3 needles, cast on 88 stitches, and knit 2, purl 2 till the end of the row. Repeat for at least 6 rows.
Begin brioche stitch pattern: k1, yo slip, k1, yo slip, k1, yo slip, and repeat until you reach the stitch marker. Whatever stitch you knitted in the previous row you will yar over and then slip, whatever stitch you yo slipped in the previous row you will knit together as one. Repeat the brioche pattern for 6 rows and then increase stitches every 2 k1 stitches until you have reached the stitch marker again.
How to increase: Go into the yo slip one as if to knit just one, but yo and knit one in the same stitch again. This will give you 2 extra stitches plus the original knit stitch; you will yo slip one, k1, and yo slip one those three stitches when you come back around in the following row. Keep in mind, these stitches will be like the brioche set up row. After that, they will be like the rest of the brioche stitches.
After 2 more rows with the extra stitches then switch to the larger needles.
Continue the pattern until there are at least 3 inches between the top of the ribbed band and the last row.
Now, we will increase stitches again just as before (and on the same side as the first increases), but only in the knit stitches (yo slip one) between brioche stitches that were not increased previously. As before, you will yo slip one, k1, and yo slip one those three stitches when you come back around in the following row. Thereafter, repeat the brioche pattern for another 2 inches.
Now, we will perform our first set of decreases. These will be double decreases and will maintain a cohesive pattern on the right side, creating a closed-loop.
Continue the brioche pattern for another 1-1/2 inches and perform the second set of decreases on the first increases. Just as with the first decreases, these will be double decreases and will create an extra-long closed-loop.
Continue the brioche pattern for another inch and perform the second set of decreases every other stitch set. Knit 3 more rows and cast off, leaving a tail at least 9" long (if you used circular needles) or 14" (if you used straight needles).
You will use this tail to seam the top (and sides - if you used straight needles) of the hat to finish.
I added a pompom to my hat, to add a little more contrast between the self-striping colors, but you may leave yours as is.
If you decide to use this pattern, please let me know. I would be happy to offer guidance. Just send me an email or contact me on my social media pages.