Materials:
1 100 gr ball tweedy heavy worsted wt yarn. Mine was 200 yards/100
gr, and I had a small ball leftover.
Needles for yarn, mine were US7/4.5mm and US9/5.5m, dpns or small circular
(16"/40cm).
Gauge:
4 stitches/inch in stockinette stitch
Pattern:
Cast on 80 stitches, join.
With smaller needles, rib in your choice of rib (k1, p1; k2, p2; k1b,
p1; or fancy rib - if you use fancy rib make sure to cast on a number that
is a multiple of stitches in your rib) for about an inch or so (2.5cm).
Next round: *k1, m1* repeat between ** around. where m1 is make one of your choice, I like snug backwards loop. 120 stitches
Next round: With larger needle, k1, p1 to end of round.
After last stitch of round, m1. (121 stitches) Then just keep going, purling the knits and knitting the purls until hat is about 4 inches (10cm) from k1, m1 round. Five inches (12.5 cm) for big head/hair or more scrunchy tam (I used 5 inches). It looks like a big droopy bag, don't worry.
First decrease round: *Work 17 stitches, p3tog* repeat to last stitch, k1, work one round with no decrease (still purling the knits, and knitting the previously purled stitches)
(Note: this will work out if first stitch of that round is a k1. If round starts with p1, then decrease will be k3tog. Imo, doesn't really matter as long as you keep in pattern. Somehow I've convinced myself the p3tog side looks slightly better, but this is actually reversible, depending on your rib.)
Second decrease round: *Work 15 stitches, 3 tog* repeat around to last stitch, k1,
Work one round with no decrease.
Keep going alternating decrease and plain rounds until a few stitches
are left.
Cut yarn, thread through, pull tight and fasten off.
Or alternately work last three or four stitches into a couple of inches of i-cord, fasten off, weave in end, tie in knot on top. Still looks like a droopy bag, don't worry.
Finishing:
Weave in ends.
Wet tam in sinkful of tepid water. (woolwash of choice if desired).
Place around dinner plate - I use leftover 11" big white plate from
80s nouvelle period for five inch version.
Pat into tam-like thing.
Pinch ribbing into shape.
Dry, turning plate every so often. (I dry plate on top of a towel,
changing towel when necessary.)