How to Crochet a Rasta Tam

The Rastafarian movement began in Jamaica in the 1930s. 

CROCHET

A Rasta tam is a type of beret with a very wide, flat crown made to cover dreadlocks. A Rasta tam is usually worn with the bulk of the fabric hanging down to the back, unlike a regular beret which is worn a little to the side of the head. This pattern works up quickly with a large hook and double crochet stitches. Make the hat in cotton for warmer climates and in acrylic or wool for colder climates and keep your Rasta head styling all year long.

Things You will Need

125-175 yards (114 m) medium weight yarn

Size I (9 mm) crochet hook

Scissors

Work round one. Chain five and slip stitch in the fourth chain from the hook to form a ring. Chain 3 and work 15 double crochet stitches in the ring. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning chain. You should have 16 stitches.

Work round two. Chain three and double crochet in same stitch as joining. Work two double crochet in each remaining stitch around. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning chain. You should have 32 stitches.

Work round three. Chain three and double crochet in same stitch as joining. Work one double crochet in the next three stitches. Two double crochet in next stitch to increase. Repeat around. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning chain. You should have 40 stitches.

Work rounds four to eight. Continue to increase eight stitches each round. There are 80 stitches at end of round eight. Add as many additional rounds as needed to adjust the overall width of your hat.

Work rounds nine to 11. Chain three and double crochet in each stitch around. Add as many additional rows as needed to adjust the overall length of your hat to accommodate the length of your dreadlocks.

Work rounds 12 to 15. Chain three and double crochet in the next seven stitches. Decrease double crochet in the next two stitches and double crochet in the next eight stitches. Repeat around. Continue to decrease eight stitches each round. There are 48 stitches at the end of round 15.

Work rounds 16-17. Chain two and work a half-double crochet in the same stitch as joining and in each stitch around.

Work round 18. Chain one and single crochet in each stitch around. Fasten off.