18th Century Scots Bonnet Pattern

This cap is currently called a “tam”, but in the 18th century was known as a “Scots Bonnet”. Although rarely worn in America, this cap is very appropriate for pre 1746 Jacobite rising in Scotland and again later in the 19th century. It was such a common Scottish garment that it became a symbol of Scots, particularly Scottish Highlanders.

This Scots bonnet, or “Tam”, pattern is based on the one on p.4 and 6 of the Shire Booklet Scottish Knitting by Helen Bennett. The bonnet pictured in this book dates to about 1718. For a good looking bonnet we suggest one 2 ply, 4 oz. skein of fishermen’s weight midnight blue using size 7 (4.5 mm) 10″ needles.