tam patterns?

I need a crochet pattern. I have tried everything. I've searched this forum completely and only found that "Rasta" pattern which isn't what I'm looking for at all. I've googled for a couple days and only find 404 errors which is depressing. (search through a huge list of free patters and come across a "Dread Tam" get all excited, my search is finally over! 404 No Tam For You T_T )

I bought the wool and my mom, who is the one crocheting, tried to do it freehand. She's made me some really nice winter hats and does wonderful stuff for kids and babies but a tam alludes her. It hasn't come out right at all.

she can't get the 'flatness' of it right. It's turned into a shallow salad bowl.

I'm looking for something like this Dread Tam or maybe just some hints or tips on how to make a flat spiral out, then spiral back in? I think the problem is we have no idea on how to even come at the problem.

Thanks very much for all help.

 

http://www.planetshoup.com/easy/crochet/tamrasta.shtml
That could be the one my mum used to make mine. But Im not too sure, because the picture looks different to mine.

 

Thank you very much!
My mom started using that pattern and you are right, it doesn't look like the pictures. It's looking exactly like the store bought tam I have! When it's finished I'll put up some pictures.

There should be a sticky with links to patterns and other general DIY dread stuff.

 

I wish I could figure out crochet. Also you could check out http://www.hipforums.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=211416 there are links there to both a knit and crochet one.

 

I think the crochet ones are denser

 

Sped, thanks for the pattern. its really simple.

 

Here are the pictures I promised. Took a while to take em, I'm part lazy.

The one of the left is the store bought one from dreadheadHQ. the gray is the homemade one using the pattern posted by sped.

 

That looks cool! I might have to give that pattern a try.

 

Tried the pattern too, but had to redo a few times to get the flatness I like.
If anyone reading this wants a totally flat circle across the tam, with no puckering I have worked out the answer! took me all night, but YAY Ive sussed it! Use sped's pattern with the following adjustments:

start with 6 slipstiches to form a chain then,
round 1: work 15 hdc into the ring
round 2: work 2hdc into EVERY stitch for one round only.
round 3: start round 3 with 2hdc into first stitch, then 1hdc into next, etc.
Then follow the pattern that sped found, going up one each row etc

Have fun, sorry I dont have a photo yet.