Pattern: Slouchy Hat

This simple slouchy hat is basically done in 2×2 Rib Stitch and Knit Stitch. A great way to practice Circular Knitting, changing needles, and using Circular Needles and Double Pointed Needles (DPNs).

Here is the Slouchy Hat worn folded up for less slouch! I made this for my darling BF who wasn’t 100% in love with the slouchy hat! He did not want to look like Ashton Kutcher, Brad Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt, etc… A.k.a. the Japanese Hipster look circa 2005… Le sigh. Fair enough.

I think the slouchy look is classic enough these days so I still like it for both girls and guys. Perhaps next time I will reduce the sag. Or use a different yarn or color scheme to downplay the slouch look.

Materials:
1-2 Balls Knit Picks Stroll Multi in Lily Pad Multi, Fingering Weight, 75% Superwash Merino, 25% Nylon, 231 yards, $5.99
Stitch Markers, Darning Needle

Needles:
US 3 [3.25mm] in 16″ Circular Knitting Needles
US 5 [3.75mm] in 16″ Circular Knitting Needles
US 5 [3.75mm] Double Pointed Knitting Needles, Set of 4

Measurements:
11 inches (W) x 14 inches (H)
Circumference: 22 inches

Gauge:
26 sts and 34 rows = 4″ with larger needles in stocking st

Skill Level: Easy Intermediate

Pattern:
Free from Patons – Patons Kroy Socks Basic Beanie. The pattern below is a modified version of the Men’s Size Hat in the Slouchy Fit. I decreased the brim height and increased the body height of the hat. [pdf]

Brim:
Begin with smaller circular needle. Cast on 136 sts.
Place stitch marker. Join for working in round.
[K2, P2] every round until brim measures about 4″ tall.
Total: 27 rows, 3.5 inches.

Body:
Change to larger circular needle.
Knit (K) every round until Body measures about 7″ tall.
Total: 51 rows, 7 inches.

Finish:
Round 1: *K2tog. K30. ssk. Rep from * around. 128 sts.
2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th Rounds: Knit.
Round 3: *K2tog. K28. ssk. Rep from * around. 120 sts.
Round 5: *K2tog. K26. ssk. Rep from * around. 112 sts.
Round 7: *K2tog. K24. ssk. Rep from * around. 104 sts.
Round 9: *K2tog. K22. ssk. Rep from * around. 96 sts.
Round 11: *K2tog. K20. ssk. Rep from * around. 88 sts.
Round 13: *K2tog. K18. ssk. Rep from * around. 80 sts.

Begin decrease in every round:
Round 15: *K2tog. K16. ssk. Rep from * around. 72 sts.
Round 16: *K2tog. K14. ssk. Rep from * around. 64 sts.
Round 17: *K2tog. K12. ssk. Rep from * around. 56 sts.
Round 18: *K2tog. K10. ssk. Rep from * around. 48 sts.
Round 19: *K2tog. K8. ssk. Rep from * around. 40 sts.
Round 20: *K2tog. K6. ssk. Rep from * around. 32 sts.
Round 21: *K2tog. K4. ssk. Rep from * around. 24 sts.
Round 22: *K2tog. K2. ssk. Rep from * around. 16 sts.
Total: 22 rows, 3.5 inches.

Break yarn. Thread through remaining stitches. Draw up tightly and fasten securely. Weave in ends.

Notes:
The Knit Picks Stroll Sock Yarn striped up really neat. Depending on the needle size you use and the size of your project, you will get delightfully unique and irregular striping! I only used about 1.25 balls.

For my needles, I used 20″ circular needles which also fit. I used my fave ones – Addi Turbos! They are metal needles so creamy and zippy. If you like natural materials, Clover Takumi Velvets are my fave! They are bamboo and a close second to the Addi Turbos for me. The hat can also be knit using Double Pointed Needles only. You can save yourself from needing a third set of needles this way.

I used this hat to practice my Continental Knitting. It’s a straight shot and you’re doing primarily Knit Stitch, so it’s a great way to practice a different type of knitting hold. I’m an English Knitter, so I hold the yarn from the ball in my right hand and throw the yarn over my working needle. Continental Knitters hold the yarn steady in their left hands and pick the yarn. It’s a slightly different way of knitting. It all creates the same stitches, just in a different way.

The pattern comes in 2 sizes and 2 versions – Men’s or Women’s Size and Regular or Slouchy Fit.
<== Left: Slouchy Fit Hat; Right: Regular Fit Hat

Sizing and Gauge:
Width: 11 inches
Height: 14 inches
Brim Circumference: About 22 inches

The above measurements were taken before the hat was worn! I made this hat with the intention of it fitting very large sized heads. Hence the extra height in the body. But it still turned out too wide in the brim. As the day wore on the hat got looser and looser.

The number of stitches were correct. I double checked the gauge and it seemed right. I tried on the hat as I went, since the brim is knitted up first, and it fit fine too. Some factors could have been: I’m a loose knitter and I knitted even looser because I was knitting to fit a large-sized head; the rib knit in the brim will stretch and loosen up as the day goes on; I also noticed that after I blocked the piece it stretched out and got floppier.

Next time I will make the Womens Size Hat and also shorten the body by at least 1-2 inches.