How to Knit a Slouchy Hat Pattern

This knit slouchy hat free pattern is made entirely of knits and purls, making it perfect for beginners and a quick knit for old hands.

Some knitting patterns can be difficult and filled with jargon, but in this video tutorial, we’ll go through the entire slouchy hat pattern step-by-step. Follow along with the pattern, gather your materials, and let’s get started!

This knit slouchy hat pattern includes an adult size Small and Large.

Materials & Notes

Yarn: approx 175 yds/160 m of Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50% alpaca/50% wool; 215 yds / 100g) in color 6206

Recommended Needles:

• 16” (40cm) circular needle size US 6 (4mm)
• 16” (40cm) circular needle size US 7 (4.5mm)
• Set of four double pointed needles size US 7 (4.5mm)
  Use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below!

Notions:

• 1 stitch marker
• 5 extra stitch markers (optional for decreases)
• Ruler or tape measure
• Tapestry needle

Finished Measurements:

• Adult Small Circumference: 21.5” after blocking
• Adult Small Height: 10” after blocking
• Adult Large Circumference: 22.5” after blocking
• Adult Large Height: 11.25“ after blocking

Gauge: 22 sts/ 32 rows = 4” in textured rib using larger needles

Notes:

Textured Rib:
Round 1: *K1TBL, P1; repeat from * to end of round
Round 2: knit all sts to end of round

2×2 Rib:
All rounds: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end of round

German Twisted Cast On: watch a video tutorial on how to work this stretchy cast on.

Instructions:

With smaller circular needles, CO 84 (88) sts using German twisted cast on and join in the round, making sure not to twist stitches.

Knit 2×2 rib until piece measures 1.5 (2)” from cast on edge.

Switch to larger circular needles and work increase round for your size:

Adult Small Increase Round: *K3, M1, K4, M1; repeat from * to end of round (108 sts)

Adult Large Increase Round: *K3, M1, K4, M1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, K3, M1, K1, M1 (114 sts)

Work in textured rib until work measures 7.5 (8.5)” (or knit additional 0.5” for extra slouch) from CO edge. End after having worked Round 1. Then work decrease rounds for your size.

Adult Small Decrease Rounds

Round 1: *K2tog, K2tog, K14* repeat from * to end of round (96 sts)
Round 2: *K1TBL, P1* repeat from * to end of round
Round 3: *K2tog, K2tog, K12* repeat from * to end of round (84 sts)
Round 4: Repeat Round 2
Round 5: *K2tog, K2tog, K10* repeat from * to end of round (72 sts)
Round 6: Repeat Round 2
Round 7: *K2tog, K2tog, K8* repeat from * to end of round (60 sts)
Round 8: Repeat Round 2
Round 9: *K2tog, K2tog, K6* repeat from * to end of round (48 sts)
Round 10: Repeat Round 2
Round 11: *K2tog, K2tog, K4* repeat from * to end of round (36 sts)
Round 12: Knit all sts
Round 13: *K2tog, K2tog, K2* repeat from * to end of round (24 sts)
Round 14: Knit all sts
Round 15: *K2tog* repeat from * to end of round (12 sts)

Adult Large Decrease Rounds:

Round 1: *K2tog, K2tog, K15* repeat from * to end of round (102 sts)
Round 2: *K1TBL, P1* repeat from * to end of round
Round 3: *K2tog, K2tog, K13* repeat from * to end of round (90 sts)
Round 4: Repeat Round 2
Round 5: *K2tog, K2tog, K11* repeat from * to end of round (78 sts)
Round 6: Repeat Round 2
Round 7: *K2tog, K2tog, K9* repeat from * to end of round (66 sts)
Round 8: Repeat Round 2
Round 9: *K2tog, K2tog, K7* repeat from * to end of round (54 sts)
Round 10: Repeat Round 2
Round 11: *K2tog, K2tog, K5* repeat from * to end of round (42 sts)
Round 12: Repeat Round 2
Round 13: *K2tog, K2tog, K3* repeat from * to end of round (30 sts)
Round 14: Knit all sts
Round 15: *K2tog, K2tog, K1* repeat from * to end of round (18 sts)
Round 16: *K2tog* repeat from * to end of round (9 sts)

Cut yarn and leave a tail of 10″ to thread through remaining 12 (9) sts. Weave in ends to secure and block for extra slouchiness if desired.

Abbreviations:
* : repeat instructions between * and * as many times that’s indicated
CO: cast on
K: knit
K2tog: knit two stitches together
M1: make one stitch
P: purl
St(s): stitch(es)
KTBL: knit through the back loop