How to Knit a Slouchy Hat Pattern
May contain affiliate links (what's this?)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.
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Slouchy Hat Knitting Tutorial Video
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
Support Sheep & Stitch!
While the pattern instructions and video tutorial are free and available above, for the price of a fancy coffee, you can support Sheep & Stitch by purchasing a PDF file of this pattern. This PDF file is beautifully laid out and ready to be printed out by you!
Upon purchase, the pattern PDF file will be delivered to you by email. Thank you for your support!
Hi Davina
Im not sure the pdf is on this page. I might be a goober but I dont think there is a link attached to the “download the pattern” button.
Hi Izzy! Oops! You’re right. The PDF file is not linked up. I’m actually making the file a paid product (for $4, like some of the other free patterns on the site), but forgot to link it up to the checkout. The pattern is still available for free as text. You can copy and paste it into a word processor (like Microsoft Word or Open Office) and then print it out. Hope that help, and thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Hi Davina
Love your videos. I’d like to knit the slouchy hat for someone who has a really big head 🙂 . It measure 24 inches. Should I consider casting on 92 stitches (instead of 88 for a large hat)? I realize I would also have to adjust the decreasing rounds accordingly. Or do you think I could just ‘adjust’ the sizing during the blocking process?
Hi Naomi, I think you may need to play around with the pattern and cast on more stitches if the hat recipient has a much larger head! You can also consider knitting with a slightly larger yarn. I would do a test swatch and figure out the gauge first and then calculate the size of the hat based off of your new gauge. It definitely requires a bit of math. Good luck!
Hi Davina,
Im having problems with the adult large size decrease. First decrease round…i end up with two extra stitches.. what am i missing_
Hi! I just finished my hat and love it! Unfortunately, it is too big. I used the gauge swatch and based on that I used size 3 and size 5 needles with worsted weight yarn as suggested. I want to try again with the yarn you used but will need to cast on fewer stitches. My head measures 21.5 inches. What amount of stitches do you suggest?
The yarn was 20% wool and 80% acrylic. Can you suggest a method for washing to shrink it?
Thank you for your suggestions. I wish I could send you a picture because it is really nice, just too big. I put stripes in with cream, light green, tan, grey, and violet.
Hi Davina,
I love your tutorials! I am new to knitting and you have been so helpful and funny. I am currently trying to knit your slouchy hat. I made it thru the increase round and ended up with 113 stitches for the large size hat:(. Should I take out the whole round or just add one more stitch?
I have the pat tern but I need a review on how to do the patt ern. Is it possible to see the video?