This months tutorials have been unfairly balanced so far in favour of polymer clay, so here is one for a super cute knitted slouch hat. This one works up very fast, without too much shaping, and is ideal for beginner knitters. The simple knit-purl design is patterned on every row, but the results are super pretty and textured. If you cast on this week, you might just be done before Christmas!

***EDIT***

A lot of folks have asked me if it’s possible to download and print this pattern, so I’ve created a pdf file to save you on printer paper! Click here to download the pattern.

The yarn has quite a bit of drape for super slouch, and the hat is a forgiving fit. The medium sized hat should fit most adults.

You will need:

• 200 yards of worsted weight yarn. (I’m using KnitPicks Comfy Worsted, Colour ‘whisker’)
• 16 inch circular needles and 4 double pointed needles in the size needed to obtain gauge. (Sample shown using 5.5mm needles)
• 1 stitch marker (beginner knitters may want to place a marker every 10 stitches to help them keep their place)
• Tapestry needle

Gauge: 4 stitches/inch

Size:

• Small (17.5 inches around)
• Medium (20 inches around)
• Large (22.5 inches around)

Construction notes:

The pattern is in multiples of 10, with no edge stitches required. If you wish to increase or decrease the hat size, or adjust for a different weight of yarn, simply add or subtract 10 stitches from your cast on. Beginner knitters who are not yet used to reading their stitches may find it helpful to place a marker every 10 stitches, and use a different coloured marker to mark the end of the round.

Using circular needles, cast on 70 (80, 90) stitches

Ribbing:

Rows 1-14:  *p3, k2*, repeat to end.

Body:

Working from either the body chart (above) or written directions, complete 8 full repeats of the stitch pattern.

• Row 1: *p4, k1, p1, k4* repeat to end
• Row 2: *p3, k2, p2, k3* repeat to end
• Row 3: *p2, k2, p1, k1, p2, k2* repeat to end
• Row 4: *p1, k2, p2, k2, p2, k1* repeat to end
• Row 5: *k2, p3, k3, p2* repeat to end
• Row 6: *k1, p4, k4, p1* repeat to end

Decreasing

Working from either the decrease chart (above) or written directions, complete 1 full repeat of the stitch pattern.

• Row 1: *p4, k1, p1, k1, sk2po* repeat to end
• Row 2: *p3, k2, p2, k1* repeat to end
• Row 3: *p2, k2, p1, sk2po* repeat to end
• Row 4: *p1, k2, p2, k1* repeat to end
• Row 5: *k2, p1, sk2po* repeat to end
• Row 6: *k1, p3* repeat to end

Break the yarn with at least 6 inches of tail. Thread the tapestry needle with the tail yarn and run it through your remaining stitches, cinching tightly to close your hat. Weave in your ends and gift it, or rock it yourself!