Slouchy Hat Knitting Pattern : Optimistic
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Get a free slouchy hat knitting pattern that teaches you a beautiful cable stitch with super bulky yarn.
About:
Available Sizes: One
Size: 20 – 22″ {51 – 56cm} Head Circumference
Styles: One, Slouchy
Pattern Format: Written Pattern, No Chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
PDF Format: Printer Friendly
PDF Bonus: Ad-Free Video, Checklist
Techniques:
Knit in the Round
Knit & Purl Stitches
Increase Stitch
Decrease Stitches
Cable Stitch
Materials:
Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
Yardage: 85 – 95 yards {78 – 87 meters}
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick
Needle Size: US 11 {8mm} Circular Needles with a 16” {40cm} & 24”+ {60cm} Cable, or DPNs
Extras: Stitch Markers, Cable Needle
Yarn Substitutes:
Cascade Lana Grande
Lang Yarns Virginia
Phildar Phil Alaska
Rowan Big Wool Yarn
MillaMia Super Chunky
Read more about yarn substitutions here {+ video}.
Details:
Measurements: 9″ Wide x 11″ {23cm x 28cm}
Gauge: 13 STS & 14 rounds per 4” {10cm} square, knit in the pattern below
Weight: 5.3oz {150g}
Notes:
Not reversible.
Knit bottom up.
Knit using the cable stitch.
Knit in the round with a circular needle.
When knitting in the round you’re always knitting the right side of your work.
Video:
Click here to watch the “How to Block a Hat” video tutorial.
Click here to watch the “How to Decrease for the Crown” video tutorial.
Click here to watch the “C4F” video tutorial.
Pattern, Knit in the Round:
Using US 11 {8mm} Circular Needles with a 16” {40cm}, or DPNs.
CO 44 STS, PM, join in the round.
Rounds 1, 3, 5: *P*
Rounds 2, 4: *K*
Round 6: *K4, INC1* K4 = Increase 10 STS for a total of 54 STS
Rounds: 7-31: *K4, P2, K1, P2*
EXCEPT Rounds 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32: *C4F, P2, K1, P2*
Note {Optional}:
When the stitches get too tight switch to DPNs or a longer cable and knit using the magic loop method.
Decrease for the crown:
Round 33: *K4, P2, K1, P2TOG, PM*
Round 34: *K4, P2TOG, K1, P1, SM*
Round 35: *K4, P1, K1, P1, SM*
Round 36: *C4F, P1, K1, P1, SM*
Round 37: *K2TOG, K2, P1, K1, SM*
Round 38: *K1, K2TOG, P1, K1, P1, SM*
Round 39: *K2TOG, P1, K1, P1, remove stitch marker*
End:
Without binding-off, cut the yarn leaving a 10” {25cm} tail, pull it through the remaining STS, push through the top hole to the inside and then weave in the ends.
Block:
To block this hat I use a saucer. Like a teacup and saucer. ;) I put it inside the hat, so the bottom “swirl” is in the center of the saucer and the saucer is bulging outward, spritz it with some water, pat dry with a clean towel and let it dry overnight.
Abbreviations:
* – * – repeat between *
CO – cast-on {long-tail cast-on method}
C4F – cable4front {Transfer 2 stitches to a cable needle and hold it in the front of your work, knit the next 2 stitches and then knit the 2 stitches off the cable needle}
DPNs – double pointed needles
INC1 – make 1 stitch {I use a backwards loop}
K – knit stitches {K1 means to knit 1 stitch}
K2TOG – knit 2 stitches together
P – purl stitches {P2 means to purl 2 stitches}
PM – place stitch marker
P2TOG – purl 2 stitches together
SM – slip stitch marker
STS – stitches
Gauge:
Pin-it for Later:
Get it in your favorite shop:
Slouchy Hat Knitting Pattern : Optimistic
$4.99
So, wherever you are, you can enjoy your love of knitting.
Related products

Hey there!
I'm Jennifer, the one who loves everything about knitting... well, maybe not the frogging. ;)