Tag: hats

Slouchy Hat Knitting Patterns

Like most knitters, I always have more than one project going at a time. For me, the more challenging projects, which take concentration, must be worked early in the day. By evening, the light is not great, and I am tired, but I still need something to keep my hands busy while watching television.

My daughter has mentioned that she likes those simple slouchy hats. For the most part, they are pretty boring to knit, and I guess that is why I have not made one for her. Knit one, purl one, endlessly round and round… snore. But that is the type of knitting I do at night anyway, so why not make something special while I’m at it?

I chose the pattern by Churchmouse, which I had knit once before only in a heavier yarn with different needles. This time I wanted to follow the pattern exactly.

Ribbed Watchcap and Beanie by Churchmouse Yarn and Teas

Knit in Camp Colors yarn which is Superwash. Wool and Company had closeout pricing, so I bought a 6 skeins in three colors. This is really nice yarn which is very soft. The hat did not stretch out like superwash tends to do. I would use it again, and plan to! I think I will pick a new slouchy hat pattern for my next hat.

knitting crown decreases
Knitting is done on the WS
unique decrease ridges on the slouchy watchcap
Right side when done
Weaving in tail on slouchy hat
weaving end at brim
Slouchy hat knitting is done
Yarn leftover from knitting the slouchy hat
Leftover yarn from skein 2

For the blue watchcap – or slouchy hat as I call it – I used the needles suggested, with cast-on number and length as pattern called for. I did not do the pattern’s cast-on, but used the Old Norwegian cast-on.

Knitting a 1×1 ribbed hat is easy, BUT… any little mistake shows. Also, the top of this hat has some unqiue decreasing, and those decreases are knit on the wrong side. Actually, what you are doing is knitting the entire hat inside-out. Once complete, turn it to see the right side.

I used nearly all of two skeins of yarn for this hat. It is knit in a size 1US needle and that is a lot of stitches, let me tell you!

Because this hat is so long, it can be worn with a folded brim as well. Knit it shorter and make the beanie.

Free Slouchy Hat Patterns at Purl Soho

Who doesn’t love free things? Purl Soho is an excellent place to find free patterns, and very pretty yarn. They offer a few hat patterns – for free – that fit the slouchy category.

Slouchy Hat Patterns to Purchase $

These hats have patterning such as cables, brioche, and textured stitches. All links go to Ravelry product pages.

Choosing Yarn for a Slouchy Hat

Often I will see a pattern knit up in a really awful choice of yarn. I’ve been guilty of that myself. It’s always worth knitting with the appropriate type of yarn to match the project.

In my opinion, a slouchy hat looks best when knit in a fingering or DK yarn. The smaller stitches will help make the hat fall nicely at the back without being bulky.

But nothing can help a hat look better when it has been knit in a cheap, ugly yarn! It’s a hat, so why not choose yarn that will be soft and warm and look nice – it will be front and center on your head after all! Sock yarn, which is superwash, works well for projects like this and especially if the hat is a gift to someone who will not hand wash. For extra warmth, a nice wool such as Jamieson & Smith or Rauma would work nicely (must hand wash wool). Cotton is not a good choice as it is not stretchy and tends to be stiff. Also it usually shrinks and looks worse after washing.

Hats I Have Knit

I love knitting hats. They can be simple and quick to finish or involved and challenging. The Winter Solstice aka “chicken hat” qualifies as slouchy as does the Skiff. Some of the photos below have a link (the text) to my post page where you will find a link to the pattern.

2x2 rib boys hat
Blue hat in 2×2 rib
Snowflake hat slouch pompom
snowflake
double-brim hat in Quarry and other yarns
Tettegouche hat pattern
Tettegouche
Skiff Hat with cables
Skiff
Bunny fur ribbed hat
Bunny hat
Katie's Kep Fair Isle hat
Katie’s Kep 1
Solstice Glow hat
Chicken hat
Katies Kep in tan brown orange blue and purple
Katie’s Kep 2
wearing new hand knit beanie with cables
Knitting “Habitat” Hat With Cables in Hunter Orange

Please Keep Reading the Blog

I write about my knitting projects and do pattern reviews. Also I love to share links to free patterns.

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Simple Hand-knit Unisex Hats For Beginners

Hats are one of the best things to knit, whether you are a beginner or advanced. All types of stitches can be used to create intricate designs, or do simple knits all the way around. My collection of unisex hat designs on this page are some I have recently knit. They are all fairly easy to create, and men and women alike can wear them by simply changing the colors. Some of the patterns are free, so what do you have to lose?

Useful info: Hats generally take less than a skein of yarn to knit! You will need a set of 16 inch long needles in the size suggested with double-pointed needles in the same size for the crown decreases. Find a stretchy cast-on to use – I like the Old Norwegian / German Twisted cast on. Youtube has videos, and it is simple once you learn.

Northward Hat

The Northward Hat is a free downloadable pattern by Tin Can Knits and has chunky cables. If you’ve never knit cables, this hat will help you learn. I knit this pattern using bulky “Franca” yarn by Manos del Uruguay, and I knit it in one day! This yarn is also washable, so it’s good for gifting purposes.

Northward cable hat hand-knit
Chunky one day hat

Two by Two Hat – Free Download

Blue, 2×2 ribbed watch cap. I honestly can’t remember what pattern I followed for this hat, but it’s obviously a k2, p2 ribbing all the way up to the decreases at the crown. I may not have used a pattern – wait, here it is – the Two by Two pattern. Hats like this are quite easy to knit once you know how many stitches to cast on for what weight yarn. Your own knitting experience will tell you that number.

Blue yarn is Miss Bab’s Madison which is an Aran weight and knits up fast. It’s also 100% Superwash Merino wool. I made this one for my son who will never hand-wash a hat!

2x2 rib boys hat
Blue hat in 2×2 rib using Miss Bab’s Madison yarn

Churchmouse Ribbed Watch Cap

This brown hat is a Churchmouse pattern Ribbed Watch Cap. See my notes on knitting this one. It is knit inside out. I used another washable yarn from Lorna’s Laces. This pattern takes some time as smaller needles are used so there are more stitches to deal with. The decreases are odd as well – to me anyway. It also comes as a Beanie, which might be the place to start.

finished watchcap hand knit
Finished watchcap

The Colorado Chic(k) Beanie is a free download and it mimics the popular hats of it’s name. This one is very simple, and especially if you leave off the double brim, as I did. I was using up some Miss Bab’s Madison yarn in aran weight, so this was finished fast. I think I would like it better in a solid color.

Finished knitting the Colorado Chic beanie
Colorado Chic hat knit in Miss Bab’s Madison “Mad Hatter” colorway

All of these hats can be found on the Ravelry site where you will see more colors used. It’s a great place to find ideas for yarn types and finished projects in colors you may be considering.

Knitting Colorwork Hats

Turkish Patterned cap knit twice
Knitting and fixing the Turkish Patterned cap

Knitting the Turkish Patterned Cap

Katie's Kep Fair Isle hat
Katie’s Kep Fair Isle hat begins with a corrugated rib around the brim.

Triple patterned watchcap small
Triple-patterned Watchcap

Where to Find Free Knitting Patterns

Pinterest is one of the best online places to find free knitting patterns for everything from hats and scarves to shawls and blankets. For the beginner knitter, this is a wonderful thing.  Many links will take you to the Ravelry site, a place where serious knitters show off their projects. Join for free to see everything.

Please be aware that some previously free patterns may no longer be free. I try to update, but may overlook something.

When we are not sure of our knitting skills and mainly need practice, starting a free, simple project is less stressful. I feel that I can make mistakes and learn from them. Free offerings are usually pretty basic. Pattern designers will often pull you in with something free from them. They hope you will enjoy their free design so much that you will come back and perhaps purchase one of their patterns.  And that would be a nice thing to do.

free knitting mitten pattern
The World’s Simplest Mittens
spindrift shawl
Spindrift Shawl
Perfect Newborn socks pattern knitting
Perfect Newborn socks
hand-knit mitts fingerless colorwork Fair Isle
Fair Isle Mitts
Classic ribbed hat
Classic ribbed hat

A free pattern download also gives you an idea of how that designer presents the pattern. Is it written well with helpful advice along the way? Are there written directions as well as a graph to follow? Are photos, or images of the finished item included?

Once I felt more comfortable with my knitting, I began to gather some projects to purchase.  Patterns are affordable, and I don’t mind paying for some designer’s hard work.  I will end up with a beautiful and unique item.

Free Patterns For Shawls

At the present time I am working on three different shawls. Two are free patterns, and one is a MKAL (Mystery Knit-Along) pattern which I purchased. I learned to use stitch markers for sections – something the more experienced knitters taught me. Try doing that if your shawl has a repeating pattern.

The Spindrift shawl was a free pattern and is nearly finished. It is very easy to knit, with good directions.  I can recommend this one.

Chic and Strong Crescent Shawl at Ravelry
Onete Scarf at NobleKnits
Reyna Triangle Shawl at Ravelry
Larch (small shawl) at Ravelry
Boneyard Shawl at Ravelry
Wrapped in Elegance at Ravelry

Also, see two more free, beginner shawl suggestions on this post. And… I am working on a fun, free triangle shawl in gradient colors called the Scrappy Bias Shawl. Another shawl which knits from skinny to fat and back to skinny again, is the Baktus. At this link you will see many ways to knit this easy shaw. I love the stripes so many knitters chose.

Free Patterns For Socks

I have never knit socks, and I really can’t understand why so many people knit them. One day I may decide to knit a pair, and I’ll choose one of these free patterns to try. **Update: I have knit some socks, but don’t see the thrill. Maybe because in Florida I seldom wear socks at all. It also bores me to have to knit the same thing over immediately once I finish one sock!

Sock yarn is so pretty that it is used for much more than socks. But if socks are the project, look for quality yarn with nylon added for strength. Also look for washable wool, or “superwash” in the title.

Basic Socks
Hermione’s Everyday Socks
Vanilla Latte Socks
Espresso Shot Shortie Socks

Free Patterns For Hats

If you can knit in the round, you may fall in love with knitting hats. I love to knit hats! They can be super simple and fast to knit – especially with thick wool yarn. Or, they can have cables and color work and take weeks to finish. Start with easy patterns or simple knits and purls (this can make a cool hat too.) The decreases at the top will require using DPN’s (double-pointed needles) and that can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not so bad!

Classic Cuffed Hat at PurlSoho
Snow Day Hat (link takes you to the hat I knit, with link to PurlSoho)
Sockhead Slouch Hat
Top-Down Earflap Hat at PurlSoho

plates of plotulopi wool yarn
Plotulopi plates of yarn

Knit Small Items to Try New Stitches

Once you have knitting and purling down, stretch that knowledge by learning yarn-overs, knit 2 together, more types of increases and decreases, and other stitches that may show up in more advanced patterns. Get to know your yarn types and what to choose for each project. Cotton for washcloths and such, merino wool is softer than plain wool, and combining yarn by knitting two colors or types together give you a whole other realm of creativity.

One great way to build up your knitting skills is to try various stitches, or a combination pattern to create a lace look. The Bromefields site has written patterns and videos for the Top 34 Lace Knit Stitches. You will probably have to rip projects out, but don’t be afraid to do so. It’s how we all learn.

Maybe you will find a stitch you love and convert that into a scarf or wrap. When I began doing the Fisherman’s rib, I fell in love. I’m now making my second scarf in this stitch, using the chunky Rasta yarn by Malabrigo.

I have scoured YouTube and pulled together some of the best basic knitting tutorials for various stitches you will probably need to know at some point.

See more of my collection of How To Knit videos at my Pinterest Knitting Boards.

What I Have Knit So Far in 2018

Once the knitting bug bit me a few months ago, I have been nutty with greed for new yarn and new patterns to try. Here is what I have knit so far this year. (Most of these items have links to the Free Patterns.)

Pom Pom Hat

First photo: The chunky knit child’s hat with a pom pom on top was the first “little” hat I ever made. I gave it as a gift for a new baby girl who lives in a cold climate. She will probably wear it next winter. The nice thing about hats is that they are stretchy.

View my blog post, and get the link to Purl Soho’s Snow Day hat, which is a free pattern. I did change it up a bit by using another type of yarn and smaller needles.

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“Snow Day” hat pattern

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Big Flower Pink Hat

The little pink girl’s hat below was begun using a free pattern I found online. (Get the link on my page here.) I also found a crocheted flower to add to the edge. You can find that tutorial at Classy Crochet. *Note: The center of the flower is made first, then you work outward.  This was also a gift.  I don’t have any little ones to knit for.

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Child’s Big Flower Hat

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Worsted Twist and Fisherman’s Rib

The Fisherman’s Rib scarf was fun to make and I loved the Worsted Twist yarn I purchased from Purl Soho. I did find a good pattern, which tidies up the edges better. You can see all that info in my post. I wanted a hat to match, and still had yarn leftover. The Fisherman’s Rib is not as easy when worked on a circular needle, so I decided to make up my own hat pattern. I named it the Long Rib Hat. It needs either a pom pom or flower, which I have yet to add.

knit hat and scarf
Fisherman’s Rib scarf and Long Rib Hat (my pattern) in Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist yarn

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Love Chunky Rasta Yarn!

Okay, the Rasta yarn I used for this chunky knit hat and scarf set was so much fun to use! Malabrigo makes it, and that company is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I haven’t written about this set yet.  The hat is a simple k1,p1 around until decreases at top. I think I took notes, but I have to find them. The scarf is short, but I used the same Fisherman’s Rib stitch as the scarf above. I used 2 skeins of Rasta “Arco Iris” color, for both (less than one skein for the hat, and remaining for the short scarf – about 40 inches).  I wasn’t too sure about the color, but ended up liking it.  And I love working with the super soft, and colorful yarn!  *One drawback – often this yarn is out of stock in many colors.

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Malabrigo Rasta Chunky Yarn Set

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Autumn Colors Double-Wrap Cowl

The cowl below was also a free pattern I found at Ravelry. See my notes and the link to the pattern and creator on my Ravelry Project page.  This one wraps double around the neck.

cowl in shades of brown and gold
Infinity scarf / cowl in Madeline Tosh

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Gray Cables Knit Hat

The hat below was knit from a book called Cozy Stash-Busting Knits. It has shawls, hats and mittens to knit using heavier weight yarns. The “Astrid” hat gave me some good experience using a cable needle (yikes). I used Mad Tosh Vintage yarn which is a little too stiff for a hat, IMO.  I would also measure the height better, as this one came out too tall.

cable knit gray hat
Jen Lucas “Astrid” Hat Pattern

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I Made a Shawl!

Recently I finished my first shawl! This was also a Free pattern. You can see my photos and notes about the “Shade Loving Shawl” on my Ravelry page.

triangle shawl
Free triangle shawl pattern – my first shawl

Connect With Knitters on Pinterest

As with all things, knitters gain knowledge and experience by knitting! I make many mistakes, but the important thing is that I try new things.  Most days I spend at least a little bit of time searching for more patterns, yarn, and online shops to “favorite”. Usually I save them to my Pinterest knitting board which you can follow below so I can come find you!