My amazing Patreons support all of my free patterns, tutorials and workshops! If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to keep producing or hosting freebies. We’d love to have you join us, and in return, you get exclusive behind-the-scenes material, member-only discounts, early access to new free content and more. You can also say thanks for the freebie via the Tip Jar.

Hat Description

Aida’s Slouch is worked in brioche. It’s a comfy, roomy Hat featuring a ribbed brim and a gathered crown.

Pattern Availability

My Patreon supporters and members of The Woolly Hat Society get exclusive early access to new free patterns and tutorials. Once the exclusive period is over, they’re published here on the blog for everyone to use.

Pattern Support

If you have a question about this pattern, pop it in a comment below. Sorry, but I’m unable to help with my free patterns or tutorials via email or private messages.

Social Media

Share your hand-knit Hats online with these hashtags!
#WoollyWormhead
#WWAidasSlouchHat

Yarn

115g/190yd/174m
Aran weight, single ply or plied yarn.

Needles & Notions

Set 4mm/UK8/US6 & 5mm/UK6/US8 DPNs/Circular or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker as necessary
Tapestry needle

Sample Details

Shown in Countess Ablaze Grande Merino Aran [190yd/174m per 4oz/115g; 100% Merino]

Shown in size 21in/53.25cm on model with 21.5in/54.5cm circumference head

Note

This pattern uses a moving marker, which means the start of the round shifts by one stitch every other round. This is done to avoid a visible seam in the brioche; it’s not entirely invisible but it’s almost, and the stitches appear a whole lot neater than they would otherwise.

Gauge

20sts x 28rows to 4in/10cm on 4mm needles over Stocking Stitch
20sts x 30rows to 4in/10cm on 4mm needles over Twisted Rib

Sizes

To fit size: 15 [17, 19, 21, 23, 25] in/ 38 [43.25, 48.25, 53.25, 58.5, 63.5] cm
Finished size: 12.75 [14.5, 16, 17.75, 19.25, 20.75] in/ 32.5 [36.75, 40.75, 45, 49, 52.75] cm

Not sure which size to make? Check my handy size and measuring guide!

Skills Required

Alternate Cable Cast-on
Knitting in the round
Increases and Decreases
Knitting into the Row Below
Gathered Bind-off
Modified Gathered Bind-off
Blocking a Hand Knit Hat

Abbreviations

K: knit
K1tbl: knit stitch through the back of loop
P: purl
rpt: repeat
R/rnd(s): rounds
st(s): stitch(es)
K1B: knit stitch through the row below

How To

Using 4mm needles and Alternate Cable cast-on method, cast on 64 [72, 80, 88, 96, 104] sts.

Join in the round, taking care not to twist the stitches. Place stitch marker to indicate start of round.

Brim

Brim Rnd: *K1tbl, P1; rpt from * to end

Repeat this round until work measures approx. 1.25 [1.25, 1.5, 1.5, 1.75, 1.75] in/3.25 [3.25, 3.75, 3.75, 4.5, 4.5] cm from the cast on edge. Change to larger needles.

Body

Rnd 1: Purl all stitches

Rnd 2: *K1B, K1; rpt from * to end; remove marker, slip next stitch purlwise, replace marker

Repeat these 2 rounds until work measures approx. 5 [6, 7, 8, 9, 10] in/12.75 [15.25, 17.75, 20.25, 22.75, 25.5] cm excluding the brim, ending after a Rnd 2.

Crown

Using either the Gathered Bind-off or the Modified Gathered Bind-off, transfer all stitches from the needle to yarn and gather to close.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. A gentle wash and blocking is required to help the decrease lines settle in and lay flat.

Need Help With This Pattern?

If you’ve a question about this pattern, please pop it in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can! I’m afraid I’m unable to offer help via email or private message, but you’re welcome to post in our forum.

Print This!

If you’d like to print this free pattern, either use the ‘Print’ button below or right-click in your browser, adjust the settings to suit your needs, and select ‘Save as PDF’ for a digital copy, or your printer for a paper copy. You can use the scale option to reduce or enlarge the font.