Everyday Slouchy Beanie
A versatile, modern slouchy beanie worked in the round. Written for worsted/aran weight yarn with adult sizes Small, Medium and Large. Includes ribbed brim, smooth stockinette body and a simple crown decrease that’s easy to follow.
Finished Measurements
- Small: Finished circumference ~18" (46 cm). Depth (from cast-on to crown top) ~8" (20 cm).
- Medium: Finished circumference ~20" (51 cm). Depth ~9" (23 cm).
- Large: Finished circumference ~22" (56 cm). Depth ~10" (25 cm).
Yarn
Worsted/Aran weight yarn (category 4 / UK: Aran / 10 ply). Recommended: 100% wool or wool blend for good stitch definition and warmth.
- Small: ~150 yards (137 m).
- Medium: ~175 yards (160 m).
- Large: ~200 yards (183 m).
- Skein example: 100 g skein ≈ 200 yd (183 m) — 1 skein is enough for Medium; choose amounts above for other sizes.
Needles & Gauge
Gauge (blocked): 18 sts = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette using main needles.
- Main needles (in the round): US 7 / UK (old) 7 / 4.5 mm — 16" (40 cm) circular + set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) or magic loop.
- Optional smaller needles for firmer brim (if you prefer firmer rib): US 6 / UK (old) 8 / 4.0 mm (16" circular or DPNs).
- For a looser drapey slouch use US 8 / UK (old) 6 / 5.0 mm.
Notions
- Stitch marker (contrast color) to mark beginning of round.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Scissors.
- Optional pompom maker (or cardboard) for a pompom ~2.5–3.5" (6–9 cm) diameter.
Abbreviations (US / UK)
- K = knit (K).
- P = purl (P).
- K2tog = knit two together (k2tog) — right-leaning decrease.
Notes
- Hat is worked in the round from the brim up.
- Counts are given as Small (Medium, Large). If one number is given in instructions without parentheses, it applies to all sizes.
- If you prefer a less slouchy fit, shorten the body before starting crown decreases by 1–1.5" (2.5–4 cm).
Pattern
Cast On & Brim
Using main needles (US 7 / 4.5 mm), cast on:
- Small: 80 sts
- Medium: 88 sts
- Large: 96 sts
Place marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Ribbing: K2, P2 around for:
- Small: 1.75" (4.5 cm)
- Medium: 2.0" (5 cm)
- Large: 2.25" (6 cm)
Body
Switch to stockinette in the round (knit every round) and work until the hat measures from cast-on:
- Small: 7.5" (19 cm)
- Medium: 9.0" (23 cm)
- Large: 10.0" (25 cm)
Adjust length if you want more or less slouch — measure on the wearer if possible.
Crown Decrease
These decreases assume your cast-on was a multiple of 8 (80, 88, 96). The sequence reduces smoothly and keeps the decreases evenly spaced. Work the following rounds exactly as written; between decrease rounds knit one plain round to keep shaping even.
Round 1: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end. (8-st pattern repeat; decreases: N/8)
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *K5, K2tog* repeat to end.
Round 4: Knit
Round 5: *K4, K2tog* repeat to end.
Round 6: Knit
Round 7: *K3, K2tog* repeat to end.
Round 8: Knit
Round 9: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end.
Round 10: Knit
Round 11: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end.
Round 12: *K2tog* repeat to end until approximately 8-12 sts remain (depending on size).
When you have 8–12 sts left, cut yarn leaving a 6" (15 cm) tail, thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining stitches. Pull closed securely and weave in the end to the wrong side.
Finishing
- Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle.
- Block lightly if desired — press gently with a steam iron held above the fabric or wet block and dry flat to even the stitches and shape the slouch.
- Add a pompom: attach securely through the center and weave ends into the inside of the hat.
Modifications & Tips
- To make a cuffed brim: work ribbing for 2.5–3" (6–7.5 cm) then fold up and sew the cast-on edge to the inside of the brim for a double-thick edge.
- To add texture: replace stockinette rounds with a simple 1x1 basketweave or seed stitch for the body — adjust gauge and yardage slightly.
- For a more fitted beanie, drop down one needle size and check gauge. For a slouchier look, go up one size in needles.
Care
Care depends on yarn fiber. For wool or wool-blend: hand wash in cool water, lay flat to dry. For superwash yarns: machine wash gentle and tumble low or lay flat; follow yarn label instructions.
Support & Notes
Pattern by PurlJam at https://purljam.verde.uk. If you have questions or need support, email team@verde.uk. Share your makes and tag us on socials: #purljam
Enjoy your new beanie — quick to knit, endlessly customizable.