Simple Slouchy Beanie — Knit Pattern

Designer: PurlJam. For help and permissions visit https://purljam.verde.uk or contact support at team@verde.uk. Follow & share: #purljam.

Overview

A clean, modern slouchy beanie knit in the round with an elastic ribbed brim and a gradual crown decrease. Written for three sizes; works well with worsted/aran yarn. Use magic-loop or DPNs for crown decreases.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted/Aran weight (label: US 4 / medium). Suggested yardage by size: Small/Child: 120 yd (110 m); Medium/Adult: 180 yd (165 m); Large: 220 yd (201 m). Typical reference skein: 100 g = approx 200 yd (183 m).
• Needles: Circular needles 16” (40 cm) or longer using magic loop OR set of DPNs for crown. Sizes used in this pattern: smaller needle for ribbing US 6 (4.0 mm / UK 8); larger needle for body US 8 (5.0 mm / UK 6). Use matching DPNs in US 8 (5.0 mm / UK 6) for decreases if preferred.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch marker, scrap yarn for lifeline (optional), scissors.

Gauge

18 sts and 24 rounds = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette in the round on US 8 (5.0 mm). Check gauge and adjust needle sizes if needed.

Finished measurements

• Small/Child (CO 64 sts): approx 14.2” (36 cm) circumference, 7” (18 cm) height to crown.
• Medium/Adult (CO 80 sts): approx 17.8” (45 cm) circumference, 8.5” (21.5 cm) height to crown.
• Large (CO 96 sts): approx 21.3” (54 cm) circumference, 9” (23 cm) height to crown.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• CO = cast on
• St(s) = stitch(es)
• Rnd = round

Notes

• Pattern uses round gauge and assumes stockinette in the round (knit every round after ribbing).
• Cast-on numbers are divisible by 8; crown decreases follow an 8-st repeat. This makes the decrease sequence scale to any of the provided sizes.
• Want it less slouchy? Shorten body length by 0.5”–1” before starting decreases.

Pattern

All sizes use the same method. Choose your size and follow the instructions for that CO value.

Cast on and brim

1. With smaller needles (US 6 / 4.0 mm), CO: Small 64 sts; Medium 80 sts; Large 96 sts. Use your preferred elastic cast-on (long-tail recommended).
2. Place marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Work in 2x2 rib (K2, P2) around for 1.5” (3.8 cm) for Small/Child, 1.75” (4.5 cm) for Medium, 2” (5 cm) for Large.

Body

3. Change to larger needles (US 8 / 5.0 mm). Knit every round (stockinette in the round) until the hat measures: Small 5.5” (14 cm) from cast-on; Medium 7” (18 cm); Large 7”–8” (18–20 cm) or desired length to beginning of crown decreases.

Crown decrease (works for CO divisible by 8)

Decrease rounds alternate with plain knit rounds as shown. Continue sequence until approximately 8 stitches remain. Example sequence for Medium (CO 80):

1. Rnd 1: *K8, K2tog* repeat to end. (Now 72 sts)
2. Rnd 2: Knit
3. Rnd 3: *K7, K2tog* repeat to end. (64 sts)
4. Rnd 4: Knit
5. Rnd 5: *K6, K2tog* repeat to end. (56 sts)
6. Rnd 6: Knit
7. Rnd 7: *K5, K2tog* repeat to end. (48 sts)
8. Rnd 8: Knit
9. Rnd 9: *K4, K2tog* repeat to end. (40 sts)
10. Rnd 10: Knit
11. Rnd 11: *K3, K2tog* repeat to end. (32 sts)
12. Rnd 12: Knit
13. Rnd 13: *K2, K2tog* repeat to end. (24 sts)
14. Rnd 14: Knit
15. Rnd 15: *K1, K2tog* repeat to end. (16 sts)
16. Rnd 16: Knit
17. Rnd 17: *K2tog* repeat to end. (8 sts)

When 8 sts remain, cut yarn leaving a 6” (15 cm) tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle and draw through remaining sts. Pull tight and weave in tail securely on WS. Close hole neatly with weaving or duplicate stitch if needed.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends on WS. Block lightly if desired to even stitches. For a snug fit, steam-block; for a slouchier look, leave unblocked.
• Optional: Add a faux-fur pompom or knitted i-cord loop. If adding a pompom, sew it to the center before weaving in tails completely.

Modifications & Tips

• Make brim folded/fitted: cast on 1.5 times the desired brim elasticity and work a folded brim by knitting longer rib and folding up; pick up sts and graft if desired.
• Adjust fit: change needle sizes to get looser or tighter fabric. If your gauge is different, recalc CO = desired circumference (inches) x (gauge sts per inch).
• Colorwork: For stripes, change colors at the start of a round. For fair isle, ensure stranded floats are loose enough to maintain elasticity.

Troubleshooting

• If the crown looks too gathered: reduce number of decrease rounds before switching to K2tog-all; make the body longer to distribute decreases.
• If the hat is too small: go up one needle size or add multiples of 8 sts to CO and lengthen body slightly.

Pattern license: Knit for personal and small-business commercial use. Please credit PurlJam and link back to PurlJam when sharing. Questions or pattern support: team@verde.uk. Social tag: #purljam.

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