Emberwood Slouchy Hat Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Ribbed Crown

Wrap yourself in the warmth of autumn with this richly textured slouchy hat, featuring a deep ribbed brim and a soft, airy crown. The unique combination of twisted stitches and a gradient yarn creates a modern, forest-inspired accessory that's perfect for crisp mornings and cozy evenings. This beginner-friendly pattern is designed to build your knitting confidence while producing a stunning, professional-looking result. Whether you're knitting for yourself or gifting to a loved one, the Emberwood Slouchy Hat is a rewarding project that celebrates the beauty of handmade craftsmanship.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors – Color A (main, e.g., burnt orange) and Color B (contrast, e.g., cream). You'll need approximately 220 yards total (about 110 yards of each color).
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needle, plus double-pointed needles (or a long circular needle for the magic loop method) for the crown decreases.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) after blocking. Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your hat fits perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the brim up. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful slouchy hat in no time.

Finished Size & Abbreviations

Finished Size: One size fits most adults (approx. 20-22 inch head circumference, 11 inches tall from brim to crown).

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two stitches together
• P2tog: purl two stitches together
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Rep: repeat
• Rnd(s): round(s)

Special Stitch

Twisted Rib (worked in the round): *K1 through the back loop (twisted knit), P1; rep from * around. This creates a tighter, more defined rib that adds structure and elegance to the brim.

Brim

1. With Color A, CO 96 sts. Place a marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.
2. Work in Twisted Rib (K1 tbl, P1) for 2.5 inches (approx. 18 rnds). The twisted rib will look crisp and professional, providing a snug yet comfortable fit.

Body

3. Switch to Color B. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) for 4 inches (approx. 24 rnds). This smooth section creates a beautiful contrast to the textured brim.
4. Now, begin the slouchy increase section to add volume and drape:
   • Rnd 1: *K8, Kfb (knit front and back of next st); rep from * around (108 sts).
   • Rnd 2-4: Knit all sts.
   • Rnd 5: *K9, Kfb; rep from * around (120 sts).
   • Rnd 6-8: Knit all sts.
   • Rnd 9: *K10, Kfb; rep from * around (132 sts).
   • Rnd 10-12: Knit all sts.
   • Rnd 13: *K11, Kfb; rep from * around (144 sts).
   • Rnd 14-16: Knit all sts.
   • Rnd 17: *K12, Kfb; rep from * around (156 sts).
   • Rnd 18-20: Knit all sts.
5. Work even (knit every round) until the hat measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge (approx. 12 more rnds). This creates the slouchy, relaxed crown that makes this hat so comfortable and stylish.

Crown Decreases

6. Switch to double-pointed needles when sts become too tight on the circular needle. This ensures your decreases remain comfortable to work.
   • Rnd 1: *K11, K2tog; rep from * around (144 sts).
   • Rnd 2: *K10, K2tog; rep from * around (132 sts).
   • Rnd 3: *K9, K2tog; rep from * around (120 sts).
   • Rnd 4: *K8, K2tog; rep from * around (108 sts).
   • Rnd 5: *K7, K2tog; rep from * around (96 sts).
   • Rnd 6: *K6, K2tog; rep from * around (84 sts).
   • Rnd 7: *K5, K2tog; rep from * around (72 sts).
   • Rnd 8: *K4, K2tog; rep from * around (60 sts).
   • Rnd 9: *K3, K2tog; rep from * around (48 sts).
   • Rnd 10: *K2, K2tog; rep from * around (36 sts).
   • Rnd 11: *K1, K2tog; rep from * around (24 sts).
   • Rnd 12: *K2tog; rep from * around (12 sts).
7. Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining sts, pull tight, and secure. Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle to keep the inside of your hat neat and tidy.

Finishing

8. Block the hat gently: wet it, squeeze out excess water, and shape it over a plate or balloon to dry. This helps the ribbed brim lie flat and the slouch to drape beautifully. Blocking also evens out your stitches for a polished, professional finish.

Your Emberwood Slouchy Hat is now complete! The rich burnt orange brim transitions seamlessly into the soft cream body, creating a stunning accessory that's as functional as it is beautiful. The twisted ribbing provides a snug, structured fit while the airy crown offers that perfect relaxed slouch. This pattern is a wonderful way to practice new techniques while creating a wardrobe staple you'll reach for all season long. Happy knitting!