The Cinnamon Swirl Slouch Hat Free Pattern – A Knitted Brioche and Cable Fusion

Wrap your head in the warm, spiraling comfort of a cinnamon-hued slouch hat that blends plush brioche with a bold central cable. This pattern offers a modern, cozy twist on classic winter wear, perfect for chilly days and stylish layering. The rich cinnamon brown (MC) with subtle cream (CC) accents woven into the brioche sections creates a warm, rustic, and modern aesthetic that evokes the cozy feeling of a spiced autumn day. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to expand your skills, this hat is a rewarding project that combines two beautiful techniques into one stunning accessory.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make your knitting experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in cinnamon brown (MC) and cream (CC) – approximately 200g MC and 50g CC. The sample uses a rich cinnamon brown for the main color and a subtle cream for the brioche accents.
• Needles: US 8 (5mm) 16-inch circular needle and US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles (for crown shaping).
• Notions: Cable needle, stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a tape measure.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for one size that fits most adults (21-23 inch head circumference). Follow the instructions carefully, and don't hesitate to refer back to the abbreviations list if you need a refresher.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit stitches from cable needle
• BrK: Brioche knit (knit stitch together with its yarnover)
• BrP: Brioche purl (purl stitch together with its yarnover)
• YO: Yarn over
• Sl1yo: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn over (used in brioche)

Ribbing

1. With MC, CO 96 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
2. Work K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches (about 12 rounds). This creates a stretchy, snug brim that will keep the hat securely on your head.

Brioche Setup Round

The brioche stitch creates the plush, squishy texture of the hat. It's worked over the first half of the stitches. Follow these setup rounds carefully to establish the pattern.

1. Round 1: *K1, Sl1yo* repeat to end of round. (This sets up the brioche stitch.)
2. Round 2: *BrP, Sl1yo* repeat to end of round.
3. Round 3: *BrK, Sl1yo* repeat to end of round.
4. Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 for brioche stitch for 3 inches (about 18 rounds). You'll notice the fabric becoming thick and lofty.

Cable Panel Insertion

Now we'll introduce the cable panel on the second half of the stitches. This creates the beautiful spiral effect that gives the hat its name.

1. Next Round: Work brioche stitch over the first 48 stitches, then work the cable panel over the next 48 stitches as follows:
   • Round 1: K12, C4F, K12, C4F, K12 (total 48 stitches)
   • Round 2: K all stitches
   • Round 3: K12, C4F, K12, C4F, K12
   • Round 4: K all stitches
2. Continue in this pattern (brioche on one half, cable on the other) for 4 inches (about 24 rounds). The cable will begin to twist and spiral up the side of the hat.

Shaping the Crown

As you approach the crown, you'll begin decreasing stitches to shape the top of the hat. Switch to double-pointed needles when the circular needle becomes too long for the number of stitches.

1. Round 1: *BrK, Sl1yo* over brioche section (48 stitches), then over cable section: *K2tog, K10* repeat 4 times (decrease 4 stitches, now 44 stitches).
2. Round 2: *BrP, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then K all cable stitches.
3. Round 3: *BrK, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then *K2tog, K9* repeat 4 times (decrease 4 stitches, now 40 stitches).
4. Round 4: *BrP, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then K all cable stitches.
5. Continue decreasing in this manner every other round, working decreases in the cable section only, until 24 stitches remain (12 brioche, 12 cable).
6. Next Round: *BrK, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then *K2tog* repeat 6 times (cable section now 6 stitches).
7. Next Round: *BrP, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then K2tog 3 times (cable section now 3 stitches).
8. Next Round: *BrK, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then K2tog, K1 (cable section now 2 stitches).
9. Next Round: *BrP, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then K2tog (cable section now 1 stitch).
10. Next Round: *BrK, Sl1yo* over brioche section, then K1.
11. Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 8 inches). Thread tail through remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in all ends securely.

Finishing

1. Block the hat gently to shape. Wet blocking or steam blocking will help even out the brioche and cable stitches.
2. Fold up the ribbed brim for a cozy, polished look. The slouchy crown will drape beautifully.

Your Cinnamon Swirl Slouch Hat is complete! This hat is as delightful to make as it is to wear. The combination of brioche and cable creates a unique texture that's both warm and visually striking. Enjoy your handmade creation, and don't forget to share your finished hat with fellow knitters!