The Cloudburst Slouch Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Chunky Beanie

Introducing the Cloudburst Slouch Hat

Looking for a quick, satisfying knit that delivers big on style and warmth? The Cloudburst Slouch Hat is your perfect project. This free knitting pattern uses chunky weight yarn and a stunning all-over brioche stitch to create a plush, reversible fabric that feels as luxurious as it looks. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner ready to try something new, this hat works up in a single afternoon and makes a cozy, modern accessory for chilly days. The textured, interlocking waves of the brioche stitch give this beanie a soft, slouchy shape that sits beautifully on the head, and the folded brim adds a classic touch.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will help you achieve the look shown, but feel free to substitute with similar super bulky yarns.

• Yarn: Super Bulky weight yarn (Size 6), approximately 120 yards. The sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Fisherman' (a creamy off-white).
• Needles: US 13 (9 mm) 16-inch circular needle and a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for the crown decreases. Use the needle size needed to obtain gauge.
• Notions: Stitch marker (to mark the beginning of the round), tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Gauge

10 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (unstretched). Always check your gauge to ensure the hat fits as intended. The brioche stitch is very stretchy, so measure carefully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up. Read through all instructions before starting. The brioche stitch is reversible and creates a dense, warm fabric. Take your time with the setup round—it’s the key to success.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• sl1yo: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip the next stitch as if to purl, then bring yarn over the needle to the back)
• brk: brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarn over)
• brp: brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarn over)
• k2tog: knit two together
• ssk: slip slip knit
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round

Pattern Notes

• The hat is worked in the round. Use a circular needle until the decreases make it too tight, then switch to double-pointed needles.
• The brioche stitch is very stretchy. The gauge is given in the unstretched state. For a slouchier hat, work more rounds before the crown decreases.
• When slipping stitches, always slip them purlwise unless otherwise stated.

Instructions

Cast On and Ribbing

CO 44 stitches using the long-tail cast on. Place a stitch marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.

Ribbing Rounds (all rounds): *k1, p1; repeat from * around. Repeat this round for a total of 6 rounds. This creates a neat, stretchy brim.

Brioche Body

Rnd 1 (Setup Round): *sl1yo, k1; repeat from * around. (You will have 44 stitches and 44 yarn overs, but the yarn overs are not counted as separate stitches. The stitch count remains 44.)

Rnd 2: *brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.

Rnd 3: *sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.

Rnd 4: *brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.

Rnd 5: *sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.

Repeat Rounds 4 and 5 until the piece measures approximately 8 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Round 5. For a slouchier hat, work 1-2 more inches.

Crown Decreases

Now you will shape the top of the hat. The decrease rounds are worked in brioche pattern. The stitch count will decrease each decrease round. Switch to double-pointed needles when the circular needle becomes too long.

Rnd 1 (Decrease Round): *sl1yo, brp, sl1yo, brp, k2tog (knit the next two stitches together—this is the decrease); repeat from * around. (36 stitches remain)

Rnd 2: *sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.

Rnd 3 (Decrease Round): *sl1yo, brp, k2tog; repeat from * around. (24 stitches remain)

Rnd 4: *sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.

Rnd 5 (Decrease Round): *k2tog; repeat from * around. (12 stitches remain)

Finishing

Cut the yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle. Carefully pass the needle through the remaining 12 stitches, removing them from the knitting needle. Pull the yarn tight to close the top of the hat. Weave the tail securely inside the hat. Weave in the cast-on tail as well.

Block lightly if desired. The hat will relax and soften with wear. Fold the brim up for a classic look or wear it slouchy and unfolded.

Enjoy your cozy, handmade Cloudburst Slouch Hat!