The Kips Bun Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Cozy Slouchy Beanie

Introducing The Kips Bun Hat: Your New Favorite Cozy Knit

Embrace the cozy aesthetic with this unique slouchy beanie designed to perfectly accommodate a top knot or messy bun. The Kips Bun Hat features a rich, textured stitch pattern that creates a modern, handcrafted look. This free knitting pattern is perfect for adventurous beginners or intermediate knitters looking for a stylish, functional project. The clever construction creates a hidden opening for your hair, so you can stay warm without sacrificing your updo.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will help you achieve the look shown, but substitutions are possible as long as gauge is met.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4, also known as Aran or medium weight). Approximately 200-250 yards. The sample shown uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Fisherman' (a worsted weight yarn despite the name). A smooth, non-splitting yarn is recommended for the textured pattern.
• Needles: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) 16-inch circular knitting needles AND a set of US Size 8 (5.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown decreases. Alternatively, you can use a long circular needle (32-inch) for the Magic Loop method.
• Notions: Stitch markers (one to mark the beginning of the round, one optional for the halfway point), yarn needle for weaving in ends, tape measure, scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the brim up. The bun hole is created by working a section flat, then rejoining. Read through all instructions before starting.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• P2tog: Purl two stitches together
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): Round(s)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• WS: Wrong side
• RS: Right side

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, after blocking. To check your gauge, cast on 22 stitches and work in stockinette (knit every row) for 28 rows. Measure the center 4 inches. If you have more stitches, use a larger needle. If fewer, use a smaller needle. Getting gauge is crucial for the correct fit and slouchiness.

Pattern Notes

• The textured pattern is a simple 2x2 ribbing variation (K2, P2) alternated with a reversed row (P2, K2). This creates a subtle woven or basketweave effect.
• The hat is designed for an average adult head (21-23 inches). The slouchy fit comes from the length and the bun hole construction.
• The bun hole is at the back of the hat. The front flap covers your forehead, and the back section sits behind your bun/ponytail.

Brim

1. CO 88 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast-on is recommended for a stretchy edge).
2. Join in the round carefully, ensuring the cast-on edge is not twisted. Place a stitch marker (PM) to mark the beginning of the round.
3. Rnd 1: *K2, P2; repeat from * around. (88 sts)
4. Repeat Rnd 1 until the brim measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge. End after completing a full round.

Body (Textured Pattern)

1. Rnd 1 (Pattern Round A): *K2, P2; repeat from * around.
2. Rnd 2 (Pattern Round B): *P2, K2; repeat from * around. (This reverses the ribbing, creating the texture.)
3. Repeat Rounds 1-2 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a completed Rnd 2 (the P2, K2 round).

Bun Hole Opening

This section creates the opening for your hair. You will work back and forth in rows on half the stitches.

1. Next Rnd (Setup): Work in pattern (Rnd 1: *K2, P2*) across the first 44 stitches. Turn your work as if you were at the end of a row. You will now work on these 44 stitches only. The remaining 44 stitches will be left on the needle (they will form the front flap).
2. Row 1 (WS - Wrong Side): *P2, K2; repeat from * across the 44 stitches. (This is the reverse of the pattern to maintain the texture on the right side.)
3. Row 2 (RS - Right Side): *K2, P2; repeat from * across the 44 stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until the back section measures 3 inches from the turn (where you started working flat). End after completing a WS row (Row 1).
5. Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Place these 44 stitches on a stitch holder or a spare needle (they will be worked again shortly).

Rejoin for Crown

1. Rejoin yarn to the 44 held front stitches (the ones left on your circular needle) with the Right Side facing you.
2. Work across these 44 front stitches in pattern (Row 2: *K2, P2*).
3. Now, work across the 44 back stitches from the holder in pattern (Row 2: *K2, P2*). You now have 88 stitches on your needles.
4. Place a marker (PM) to mark the beginning of the round, and join to work in the round again. Ensure the stitches are not twisted.

Crown Decreases

Switch to double-pointed needles (DPNs) or use the Magic Loop method when stitches become too tight for the circular needle.

1. Rnd 1: *K2, P2; repeat from * around. (88 sts)
2. Rnd 2: *P2, K2; repeat from * around. (88 sts)
3. Rnd 3 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, P2; repeat from * around. (66 sts - 22 decreases made)
4. Rnd 4: *P1, K2; repeat from * around. (66 sts)
5. Rnd 5 (Decrease Round): *K2tog, P1; repeat from * around. (44 sts - 22 decreases made)
6. Rnd 6: *P1, K1; repeat from * around. (44 sts)
7. Rnd 7 (Decrease Round): *K2tog; repeat from * around. (22 sts - 22 decreases made)
8. Rnd 8 (Decrease Round): *K2tog; repeat from * around. (11 sts - 11 decreases made)
9. Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle. Slip the needle through the remaining 11 stitches, remove the knitting needle, and pull tight to close the hole. Weave the end securely through the inside of the crown.

Finishing

1. Weave in all loose ends using a yarn needle. Be sure to secure the yarn at the bun hole opening edges to prevent stretching.
2. Block gently to shape. Wet block or steam block, focusing on the textured pattern. Lay flat to dry. The bun hole should be at the back of the hat, allowing a ponytail or bun to pass through easily.
3. Try it on! Adjust the slouch by gently pulling the crown or brim as desired.

Congratulations! You've created a beautiful, functional Kips Bun Hat. The textured pattern will soften and relax with wear, making it even cozier. Share your finished hat with the hashtag #KipsBunHat and enjoy your stylish, hands-free warmth!