Looking for a free worsted slouchy hat pattern? Check out this cozy photo prop—this pattern’s at the bottom, others are at the photo prop page!
Let’s talk about a hat that has all the laid-back charm of a Saturday morning, the easygoing vibe of a toddler on a mission, and enough texture to keep even the pickiest knitter entertained—the Bubba Slouchy. This free worsted slouchy hat pattern has quickly become one of my favorite projects, and today, I’m sharing the story behind it, how it came to be, and why you’ll want to cast on one ASAP.
And just a heads up—you’ll find THIS pattern at the bottom of the post, but if you’re in the mood to browse more cozy hats and photo prop knits, head over to the Photo Prop Pattern Page.
A Free Worsted Slouchy Hat Pattern with Heart
I designed this free worsted slouchy hat pattern for someone incredibly special—my fifth baby, affectionately nicknamed Bubba. Every child brings their own flavor to the family recipe, and Bubba’s flavor is chill with a side of charming. He’s the kind of kid who makes the room brighter just by existing. So naturally, he needed a hat that could match that kind of energy.
One cool autumn afternoon, we were on one of our many little adventures, crunching through the leaves in our backyard, and I realized—this boy needs a hat that’s just as effortlessly cool as he is. That moment sparked the idea for the Bubba Slouchy, a free worsted slouchy hat pattern made for tiny explorers and stylish souls alike.
The Yarn That Brings It All Together
Now let’s talk yarn, because this free worsted slouchy hat pattern wouldn’t be half as charming without the perfect material. I went with KnitPicks City Tweed Worsted (affiliate link)—a dreamy blend of merino wool, superfine alpaca, and Donegal tweed. Translation: it’s warm, it’s soft, and it’s got that rustic flecked texture that makes every stitch pop.
The color I chose had just the right earthy tone to bring out Bubba’s sandy blonde hair and twinkly blue eyes. But the entire palette is beautiful—you really can’t go wrong. And since it’s worsted weight, this yarn (affiliate link) makes the project move along quickly without sacrificing detail. It was truly the perfect choice for this free worsted slouchy hat pattern.
Easy to Knit, Fun to Wear
This free worsted slouchy hat pattern is the perfect balance of cozy and cool. It’s relaxed, with a roomy crown that gives it that classic slouchy shape, but snug enough to stay put on even the busiest of toddlers. Whether Bubba’s scaling couch cushions or twirling in the kitchen, his Bubba Slouchy stays right where it belongs—on his adorable little head.
I kept the pattern straightforward with just enough texture to keep it interesting. You won’t find anything overly complicated here, just a chill, rhythmic knit that’s perfect for movie night stitching or coffee shop knitting sessions. The ribbed brim can be worn folded or left as is, giving you two looks in one.
How to Style the Bubba Slouchy
One of the best parts of this free worsted slouchy hat pattern is its versatility. It pairs well with everything. I love dressing Bubba in his denim overalls, a flannel shirt, and this hat for a full-on lumberjack toddler vibe. But it also looks cute with a simple onesie or even pajamas on cozy days at home.
We’ve even made it part of our Sunday walk uniform. He gets his boots, I grab my knitting bag, and we head out the door—matching Bubba Slouchies on and smiles all around. There’s something so satisfying about seeing your handmade creations out in the world, especially when they’re getting so much love (and so many compliments!).
Make One for the Whole Family
Although this free worsted slouchy hat pattern was inspired by my little guy, it’s not just for babies and toddlers. The sizing is easily adjustable, and the design works beautifully for kids, teens, and adults too. I’m not saying you have to make a matching set for your entire crew… but I also won’t judge if you do. In fact, I fully support the matching hat selfies.
Because the pattern uses worsted weight yarn like KnitPicks City Tweed Worsted (affiliate link), it’s super adaptable. Want a chunkier look? Go up a needle size. Want it more fitted? Just shorten the slouch section. You can really make this free worsted slouchy hat pattern your own.
Why I Love This Pattern
This free worsted slouchy hat pattern combines all my favorite things: it’s personal, it’s practical, and it’s packed with personality. I love that it’s named after Bubba, designed during one of our memory-making days, and knit up in one of my absolute favorite yarns—KnitPicks City Tweed Worsted (affiliate link). Every stitch in this hat holds a story, and I hope when you knit it, you feel that same joy.
It’s a go-to gift knit, a stash buster, and a stylish staple all rolled into one. Whether you’re making it for a photo shoot, a baby shower gift, or just because, the Bubba Slouchy is that just-right project you’ll keep coming back to.
Grab Your Needles!
If your fingers are already itching to cast on this free worsted slouchy hat pattern, you’re not alone. I’ve knit more than one of these, and I’m still not tired of it. It’s just that fun. Whether you’re making one for a Bubba of your own or treating yourself to a cozy new hat, this pattern delivers on both charm and comfort.
So go ahead and grab your favorite skein of KnitPicks City Tweed Worsted (affiliate link), cue up your favorite playlist or podcast, and enjoy every minute of this relaxing and rewarding knit.
Ready to make your own? The Bubba Slouchy free worsted slouchy hat pattern is waiting for you at the bottom of this post! And don’t forget to check out the rest of my photo prop patterns on the Photo Prop Pattern Page—you might just find your next favorite project.
Happy knitting, and may your slouchy hats be stylish, squishy, and loved by all who wear them.
Materials and Info
Materials: 100-300yds of worsted weight yarn (I used knitpicks city tweed), size 9 (5.5mm) dpns
Sizes –newborn (13ins), 0-3mth (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mth (16ins), toddler (17ins), child (18ins)
Gauge – 4sts/1in in stockinette st – ~Gauge is very important!~
Stitch Key:
K – knit
P – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
Bubba Slouchy Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 54sts and join in the round.
Work [k5,p1] around.
Work for a total of 6ins from cast on.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog,k3,p1] around (45sts)
Round 2 – [k4,p1] around
Round 3 – [k2tog,k2,p1] around (36sts)
Round 4 – [k3,p1] around
Round 5 – [k2tog,k1,p1] around (27sts)
Round 6 – [k2,p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (18sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends.
0-3MTHS
Cast on 56sts and join in the round.
Work [k7,p1] around.
Work for a total of 7ins from cast on.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog,k5,p1] around (49sts)
Round 2 – [k6,p1] around
Round 3 – [k2tog,k4,p1] around (42sts)
Round 4 – [k5,p1] around
Round 5 – [k2tog,k3,p1] around (35sts)
Round 6 – [k4,p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog,k2,p1] around (28sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog,k1,p1] around (21sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, p1] around (14sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends.
3-6MTHS
Cast on 60sts and join in the round.
Work [k5,p1] around.
Work for a total of 8ins from cast on.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog,k3,p1] around (50sts)
Round 2 – [k4,p1] around
Round 3 – [k2tog,k2,p1] around (40sts)
Round 4 – [k3,p1] around
Round 5 – [k2tog,k1,p1] around (30sts)
Round 6 – [k2,p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (20sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends.
6-12MTHS
Cast on 63sts and join in the round.
Work [k6,p1] around.
Work for a total of 9ins from cast on.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog,k4,p1] around (54sts)
Round 2 – [k5,p1] around
Round 3 – [k2tog,k3,p1] around (45sts)
Round 4 – [k4,p1] around
Round 5 – [k2tog,k2,p1] around (36sts)
Round 6 – [k3,p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog,k1,p1] around (27sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, p1] around (18sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends.
Toddler
Cast on 66sts and join in the round.
Work [k5,p1] around.
Work for a total of 10ins from cast on.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog,k3,p1] around (55sts)
Round 2 – [k4,p1] around
Round 3 – [k2tog,k2,p1] around (44sts)
Round 4 – [k3,p1] around
Round 5 – [k2tog,k1,p1] around (33sts)
Round 6 – [k2,p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog, p1] around (22sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog] around (11sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends.
Child
Cast on 70sts and join in the round.
Work [k6,p1] around.
Work for a total of 11ins from cast on.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog,k4,p1] around (60sts)
Round 2 – [k5,p1] around
Round 3 – [k2tog,k3,p1] around (50sts)
Round 4 – [k4,p1] around
Round 5 – [k2tog,k2,p1] around (40sts)
Round 6 – [k3,p1] around
Round 7 – [k2tog,k1,p1] around (30sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, p1] around (20sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining sts. Weave in ends.
Bubba Slouchy PDF
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