Looking for a fun and easy knit slouch hat pattern? Head to my free hat pattern page to see more—this one’s at the bottom of the post!
There’s something extra special about knitting a hat that becomes someone’s go-to. That’s exactly what happened with this knit slouch hat pattern, the Elijah Slouch. It started as a sweet little request from my son for a “floppy” hat and turned into a family favorite that’s been worn, loved, and duplicated more times than I can count.
If you’re hunting for a knit slouch hat pattern that’s beginner-friendly but still has a little flair, you’ve landed in the right spot.
The Story Behind the Elijah Slouch
One chilly afternoon, my son Elijah walked up to me and said, “Mom, can you make me one of those floppy hats?” He’d seen a few of his friends wearing slouchy beanies and wanted something cool, comfy, and—most importantly—handmade by me.
Of course, I jumped right in. I love when my kids request knits—it feels like they’re giving me a mission straight from the heart. I knew I wanted this knit slouch hat pattern to be super wearable but not boring, with just enough texture to keep things interesting. That’s how the Elijah Slouch was born.
Why This Knit Slouch Hat Pattern Works
There are a lot of knit slouch hat patterns out there, but I designed this one to be the perfect combo of:
- Easy for beginners
- Visually interesting
- Customizable with colors and add-ons (hello pompoms!)
The stitch pattern is made up of simple knits and purls that form large circles—think cozy texture meets modern vibes. It’s worked in the round, and the slouch factor gives it that laid-back, effortlessly cool look my son was going for.
The Yarn That Makes It Shine
Let’s talk yarn. I used KnitPicks Chroma (affiliate link), and let me tell you—this yarn does a lot of the heavy lifting. The soft feel and gentle color transitions mean the finished hat looks way more intricate than it actually is.
The best part? No two hats turn out exactly alike when you use Chroma (affiliate link). Whether you lean bright and bold or soft and subtle, the gradient shifts bring this knit slouch hat pattern to life.
Customizing the Slouch
After Elijah’s was finished, it didn’t take long before the requests from his siblings came rolling in. “Can I have one, too?” “But with a pompom!” “And in pink!” You know how it goes.
So the Elijah Slouch quickly turned into a whole family collection. I added fluffy pompoms to a few (which the girls called “cotton balls”), switched up the colorways of Chroma (affiliate link), and suddenly I was the proud maker of three very different Elijah Slouches—each with its own little personality.
That’s the beauty of a good knit slouch hat pattern: once you have the base, the possibilities are endless.
Tips for First-Timers
If this is your first time trying out a knit slouch hat pattern, here are a few helpful tips:
- Stick with soft, color-changing yarn. Something like KnitPicks Chroma (affiliate link) really helps show off the texture and adds visual interest without needing fancy stitches.
- Don’t worry about perfection. This is a forgiving pattern. A wonky stitch here or there won’t ruin the look—promise.
- Add your flair. Make it your own with a pompom, a patch, a bold color, or even a folded brim if that’s your style.
What I Love Most About This Knit Slouch Hat Pattern
Aside from how cute it looks on my kids? It’s the connection behind it. Every time I see one of them pull on their hat, I think about those quiet moments—knitting on the couch, coffee in hand, counting stitches while the house buzzes with life.
Knitting the Elijah Slouch reminds me that sometimes the best patterns are the ones born out of love and a simple request from someone you adore.
Why You’ll Love Knitting the Elijah Slouch
Let’s break it down:
- Beginner-friendly: If you know how to knit and purl, you’ve got this.
- Quick knit: One or two cozy evenings and you’re done.
- Highly giftable: It’s unisex, easy to size up or down, and always appreciated.
- Looks impressive: Thanks to the yarn and texture, this knit slouch hat pattern looks fancy with minimal effort.
It also pairs beautifully with just about any cold-weather outfit. I’ve seen it styled with denim jackets, puffers, peacoats—you name it.
Sharing the Love
One of the coolest things about publishing this knit slouch hat pattern has been seeing how others make it their own. I’ve spotted versions in solid wool, speckled cotton blends, and even with faux fur pompoms. It makes my heart so happy.
Knitting can be such a personal journey, but it’s also a community—especially when we share patterns, swap tips, and cheer each other on. I love that this knit slouch hat pattern has become a part of that.
Grab the Free Knit Slouch Hat Pattern
If you’re ready to try your hand at this knit slouch hat pattern, scroll to the bottom of this post to download the free PDF. And if you want to see even more fun and free hat patterns, head over to the hat pattern page.
This knit slouch hat pattern is just one of many cozy creations waiting for your needles!
Final Thoughts
The Elijah Slouch is more than just a knit slouch hat pattern—it’s a reminder of why I started designing in the first place. It’s simple, heartfelt, practical, and fun to knit. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’ve just picked up your first pair of circular needles, I hope this pattern brings you as much joy as it’s brought to our home.
So go grab your yarn (I still recommend KnitPicks Chroma—affiliate link), cast on, and enjoy the ride. You never know when a quick knit for a kiddo will turn into a family favorite.
Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: 1 skein of knitpicks chroma worsted (or any other worsted yarn appx 120-250yds), size 8 (5mm) dpn or circular needles, yarn needles
Gauge: appx 4.5sts/in in stockinette sts GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT! SWATCH FIRST!
Appx Finished Measurements (wxh): baby (6.75inx7in), toddler (7.75inx8ins), child (8.75inx 9in), teen/small adult (10inx10in), large adult (11inx11in)
Stitch Key:
k – knit
p – purl
K2tog – knit 2 together
Elijah Slouch Pattern
BABY
Cast on 60sts. Join in the round.
K1p1 around for 6 rounds.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k5, p3, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k4, p5, k1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 4-7 – [k3, p7] repeat [to] around
Round 8 – repeat round 3
Round 9 – repeat round 2
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [p3, k7] repeat [to] around
Round 12 – [p4, k5, p1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 13-16 – [p5, k3, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 17 – repeat round 12
Round 18 – repeat round 11
Repeat rounds 1-18 until your work measures appx 6ins from cast on edge ending after completing a round 9 or 18.
Decrease
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (54sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (48sts)
Round 3 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (42sts)
Round 4 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (36sts)
Round 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (30sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (24sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (18sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (12sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (6sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the crown tight. Weave in end. Block if you please.
TODDLER
Cast on 70sts. Join in the round.
K1p1 around for 8 rounds.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k5, p3, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k4, p5, k1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 4-7 – [k3, p7] repeat [to] around
Round 8 – repeat round 3
Round 9 – repeat round 2
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [p3, k7] repeat [to] around
Round 12 – [p4, k5, p1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 13-16 – [p5, k3, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 17 – repeat round 12
Round 18 – repeat round 11
Repeat rounds 1-18 until your work measures appx 7ins from cast on edge ending after completing a round 9 or 18.
Decrease
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (63sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (56sts)
Round 3 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (49sts)
Round 4 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (42sts)
Round 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (35sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (28sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (21sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (14sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (7sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the crown tight. Weave in end. Block if you please.
CHILD
Cast on 80sts. Join in the round.
K1p1 around for 8 rounds.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k5, p3, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k4, p5, k1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 4-7 – [k3, p7] repeat [to] around
Round 8 – repeat round 3
Round 9 – repeat round 2
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [p3, k7] repeat [to] around
Round 12 – [p4, k5, p1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 13-16 – [p5, k3, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 17 – repeat round 12
Round 18 – repeat round 11
Repeat rounds 1-18 until your work measures appx 8ins from cast on edge ending after completing a round 9 or 18.
Decrease
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (72sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (64sts)
Round 3 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (56sts)
Round 4 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (48sts)
Round 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (40sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (32sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (24sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (16sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (8sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the crown tight. Weave in end. Block if you please.
TEEN/SMALL ADULT
Cast on 90sts. Join in the round.
K1p1 around for 8 rounds.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k5, p3, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k4, p5, k1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 4-7 – [k3, p7] repeat [to] around
Round 8 – repeat round 3
Round 9 – repeat round 2
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [p3, k7] repeat [to] around
Round 12 – [p4, k5, p1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 13-16 – [p5, k3, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 17 – repeat round 12
Round 18 – repeat round 11
Repeat rounds 1-18 until your work measures appx 9ins from cast on edge ending after completing a round 9 or 18.
Decrease
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (81sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (72sts)
Round 3 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (63sts)
Round 4 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (54sts)
Round 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (45sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (36sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (27sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (18sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the crown tight. Weave in end. Block if you please.
LARGE ADULT
Cast on 100sts. Join in the round.
K1p1 around for 8 rounds.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [k5, p3, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – [k4, p5, k1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 4-7 – [k3, p7] repeat [to] around
Round 8 – repeat round 3
Round 9 – repeat round 2
Round 10 – knit around
Round 11 – [p3, k7] repeat [to] around
Round 12 – [p4, k5, p1] repeat [to] around
Rounds 13-16 – [p5, k3, p2] repeat [to] around
Round 17 – repeat round 12
Round 18 – repeat round 11
Repeat rounds 1-18 until your work measures appx 10ins from cast on edge ending after completing a round 9 or 18.
Decrease
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat [to] around (90sts)
Round 2 – [k2tog, k7] repeat [to] around (80sts)
Round 3 – [k2tog, k6] repeat [to] around (70sts)
Round 4 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] around (60sts)
Round 5 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] around (50sts)
Round 6 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] around (40sts)
Round 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] around (30sts)
Round 8 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] around (20sts)
Round 9 – [k2tog] repeat [to] around (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the crown tight. Weave in end. Block if you please.
Elijah Slouch PDF
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