This knit slouch hat pattern is a fun, beginner-friendly project that fits right in with my collection of free hat knitting patterns, giving you something stylish without overcomplicating your stitches.
If you’ve ever wanted a hat that looks textured and unique but is still relaxing to knit, this one checks all the boxes. The Elijah Slouch was designed to solve that exact problem—simple stitches, wearable style, and a relaxed fit that works for the whole family. This knit slouch hat pattern gives you that laid-back look while keeping the process easy and enjoyable from cast on to finish.
If you’ve been searching for a project that feels effortless but still looks polished, this is it. It’s the kind of hat you can knit once and immediately want to make again in every color.
A simple repeat, soft yarn, and a relaxed shape come together to create something you’ll actually reach for. It’s easy to wear, easy to knit, and easy to customize.
What materials work best for this knit slouch hat pattern?
For this knit slouch hat pattern, I used KnitPicks Chroma Worsted, and it really makes the texture stand out without needing anything complicated. The color changes add depth to the stitch pattern, so even basic knits and purls look more detailed than they actually are. You can absolutely swap in any worsted weight yarn, but something soft with a bit of movement in the color will give you the best results.
You’ll also want size 8 (5mm) needles—either DPNs or circulars depending on your preference—and a yarn needle for finishing. Making sure your gauge is close will help the slouch fit just right, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to swatch before you jump in.
This combination of yarn and needle size creates a fabric that’s soft but structured enough to hold that relaxed slouch shape. It’s comfortable, wearable, and works across all sizes included in the pattern.
How do you knit this knit slouch hat pattern step by step?
This knit slouch hat pattern is worked in the round from the brim up, starting with a simple ribbing that gives a clean, stretchy edge. From there, you’ll move into a repeating knit and purl texture that forms those large circular patterns throughout the hat. It’s rhythmic and easy to memorize, which makes it perfect for knitting while watching a show or chatting with family.
As you build length, the slouch naturally forms before moving into straightforward decrease rounds that shape the crown. If you can knit, purl, and work a k2tog, you have everything you need to complete this project confidently.
Take your time with the repeats, and don’t stress about small imperfections—they blend right into the texture. By the time you cinch the top, you’ll have a finished hat that looks far more detailed than the effort it took.
Looking for more free hat knitting patterns like this?
If you love this knit slouch hat pattern, there are plenty more free hat knitting patterns you can explore:
• Vine Slouch
• Double Brim Slouch
• Michael Hat
• Everyday Hat
• Anna Beanie
Each of these patterns brings something a little different, whether it’s texture, fit, or overall style. They’re all designed to be practical, wearable, and easy to come back to again and again.
The Elijah Slouch fits right into that mix as a relaxed, everyday option that works for all ages. It’s one of those patterns you can keep on repeat without getting bored.
Elijah Slouch Free Pattern
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
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.
If you give this knit slouch hat pattern a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below and tell me what yarn you used or who you made it for!
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