Drawstring Slouch Hat Knitting Pattern

Drawstring Slouch Hat Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

Project Overview

This is an easy-level knitting pattern (Skill Level 2) for creating a comfortable, versatile slouch hat with a drawstring closure. The finished hat has a circumference of approximately 20 inches (51 cm) and is designed to stretch and fit a range of head sizes, making it an accessible project for knitters of various experience levels.

What You Will Make

The Drawstring Slouch Hat is a relaxed, casual-style hat featuring a slouchy silhouette enhanced by a functional drawstring detail. This one-size design works for multiple wearers due to its stretchy construction and adjustable drawstring feature, making it ideal for gifts or personal wear.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Texture pattern knitting to create visual interest and dimension in the fabric
• Yarn over (yo) increases that create decorative eyelets throughout the design
• Circular knitting using seamless construction methods
• Gauge-based sizing to ensure proper fit and material efficiency
• Drawstring application for adjustable closure and styling

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern incorporates yarn over (yo) stitches, which serve a dual purpose as both increases and decorative elements. These eyelets are created by bringing the yarn to the front between needles, then taking it to the back over the right needle to form a new stitch. This technique creates small decorative holes in the fabric that contribute to the hat's visual appeal and allow the drawstring to thread through.

Materials Required

Yarn: The pattern uses Lion Brand yarns in two complementary weights and fiber blends:

• 1 ball of Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (Article #860) in Burgundy or a solid color choice. Vanna's Choice is a premium acrylic yarn with 92-96% acrylic and 4-8% rayon content. Each ball contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and 170 yards (156 meters) of yarn.
• 1 ball of Lion Brand Vanna's Palettes (Article #865) in Earthy Twists or a print/tweed/heather option. Vanna's Palettes is 100% acrylic and comes in 2.5-ounce (70-gram) balls with 121 yards (111 meters) per ball.

Needles and Tools: The pattern requires Boye Aluminum Circular Knitting Needles in Size 8 (5 mm), measuring 16 inches in length for seamless in-the-round construction. Additional supplies include Lion Brand Split Ring Stitch Markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needles (Set of 6) for weaving in yarn ends and finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches plus 22 rows equaling approximately 4 inches (10 cm) when worked over the texture pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for ensuring the finished hat matches the intended 20-inch circumference and that the yarn quantities provided are sufficient. Knitters should adjust needle size up or down based on their personal gauge swatch results before beginning the full project.