Lace Slouch Hat Knitting Pattern

Lace Slouch Hat in Plymouth Yarn Woolcotte

What is Being Made

This is a slouch-style hat knitted in the round using Plymouth Yarn's Woolcotte yarn. The finished hat measures approximately 20 inches in circumference, with a larger size option available at 22 inches. The design features a relaxed, slouchy silhouette created through strategic shaping and a lace stitch pattern that adds visual interest and texture to the finished garment.

Techniques Used

The Lace Slouch Hat employs several fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The hat begins with a cast-on worked on smaller needles, followed by ribbed edging to create a secure, elastic cuff. The pattern transitions to larger needles for the main body, where the lace stitch pattern is established. Crown shaping is accomplished through strategic decreases worked in rounds, gradually reducing stitch count to close the top of the hat. The pattern includes both circular needle work and double-pointed needle (DPN) transitions as the stitch count decreases during crown shaping. Blocking is recommended to fully develop the lace pattern definition.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – The foundational stitch used throughout the ribbing and stockinette sections
• Purl stitch (p) – Used in the 1x1 ribbing at the hat's cuff
• Slip stitch (sl1) – Part of the lace pattern sequence
• Pass slipped stitch over (psso) – A decrease method creating the lace openwork effect
• Yarn over (yo) – Creates the decorative eyelets characteristic of the lace pattern
• Knit two together (k2tog) – Used extensively during crown decreases to shape the hat's top

Stitch Pattern Details

The lace pattern repeats over a multiple of 4 stitches across 4 rounds. Rounds 1 and 2 are worked in stockinette stitch (knitting all stitches on the right side). Round 3 features the decrease sequence: slip 1 stitch, knit 3 stitches, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitches. Round 4 introduces yarn overs for the lace effect: knit 3 stitches followed by a yarn over. This 4-round sequence repeats to create the characteristic lace texture throughout the hat's body.

Materials and Gauge

The Lace Slouch Hat is designed to be worked in Plymouth Yarn Woolcotte, a yarn that provides excellent drape and stitch definition ideal for lace patterns. For the smallest size, one 100-gram ball of yarn is required; the larger size needs two 100-gram balls. The pattern shown uses Color 105 in Fuchsia/Brown. Gauge is established at 20 stitches equals 4 inches when working the stitch pattern on US size 10 (6mm) needles in stockinette stitch after blocking, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished hat.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires US size 10 (6mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for crown shaping, as well as both US size 8 (5mm) and US size 10 (6mm) circular needles in 16-inch length for the main body and ribbed sections. A single stitch marker is needed to denote the beginning of rounds. The use of two needle sizes—smaller needles for the ribbed cuff and larger needles for the lace pattern body—helps create proper tension and elasticity in the finished hat.