I pattern tested the matching Pretty Simple Fingerless Gloves crochet pattern for my friend Rhelena of Crochet n Crafts last Fall. I recently pulled them out of my WIPs bin to finish and write about, and decided to work the matching slouch hat too. I really love the fit and slouch of this hat, and am looking forward to using my new set when the weather turns, and will be adding some to my EyeLoveKnots Etsy shop as well. The set would make a great gift for the approaching holiday season too!
Materials:
– 150 Yards of Worsted Weight Yarn – I used about half a skein of Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn in Red
– I9/5.5mm Crochet Hook
– Tapestry Needle for Weaving in Ends
– Pretty Simple Slouch Hat, Free Crochet Pattern by Crochet n Crafts
Material Notes:
Yarn Alternatives: Red Heart’s With Love, Deborah Norville’s Everyday Soft. Loops and Thread Impeccable #4 used in original pattern.
Time Spent:
I had my hat finished in just over two hours.
Measurements:
My finished hat measured 10.5″ wide by 9.75″ tall, and has a band that measured 10″ wide.
Abbreviations:
SC – Single Crochet
BLO – Back Loop Only
HDC – Half Double Crochet
HDC2tog – Half Double Crochet Two Stitches Together
Pattern Notes:
When working onto the back loops (or front loops), I like the work the last stitch under both loops. This helps to create a smooth, even edge and better security.
I worked the band as written but it came out way too small, even by going up a hook size (and two). I decided to rip it out, and work my go-to band which is:
Chain 11. SC into the 2nd chain, and each chain across. (10 SC)
R2 – 75: Chain 1, turn. SC into the BLO of the 1st SC, and the next 8. SC in both loops of the last SC. (10 SC)
After slip stitch joining the back loop part, make sure to turn your piece so that the seam that you just created is on the inside of the hat.
I have worked a few hats in this manner, and always found too much bulk in the slouchy part from just sewing closed. To help with this, I worked the stitch pattern for 21 rows, and then began decreasing as such:
R22: Chain 1. (HDC into the space between previous rounds of HDCs, HDC2tog over the same space and the next space, HDC into the same space) 19x. Join. (57 HDC)
R23: Chain 1. (HDC into the space between previous rounds of HDCs, HDC2tog over the same space and the next) 19x. Join. (38 HDC)
R24: Chain 1. (HDC into the space between previous rounds of HDCs, HDC2tog over the same space and the next space, HDC into the same space) 9x, 2 HDC into the next space. Join. (29 HDC)
R25: Chain 1. (HDC into the space between previous rounds of HDCs, HDC2tog over the same space and the next) 9x, HDC into the next space, HDC2tog over the same space and the beginning chain stitch. Join. (20 HDC)
At this point, I fastened off with a long tail, turned my hat inside out and sewed the hole closed.
With so many size, yarn type and color options, I would love to see them! Please share your photos on my EyeLoveKnots Facebook page, or our latest Yarn Fanatic Party Link Up!
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