Lattice Bloom Slouch Hat Free Knitting Pattern – Textured Cable & Eyelet Design

Wrap yourself in the cozy elegance of a hand-knitted slouch hat featuring a stunning lattice of cables and delicate eyelets. This pattern creates a modern, botanical-inspired texture that's perfect for crisp autumn days and chilly winter walks. The interlocking cables and openwork eyelets form a woven, trellis-like pattern that is both visually striking and surprisingly simple to knit. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a new challenge or a confident beginner ready to try cables for the first time, this slouch hat is a rewarding project that will become a staple in your cold-weather wardrobe.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience. This project uses worsted-weight yarn and standard cable techniques, making it accessible and portable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 220 yards), e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Forest Green' or any other worsted weight yarn of your choice.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles (or size needed for gauge). The circular needle is used for the body, and you'll switch to DPNs for the crown decreases.
• Notions: Stitch markers (8 recommended), cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the bottom up. The ribbed brim is followed by a repeating lattice pattern, and the crown is shaped with a series of decreases. Follow the instructions carefully, and don't hesitate to refer back to the abbreviations list as needed.

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: Adult Medium (fits 21-23 inch head)

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: slip slip knit (left-leaning decrease)
• YO: yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle (cable crossing)
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle (cable crossing)
• PM: place marker
• SM: slip marker
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Ribbing

The ribbed brim provides a snug, comfortable fit that helps the hat stay in place.

1. CO 96 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches. PM at beginning of round.
2. Rounds 1-8: *K2, P2* repeat around. This creates a 2x2 ribbing that is stretchy and neat.

Body

The body of the hat features the beautiful lattice pattern. The set-up round divides your work into 8 equal sections, each with 12 stitches.

1. Round 9 (set-up round): *K12, PM* repeat around (8 markers, including beginning marker). You now have 8 sections of 12 stitches each.

Lattice Pattern

Repeat the following 32 rounds (Rounds 1-32) to create the full lattice effect. The pattern is a 4-round repeat that shifts, creating the woven look. All even-numbered rounds are plain knit rounds, which helps the cables and eyelets pop.

1. Round 1: *K2, YO, SSK, K4, C4F, K2* repeat around.
2. Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 3: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, C4B, K4* repeat around.
4. Round 5: *K2, YO, SSK, C4F, K4, K2* repeat around.
5. Round 7: *K2, YO, SSK, K4, C4B, K2* repeat around.
6. Round 9: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, C4F, K4* repeat around.
7. Round 11: *K2, YO, SSK, C4B, K4, K2* repeat around.
8. Round 13: *K2, YO, SSK, K4, C4F, K2* repeat around.
9. Round 15: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, C4B, K4* repeat around.
10. Round 17: *K2, YO, SSK, C4F, K4, K2* repeat around.
11. Round 19: *K2, YO, SSK, K4, C4B, K2* repeat around.
12. Round 21: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, C4F, K4* repeat around.
13. Round 23: *K2, YO, SSK, C4B, K4, K2* repeat around.
14. Round 25: *K2, YO, SSK, K4, C4F, K2* repeat around.
15. Round 27: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, C4B, K4* repeat around.
16. Round 29: *K2, YO, SSK, C4F, K4, K2* repeat around.
17. Round 31: *K2, YO, SSK, K4, C4B, K2* repeat around.

Note: The pattern naturally shifts the cable position each repeat, creating the diagonal lattice effect. Trust the pattern and keep your markers in place.

Crown Decreases

Now it's time to shape the top of the hat. You will decrease stitches in each section while maintaining the eyelet pattern as long as possible. Switch to double-pointed needles when the circular needle becomes too long.

1. Round 33: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, K4* repeat around (decrease 1 per repeat, 88 stitches remain).
2. Round 34: Knit all stitches.
3. Round 35: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, K3* repeat around (80 stitches).
4. Round 36: Knit all stitches.
5. Round 37: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, K2* repeat around (72 stitches).
6. Round 38: Knit all stitches.
7. Round 39: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog, K1* repeat around (64 stitches).
8. Round 40: Knit all stitches.
9. Round 41: *K2, YO, SSK, K2, K2tog* repeat around (56 stitches).
10. Round 42: Knit all stitches.
11. Round 43: *K2, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog* repeat around (48 stitches).
12. Round 44: Knit all stitches.
13. Round 45: *K2, YO, SSK, K2tog* repeat around (40 stitches).
14. Round 46: Knit all stitches.
15. Round 47: *K2, YO, K2tog* repeat around (32 stitches).
16. Round 48: Knit all stitches.
17. Round 49: *K2tog* repeat around (16 stitches).
18. Round 50: *K2tog* repeat around (8 stitches).

Finishing

1. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-8 inch tail.
2. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and pass it through the remaining 8 stitches.
3. Pull tight to close the hole at the top of the hat.
4. Weave in the end securely on the inside of the hat.
5. Weave in the cast-on tail at the brim as well.

Block your hat gently to even out the cables and eyelets. Simply wet the hat, squeeze out excess water, and lay it flat to dry, shaping it as desired. Your Lattice Bloom Slouch Hat is now ready to wear! The rich texture and beautiful drape make it a perfect accessory for any winter outfit. Happy knitting!