Whispering Pines Slouch Hat Free Pattern
Whispering Pines Slouch Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Embrace the forest-inspired texture of this slouchy crochet hat, featuring a stunning combination of post stitches and a cozy, oversized brim. This pattern is perfect for intermediate crafters looking to add a touch of woodland charm to their winter wardrobe. The rich forest green body, paired with a creamy contrast brim, creates a rustic, tactile piece that evokes the peaceful stillness of a pine forest. With its deep ribbed texture and relaxed, slouchy crown, this hat is as delightful to make as it is to wear.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn in two colors:
- Main Color (MC) - Forest Green (approx. 180-200 yards)
- Contrast Color (CC) - Cream (approx. 60-80 yards)
- Hook: H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, measuring tape
Gauge
16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in half double crochet. Always check your gauge to ensure the correct finished size. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Finished Size & Key Details
- Finished Size: Adult (21-23 inch head circumference)
- Stitches & Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet
- fpdc = front post double crochet
- bpdc = back post double crochet
- fphdc = front post half double crochet
- bphdc = back post half double crochet
- hdc2tog = half double crochet two together (decrease)
- Pattern Notes:
- Worked in the round from the top down.
- Ch 2 at beginning of rounds does not count as a stitch.
- Join each round with a sl st to the first stitch.
Part 1: The Brim
We begin with the contrasting cream brim, which is worked flat and then joined into a ring. This creates a dense, stretchy ribbing that folds up beautifully.
- With CC, ch 10.
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (9 sc)
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, sc in each st across. (9 sc)
- Repeat Row 2 until the brim measures 21 inches (or desired head circumference) when slightly stretched. Do not fasten off.
- Fold the brim in half lengthwise and sl st the short ends together to form a ring. Turn right side out.
- Round 1: With MC, ch 1, work 72 sc evenly around the edge of the brim. Join with sl st to first sc. (72 sc)
- Round 2: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in each st around. Join. (72 hdc)
- Round 3: Ch 2, *fphdc around next st, bphdc around next st*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (72 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (72 sts)
- Rounds 5-6: Repeat Rounds 3 and 4.
- Round 7: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in each st around. Join. (72 hdc)
- Round 8: Ch 2, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (72 sts)
- Round 9: Ch 2, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (72 sts)
- Rounds 10-11: Repeat Rounds 8 and 9.
- Round 12: Ch 2, hdc in same st, hdc in each st around. Join. (72 hdc)
- Rounds 13-20: Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 for 8 more rounds (or until hat measures 8 inches from brim).
- Round 21: Ch 2, *hdc in next 7 sts, hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (64 sts)
- Round 22: Ch 2, *hdc in next 6 sts, hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (56 sts)
- Round 23: Ch 2, *hdc in next 5 sts, hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (48 sts)
- Round 24: Ch 2, *hdc in next 4 sts, hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (40 sts)
- Round 25: Ch 2, *hdc in next 3 sts, hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (32 sts)
- Round 26: Ch 2, *hdc in next 2 sts, hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 sts)
- Round 27: Ch 2, *hdc in next st, hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (16 sts)
- Round 28: Ch 2, *hdc2tog*, repeat from * to * around. Join. (8 sts)
- Fasten off, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches).
- Thread the tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the remaining 8 stitches.
- Pull tight to close the top of the hat securely.
- Weave in all loose ends with your yarn needle.
Part 2: The Hat Body
Now we switch to the forest green main color and begin working in the round, creating the beautiful textured post-stitch pattern.
Part 3: Shaping the Crown (Decreases)
Now we'll shape the top of the hat with a series of even decreases. This creates the gentle taper and gathered point at the crown.
Finishing Touches
Your Whispering Pines Slouch Hat is complete! The deep, ribbed texture of the forest green body paired with the creamy, foldable brim creates a cozy, rustic accessory that's perfect for crisp winter days. The slouchy crown gives it a relaxed, modern feel, while the post-stitch texture adds a touch of woodland sophistication. Enjoy your handmade creation!