The Ember Dune Slouch Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Modern Brioche Beanie

Introduction: The Ember Dune Slouch Hat

Welcome, knitters! Today, we're diving into a project that will elevate your accessory game: The Ember Dune Slouch Hat. This isn't just any beanie; it's a modern, textured masterpiece featuring a stunning two-color brioche stitch. The result is a plush, reversible fabric with a mesmerizing, undulating pattern that looks far more complex than it is to knit.

Inspired by the earthy tones of a desert landscape, this pattern uses a deep rust and charcoal gray to create a cozy, stylish accessory perfect for any season. The generous slouch and relaxed fit make it a wardrobe staple that's both comfortable and sophisticated. Whether you're a brioche beginner or a seasoned pro, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a hat that looks like a woven tapestry.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn and needle sizes will ensure your hat matches the sample's gauge and fit.

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors:
  • Color A (Main Color): 120 yards (e.g., Malabrigo Rios in 'Diana' - deep rust)
  • Color B (Contrast Color): 100 yards (e.g., Malabrigo Rios in 'Piedras' - charcoal)

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle (for the brim and body)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) (for the crown decreases)
• Stitch marker (to mark the beginning of the round)
• Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

Gauge

• 18 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (after blocking)
• Always check your gauge! If your gauge is off, adjust needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in the round from the brim up. The brioche stitch creates a reversible fabric, so both sides look beautiful. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous slouch hat in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• k: Knit
• p: Purl
• brk: Brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarnover)
• brp: Brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarnover)
• yo: Yarnover
• sl1yo: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarnover
• k2tog: Knit 2 together
• p2tog: Purl 2 together
• k1tbl: Knit 1 through the back loop

Notes

• The hat is worked in the round from the brim up.
• Brioche stitch is worked over an even number of stitches.
• The brim is a twisted rib, then the body is two-color brioche.

Brim

1. With Color A, CO 96 stitches. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
2. Round 1: *K1 through the back loop (k1tbl), p1; repeat from * around.
3. Repeat Round 1 for 1.5 inches (about 12 rounds). This creates a stretchy, twisted rib brim.

Body (Two-Color Brioche)

Now you'll switch to the brioche stitch. You will work two rounds per color. The setup round creates the foundation for the brioche pattern.

1. Setup Round (Color A): *Sl1yo, k1; repeat from * around. (You now have 96 stitches + 96 yarnovers = 192 loops on your needle)
2. Round 1 (Color A): *Brk (knit the sl1yo together with its yo), sl1yo; repeat from * around.
3. Round 2 (Color A): *Sl1yo, brp (purl the sl1yo together with its yo); repeat from * around.
4. Switch to Color B.
5. Round 3 (Color B): *Brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
6. Round 4 (Color B): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
7. Repeat Rounds 1-4 until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Color B round (Round 4).

Crown Decreases

When you're ready to shape the crown, switch to DPNs when the circular needle becomes too long. Continue in the brioche pattern but with decreases. The decreases are worked in a specific sequence to create a neat, gathered crown.

1. Round 1 (Color A): *Brk, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo, k2tog (knit the next stitch and its yo together with the following stitch and its yo); repeat from * around. (Decrease 12 stitches: 84 stitches + yarnovers remain)
2. Round 2 (Color A): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
3. Round 3 (Color B): *Brk, sl1yo, brk, sl1yo, k2tog; repeat from * around. (72 stitches + yarnovers)
4. Round 4 (Color B): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
5. Round 5 (Color A): *Brk, sl1yo, k2tog; repeat from * around. (48 stitches + yarnovers)
6. Round 6 (Color A): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
7. Round 7 (Color B): *K2tog (knit the stitch and its yo together with the next stitch and its yo); repeat from * around. (24 stitches)
8. Round 8 (Color B): *P2tog; repeat from * around. (12 stitches)
9. Cut yarn, leaving a 10-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then through the remaining 12 stitches. Pull tight to close the crown, and weave in the end securely.

Finishing

1. Weave in all remaining ends with a tapestry needle.
2. Block the hat gently to open up the brioche texture. To block, soak the hat in lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes, then gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay flat on a towel, shape to desired dimensions, and allow to dry completely.

Congratulations! You've just completed The Ember Dune Slouch Hat. Wear it with pride, knowing you've created a modern, textured accessory that's as cozy as it is stylish. Happy knitting!