The Enchanted Brioche Slouch Hat Free Pattern
Unlock the Magic of Two-Color Brioche: The Enchanted Slouch Hat Pattern
There's something truly magical about a hat that feels as good as it looks. The Enchanted Brioche Slouch Hat is a luxuriously slouchy, reversible knit that evokes the feeling of a misty forest at dawn. Knit in a two-color brioche stitch, this pattern creates a squishy, textured fabric with a mesmerizing, almost fairytale quality. Whether you are new to brioche or a seasoned knitter looking for a satisfying project, this free pattern will guide you through every step to create a cozy, one-of-a-kind accessory.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact yarn weight and needle size is crucial for achieving the correct gauge and the perfect slouchy fit.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors.
- Main Color (MC): Deep Forest Green – approximately 150 yards.
- Contrast Color (CC): Silver Mist – approximately 150 yards.
- Needles:
- US 6 (4.0 mm) 16-inch circular needle for the body.
- US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for the crown decreases.
- Note: Use the size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (unstretched, after blocking).
Step-by-Step Instructions
This hat is knit in the round using the two-color brioche stitch. The pattern uses standard brioche abbreviations: brk (brioche knit: knit the stitch together with its yarnover), brp (brioche purl: purl the stitch together with its yarnover), sl1yo (slip 1 with yarnover). The hat is reversible, with one side showing MC as the dominant color and the other showing CC.
Setup
With MC, cast on 96 stitches using the long-tail method. Place a stitch marker and join to work in the round, being very careful not to twist the stitches.
Ribbing (worked with MC only)
Round 1: *K2, P2; repeat from * around.
Repeat Round 1 until the ribbing measures 1.5 inches from the cast-on edge.
Brioche Body
Now you will begin the two-color brioche pattern. Work these 4 rounds repeatedly. Always carry the unused color loosely up the inside of the work.
- Round 1 (MC): *Sl1yo, K1; repeat from * around.
- Round 2 (CC): *P1, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 3 (MC): *Brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 4 (CC): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until the hat measures approximately 8 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Round 4 (CC round).
Crown Decreases
When the stitches become too tight for the circular needle, switch to double-pointed needles. Distribute stitches evenly across 3 or 4 DPNs.
- Round 1 (MC): *Sl1yo, k2tog (knit the next stitch together with its yarnover); repeat from * around. (64 stitches remain)
- Round 2 (CC): *P1, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 3 (MC): *Brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 4 (CC): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
- Round 5 (MC): *Sl1yo, k2tog; repeat from * around. (32 stitches remain)
- Round 6 (CC): *P1, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 7 (MC): *Brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 8 (CC): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
- Round 9 (MC): *Sl1yo, k2tog; repeat from * around. (16 stitches remain)
- Round 10 (CC): *P1, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 11 (MC): *Brk, sl1yo; repeat from * around.
- Round 12 (CC): *Sl1yo, brp; repeat from * around.
- Round 13 (MC): *K2tog; repeat from * around. (8 stitches remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 8 stitches using a tapestry needle, pull tight to close the top, and secure. Weave in the end on the inside of the hat.
Finishing
Weave in all remaining ends carefully. Block the hat gently by soaking it in lukewarm water, squeezing out excess water (do not wring), and laying it flat to dry. This will open up the brioche texture and give the hat its beautiful, slouchy shape.
Your Enchanted Brioche Slouch Hat is now complete! Enjoy the reversible, squishy fabric and the stunning interplay of Deep Forest Green and Silver Mist. This hat is perfect for crisp autumn walks or cozy winter days by the fire.