The Little Cloud Slouch: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Baby Cap

The Little Cloud Slouch: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Baby Cap

This pattern creates a delightfully squishy and modern baby cap, featuring a unique combination of puff stitches and a contrasting ribbed brim. The slouchy crown and soft texture make it a cozy, heirloom-quality accessory for the littlest ones. Perfect for a baby shower gift or a quick weekend project, this hat works up beautifully in soft pastels or bold contrasts.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors: Main Color (MC) - 60 yards, Contrast Color (CC) - 30 yards. Sample used Lion Brand Feels Like Butta in 'Powder Pink' (MC) and 'Cream' (CC).
• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
• Gauge: 14 puff stitches x 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in puff stitch pattern. Gauge is critical for fit.
• Other: Yarn needle, scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes

0-3 months (3-6 months, 6-12 months). Instructions for smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• puff st = puff stitch (see special stitch)
• MC = Main Color
• CC = Contrast Color

Special Stitch: Puff Stitch (puff st)

Yo, insert hook into indicated st, yo and pull up a loop to height of a dc (3 loops on hook). *Yo, insert hook into same st, yo and pull up a loop (5 loops on hook).* Repeat from * to * once more (7 loops on hook). Yo and pull through all 7 loops. Ch 1 to close.

Brim (worked in rows, then joined)

With CC, ch 9 (9, 10).

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (8, 8, 9 sc)

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in back loop only of each sc across. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 13 (14, 15) inches from beginning, slightly stretched. Do not fasten off.

Joining Brim

Fold brim so short ends meet. Ch 1, sl st through both layers of the short ends to form a ring. Fasten off CC. Do not turn.

Crown (worked in joined rounds)

Round 1: With MC, ch 1, work 60 (66, 72) sc evenly around the long edge of the brim. Sl st to first sc to join. (60, 66, 72 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st as join. *Ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next sc.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 1, skip last sc. Sl st to first sc. (30, 33, 36 sc, with ch-1 spaces)

Round 3: Sl st into first ch-1 space. Ch 1, work puff st in same space. *Ch 1, skip next sc, puff st in next ch-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first puff st. (30, 33, 36 puff sts)

Round 4: Sl st into next ch-1 space (the space after the first puff st). Ch 1, sc in same space. *Ch 1, skip next puff st, sc in next ch-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to first sc. (30, 33, 36 sc)

Rounds 5-12 (5-14, 5-16): Repeat Rounds 3 and 4. For 0-3 months: 4 repeats of each round (total 8 rounds). For 3-6 months: 5 repeats (10 rounds). For 6-12 months: 6 repeats (12 rounds).

Decrease Crown

Round 1: Ch 1, sc in same st as join. *Ch 1, skip next puff st, sc in next ch-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to first sc. (30, 33, 36 sc)

Round 2: Ch 1, puff st in first ch-1 space. *Ch 1, skip next sc, puff st in next ch-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first puff st. (30, 33, 36 puff sts)

Round 3: Ch 1, sc in same st as join. *Ch 1, skip next puff st, sc in next ch-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to first sc. (30, 33, 36 sc)

Round 4 (decrease): Ch 1, puff st in first ch-1 space. *Ch 1, skip next sc, puff st in next ch-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first puff st. (30, 33, 36 puff sts)

Round 5 (decrease): Ch 1, sc in same st as join. *Skip next ch-1 space, sc in next ch-1 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to first sc. (15, 17, 18 sc)

Round 6 (decrease): Ch 1, puff st in first sc. *Skip next sc, puff st in next sc.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of first puff st. (8, 9, 9 puff sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread tail through a yarn needle, weave through remaining puff sts, pull tight to close hole. Secure and weave in ends.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Gently block if desired.