Sloppy Joe - free slouch Hat knitting pattern

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Description

Sloppy Joe is a slouchy Hat that is worked top down, starting with an optional small I-cord loop. It's knitted in stocking stitch and has a stocking stitch rolled brim.

Sloppy Joe is modern, casual Hat, which drapes back allowing the wearer to tuck up their hair should they wish. The gentle shaping allows the Hat to be worn to the back for a modern, slouchy look.

This pattern is ideal for beginning knitters, and is also a perfect showcase for your gorgeous hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns!

Pattern is worked top down and in the round.

This pattern was originally published in September 2006 as a premium single pattern. It’s been published for free as of June 2021, almost 15 years after it first went online!

Availability

My Patreon supporters and members of The Woolly Hat Society get exclusive early access to new free patterns and tutorials. Once the exclusive period is over it’s published here on the blog.

Support

If you have a question about this pattern, pop it in a comment below. Sorry, but I’m unable to help with my free patterns or tutorials via email or private messages.

Social Media

Share your hand-knit Hats online with these hashtags!

#WoollyWormhead

#WWSloppyJoeHat

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Yarn
107 [113, 130] yd/98 [103, 119] m
27yd/25m for a 6x6in/15x15cm swatch in St.St.
Chunky weight, single ply yarn

Needles & Notions
Set 5.5mm/UK5/US9 DPNs/Circular or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker as necessary
Tapestry needle

Sample details
Shown in Debbie Bliss Maya [137yd/125m per 100g; 100% Wool]

Shown in size 22in/56cm on model with 21.5in/54.5cm circumference head

Gauge
16 sts x 20 rows to 4in/10cm on 5.5mm needles over St.St.

Sizes
To fit size: 20 [22, 24] in/50.75 [56, 61] cm
Finished size: 18 [19.5, 21] in/45.75 [49.5, 53.25] cm
Not sure which size to make? Check my handy size and measuring guide!

Skills required
Stocking Stitch

Knitting in the round

Increases & Decreases

Circular Cast-on

I-cords

Standard Bind-off

Abbreviations

K: knit

P: purl

rpt: repeat

Rnd(s): rounds

st(s): stitch(es)

M1: pick up the horizontal loop before the next stitch, place it onto the left needle and knit into the back of it

k2tog: knit next 2sts together

How to

I-cord version

Using your preferred method, cast on 3 sts

Work I-cord for 1in/2.5cm

Next Rnd: Knit into the front and back of each st [6sts]

Join in the round, taking care not to twist the sts.

Place stitch marker to indicate start of round.

Now work 2 rounds of Stocking Stitch.

Plain crown version

Using the Circular Cast-on method, cast on 6sts

Join in the round, taking care not to twist the sts.

Place stitch marker to indicate start of round.

Crown

Rnd 1: Knit all sts

Rnd 2: *K1, M1; rpt from * to end [12sts]

Rnd 3: Knit all sts

Rnd 4: *K2, M1; rpt from * to end [18sts]

Rnd 5: Knit all sts

Rnd 6: *K2, M1; rpt from * to end [27sts]

Rnd 7: Knit all sts

Rnd 8: *K3, M1; rpt from * to end [36sts]

Rnd 9: Knit all sts

Rnd 10: *K4, M1; rpt from * to end [45sts]

Rnd 11: Knit all sts

Rnd 12: *K5, M1; rpt from * to end [54sts]

Rnd 13: Knit all sts

Rnd 14: *K6, M1; rpt from * to end [63sts]

Rnd 15: Knit all sts

Rnd 16: *K7, M1; rpt from * to end [72sts]

Rnd 17: Knit all sts

Rnd 18: *K8, M1; rpt from * to end [81sts]

Rnd 19: Knit all sts

Rnd 20: *K9, M1; rpt from * to end [90sts]

20in & 22in sizes jump to Body section.

24in size only

Rnd 21: knit all sts
Rnd 22: *K10, M1; rpt from * to end [99sts]

Body

Now work stocking stitch by knitting every round until the length of the Hat (excluding I-cord) measures 7.25 [7.5, 8] in/18.5 [19, 20] cm

Rnd 1: *K8 [8, 9], K2tog; rpt from * to end [81, 81, 90] sts

Rnd 2: knit all sts

Rnd 3: *K7 [25, 13], K2tog; rpt from * to end [72, 78, 84] sts

Crown

Now work stocking stitch by knitting every round until Brim measures 3in/7.5cm, from last decrease round.

Using a larger needle, bind off loosely.

Finishing

Weave in all ends.

Blocking isn’t necessary although it will help the shaping settle. If required, gently wash with a wool friendly detergent and then dry flat. Avoid over stretching the brim.