Slouchy Puff Stitch Hat
A sideways ribbed band, then rounds of offset puffs that open into a relaxed slouch.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4); a soft wool or alpaca blend.
- Hook
- G-6 (4 mm) for the band, I-9 (5.5 mm) for the body
- Sizes
- Adult S–L. Example: head 22 in (56 cm).
- Example gauge
- 14 sts and 16 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in sc back loop (band)
- Yarn needed
- About 230 yd (210 m) worsted.
- Stitch multiple
- 2 for the puff rounds
US terms. The UK name follows in brackets the first time each stitch appears. Turning chains don’t count as stitches unless a step says so. See US vs UK crochet terms and crochet abbreviations.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band rows | head × 0.9 × rows per in, to even | 22 × 0.9 × 4 = 79 → 80 rows | Size Charts |
| Body increase | band rows × 1.15, to even | 80 → 92 sts | Increase & Decrease Evenly |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- G-6 (4 mm) for the band, I-9 (5.5 mm) for the body
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Band swatch on the smaller hook.
Instructions
Band
With the smaller hook, ch 9. Row 1: Sc (UK dc) in 2nd ch from hook and each ch (8). Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in back loop only across. Repeat to your row count. Sl st (UK ss) the ends together to make a ring.
Body set-up
Change to the larger hook. Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each row end around the band (example: 80). Join.
Rnd 2: Increase to the body count using the Increase & Decrease Evenly (Crochet, In the round, 80 → 92).
Puffs
Puff: (Yo, insert hook, pull up a loop) 3 times, yo, pull through all 7 loops, ch 1 to close.
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *puff in next st, ch 1, sk (UK miss) next st; rep from *. Join to top of first puff. (46 puffs)
Rnd 4 and on: Sl st into next ch-1 sp, ch 2, *puff in ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from *. Join.
Repeat until the hat measures 10 in (25 cm) from the bottom of the band.
Top
Next rnd: Ch 1, sc in each puff and ch-1 sp (92). Next 2 rnds: *Sc2tog (UK dc2tog); rep from *. Fasten off, thread through the last round and gather tight.
Finishing
- Weave in ends.
- Block over a plate for extra slouch.
Designer’s notes
- Beanie fit: skip the increase round and stop the puffs at 7.5 in.
- Each puff round shifts over by one space, so the puffs stack like bricks.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: band rows. Counter 2: puff rounds.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Want it on paper? This pattern is in Winter Warmers pattern collection, a printable PDF of 12 patterns with photos and row tallies ($8).
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Size ChartsLook up the finished measurements for the size you are making.
- Increase & Decrease EvenlyEnter stitches now and stitches wanted; copy the written row it gives you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.