Category: Hats

  • Snow Capped Slouch Hat

    Snow Capped Slouch Hat

    © Photography by Kindred Photo & Design

    Special thanks to Lion Brand Yarn for providing the yarn for this sample!

    I have another new slouch pattern for you! This one is simple, but it has a eye-catching spiral design that adds a lot of visual interest.

    The Yarn

    I’ve been a fan of Lion Brand’s Heartland Yarn for a while. It’s a lighter worsted weight acrylic yarn that comes in a range of beautiful, natural colors, all of which have just the right amount of sheen. My stores don’t carry the full range of colors, so I was very excited when Lion Brand sent me some shades that I’d never seen before. For this hat, I used a color called “Katmai.” Click here to view all the colors available. It was the combination of the color of the yarn and the design of the hat that made me think of snow capped mountains, so that’s how I got the name for the pattern!

    yarnpic

    Prefer a PDF?

    This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

    All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

    The Snowcapped Slouch Hat
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    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Hat measures about 9.5” across at band, and 9.5” tall.

    Materials:

    • Hook sizes K (6.5mm), H(5.0mm)
    • Yarn needle
    • 150-160 yards of worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Heartland in “Katmai”)
    • Stitch marker (a bobby pin works great)

    Gauge:
    With H hook, 6 HDC x 4 rows = 1.5” square

    Abbreviations Used:
    ST (stitch)
    MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
    SK (skip)
    CH (chain)
    SS (slip stitch)
    SC (single crochet)
    HDC (half double crochet)
    SC2TOG (single crochet 2 together)

    Notes:
    (1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
    (2) This hat is worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join at the end of each round and do not chain at the beginning of rounds unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the last stitch of each round.
    (3) The CH2s that create the holes in the hat still count as stitches. Keep this in mind when checking your stitch count, and when you reach Round 24 where it tells you to SC in the next 6 stitches (the CH2 counts as the first 2 of the 6).

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Using K Hook, begin with magic circle.

    Round 1:  10 HDC in magic circle (10)

    Round 2: 2 HDC in each ST around (20)

    Round 3: 2 HDC in each ST around (40)

    Round 4: (2 HDC in next ST, 1 HDC in next ST) around (60)

    Round 5: (2 HDC in next ST, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 STS) around (80)

    Switch to H hook.

    Round 6: (CH2, SK 2 STS, HDC in each of the next 8 STS) around. (80)

    Rounds 7-23: Repeat Round 6.

    Round 24: (SC in each of the next 6 STS; SC2TOG) around. (72)

    Rounds 25-33: SC around.

    Slip Stitch into the next 3 STS to smooth down the round, then fasten off and weave in ends.

  • Snowdrift Slouch Hat

    Snowdrift Slouch Hat

    © Photography by Kindred Photo & Design

    Winter is coming! Even though I can still see bright red leaves on the tree in my front yard, I just know (especially living in Michigan) that any day now, I could wake up to a few inches of snow and single-digit temperatures. Snowdrifts are a common occurrence in my part of the country, and this hat reminds me of them.

    Snowdrift Slouch Crochet Hat | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    This is a pretty simple slouchy hat pattern that’s worked in rows and cinched at the end. You might even learn a new stitch – the Double Crochet Cluster Stitch! (See pattern notes.)

    The Yarn

    I used Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in “White” for my sample. Vanna’s Choice is one of those yarns that I’ve been using since I first learned to crochet. Most craft stores stock it well, and the color choices are really nice. Click here to view the color options.

    Prefer a PDF?

    This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

    All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

    THE SNOWDRIFT SLOUCH HAT

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    Level: Easy

    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Hat measures 10” across at band, and is 9.5” tall.

    Materials:

    • I hook (5.50mm)
    • About 200 yards (<2 skeins) of Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice* (Sample color: White)
      *About Vanna’s Choice:
       Fiber Content: 100% Premium Acrylic
      Weight/Yardage: 100 g / 170 yds
      Crochet Gauge: 12 sc + 15 rows = 4″ (10 cm) on size J-10 (6 mm) hook
    • Yarn Needle

    Gauge:
    With I hook, 7 HDC = 2″ square

    Abbreviations Used:
    CH (chain)
    ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
    SL ST (slip stitch)
    SK (skip)
    SC (single crochet)
    2DCCL (2 Double Crochet Cluster Stitch – see Special Stitch, below)
    SC+2DCCL (this just means to put 1 SC and 1 2DCCL in the same stitch)

    Special Stitch
    2DCCL – 
    2 Double Crochet Cluster Stitch. To complete:
    (YO, insert hook, draw up a loop, YO, pull through 2 loops) twice; YO, pull through remaining 3 loops.

    Notes:
    (1) This hat is worked in rows and cinched at the end.
    (2) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.
    (3) Starting chains do not count as stitches.
    (4) The band of the hat is worked in seamless rounds. Do not join or turn at the end of rounds. Use a stitch marker if needed.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    To begin:
    Using I Hook, and leaving a 12″ tail, CH23. Don’t weave in the tail until instructed (we’ll use it later to cinch the hat).

    Row 1:  In 3rd CH from hook, SC+2DCCL. (SK next ST, SC+2DCCL in next ST) across. (22)

    Row 2: CH1, turn. SK first ST, SC+2DCCL in next ST. (SK next ST, SC+2DCCL in next ST) across. (22)

    Rows 3-48: Repeat Row 2.

    Next we’re going to seam the hat. Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail. Lay the piece out flat, then fold the short sides in toward each other. Use the tail and a yarn needle to whip stitch the two short ends together, as shown.

    snowdriftslouch-seaming

    Fasten off the tail you just used, and weave in its end.

    Next, we’re going to cinch the top of the hat. Turn it inside out (whichever side has the most obvious seam should be exposed). Thread your starting tail through your yarn needle and weave it in and out around the very top of the hat. (The smaller your weave, the nicer finish the top of the hat will have.)

    snowdriftslouch-cinching

    After cinching, it should look like this:

    snowdriftslouch-aftercinching

    Pull the tail tight to draw the cinch closed, tie a couple of knots, and fasten off and weave in the end.

    Band of the Hat

    Now, we’re going to add a nice thick band to our slouch hat. Turn your hat right-side out and reattach your yarn at the base of the hat, at the seam. We’re doing this with the seamless method, which means we aren’t joining at the end of rounds. If you need to, you can use a stitch marker or bobby pin to mark the last SC of each round so you don’t get lost.

    Round 1: CH1. SC evenly around, 3SC per ridge*. (Approx. 72, give or take a couple)
    *We’re going to SC evenly around the hat, so let’s take a look at what we have to work with. The ridges on the hat will be how we keep track of our stitches. We want to put 3SC in each ridge. I chose to put the first SC in the “valley”, and the next 2 SC evenly spaced on the “hilltop”. Take a look at this photo for guidance on where your SCs should go:

    snowdriftslouch-band

    Rounds 2-8: SC evenly around.

    To finish, SL ST into the next 3 SCs to smooth out the round. Fasten off and weave in ends.

  • Maribel Slouch

    Maribel Slouch

    © Photography by Kindred Photo & Design

    Thank you to Lion Brand for providing the yarn for this pattern sample.

    Last winter, I released a pattern set – the Maribel Cowl and Boot Cuffs. They are still some of my favorite patterns from that season!

    So this year, I decided to do what I always meant to do, but never got around to… designing a matching hat.

    Maribel Slouch Crochet Hat | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    This slouch is worked differently from my other slouch hats, in that it’s worked flat and then cinched (as opposed to being worked in the round). This enables us to get vertical stitch work that you can’t get when you work a hat in the round. Cinching it up at the end is easy, and I’ve provided photos for you in the pattern.

    The Yarn

    I used Lion Brand Heartland in “Grand Canyon” for my sample. Heartland is one of my go-to worsted weight yarns. It has a beautiful sheen to it, it’s lightweight, and the color choices are gorgeous. You might recognize it in some of my other patterns, like the Sandy Slouch & Cowl Set.

    yarnpic
    Click the photo to view this yarn on Craftsy.

    Prefer a PDF?

    This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

    All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

    THE MARIBEL SLOUCH HAT
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    Level: Easy

    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Hat measures 9.5” across at band (when laid flat), and is 9.5” tall.

    Materials:

    • I hook (5.50mm)
    • Yarn needle
    • About 210 yards of Lion Brand Heartland* (Sample color: Grand Canyon)
      *About Heartland:
        Weight: #4 worsted
                    Fiber: 100% Acrylic
      Yardage: 5oz/142g (251yd/230m)
      Gauge: 12 sc + 15 rows = 4 inches on size J-10 [6 mm] hook
    • 7 small buttons (I used 1/2″)

    Gauge:
    With I hook, 10 rows of 7 SC = 2″ square

    Stitches Used:
    CH (chain)
    SS (slip stitch)
    SC (single crochet)
    HDC (half double crochet)
    RibHDC (also known as Camel Stitch or 3rd Loop HDC; see Special Stitch, below)

    Special Stitch:
    RibHDC – instead of putting your HDC in the top loops, find the 3rd loop. Because we’re working in turned rows, the third loop will be located just underneath the front loop. Insert your hook there and create your HDC. This forces both of the top loops to rest on the front of your project, creating a ribbing effect. It is also referred to as a Camel Stitch or 3rd Loop HDC. (Confused? You can view a photo tutorial here.)

    Notes:
    (1) This hat is worked in rows and cinched at the end.
    (2) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.
    (3) Starting chains do not count as stitches.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    To begin:
    Using I Hook, and leaving a 12″ tail, CH27. Don’t weave in the tail until instructed (we’ll use it later to cinch the hat).

    Row 1:  SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each ST across. (26)

    Rows 2-6: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (26)

    Row 7: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (26)

    Rows 8-64: CH1, turn. RibHDC in each ST across. (26)

    We are now going to begin working along the long edge of our project to create the band of the hat.

    Row 65: CH1. Working along the long edge, SC across. Put 1SC in each row, for a total of 64SC. (64)

    Rows 66-76: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across.

    Edging: CH1, turn. SC evenly around the entire project, putting (SC, CH1, SC) in each corner. Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail.

    At this point, your project should look like this:

    maribelslouch-flatpiece

    Seaming the Hat

    Use your finishing tail to whip stitch the two short ends together, then fasten off and weave it in.

    maribelslouch-seaming

    Cinching the Hat

    Turn your hat inside out. Thread your starting tail through the yarn needle and weave it in and out of every other SC along the top edging of the hat. (I’ve highlighted my yarn needle in yellow in the photos below.) When you’re done, pull it tight to cinch the hat (but carefully… you don’t want to break the yarn!). Use the yarn needle to reach across the cinch a few times to make sure it’s closed up nice and tight, then make a knot and weave in the tail. Turn your hat right side out.

    maribelslouch-cinching

    Sew your buttons along that very first section of SC rows, extending them down across the band of the hat, too.

    maribelslouch-buttons

  • Half-‘n-Half Slouch Hat

    Half-‘n-Half Slouch Hat

    © Photography by Kindred Photo & Design

    Thank you to Lion Brand for providing the yarn for this pattern sample.

    Today’s pattern is extra special, because I partnered with a fellow crochet blogger to bring you a set!

    Krista of Rescued Paw Designs has designed matching boot cuffs for the Half & Half Slouch, and I love them. Both patterns are simple and trendy, and they’ll be great together for those chilly days. My pattern is at the bottom of this post, as always. Click here to view the Half & Half Boot Cuffs pattern on Krista’s blog, and don’t forget to go Like her on Facebook!

    Half & Half Slouch Crochet Hat | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    This hat utilizes the crochet-flat-then-cinch-together method. To change it up, I crocheted half of it in one stitch pattern and half of it in another. It’s a fun hat with a nice fit and just the right amount of slouch.

    The Yarn

    I used Lion Brand Heartland in “Mammoth Cave” for my sample. Heartland is one of my go-to worsted weight yarns. It has a beautiful sheen to it, it’s lightweight, and the color choices are gorgeous. You might recognize it in some of my other patterns, like the Sandy Slouch & Cowl Set.

    yarnpic
    Click the photo to view this yarn on Craftsy.

    Prefer a PDF?

    This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

    All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

    THE HALF-‘N-HALF SLOUCH

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    Level: Easy

    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Hat measures 10” across at band, and is 9.5” tall.

    Materials:

    • I hook (5.50mm)
    • About 190 yards of Lion Brand Heartland* (Sample color: Mammoth Cave)
      *About Heartland:
        Weight: #4 worsted
                    Fiber: 100% Acrylic
      Yardage: 5oz/142g (251yd/230m)
      Gauge: 12 sc + 15 rows = 4 inches on size J-10 [6 mm] hook
    • Yarn Needle

    Gauge:
    With I hook, 7 HDC = 2″ square

    Abbreviations Used:
    CH (chain)
    ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
    SL ST (slip stitch)
    SK (skip)
    SC (single crochet)
    HDC (half double crochet)
    SC+DC (this just means to put 1SC and 1DC in the same stitch)

    Notes:
    (1) This hat is worked in rows and cinched at the end.
    (2) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.
    (3) Starting chains do not count as stitches.
    (4) As you work, you might begin to notice that your piece isn’t a perfect rectangle, and the bottom half lays at a slight angle – this is ok.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    To begin:
    Using I Hook, and leaving a 12″ tail, CH35. Don’t weave in the tail until instructed (we’ll use it later to cinch the hat).

    Row 1:  In 3rd CH from hook, SC+DC. (SK next ST, SC+DC in next ST) 9 times. HDC in each of the next 14 STS. (34)

    Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in each of the first 14 STS. (SK next ST, SC+DC in next ST) 10 times. (34)

    Row 3: CH1, turn. SK first ST, SC+DC in next ST. (SK next ST, SC+DC in next ST) 9 times. HDC in each of the next 14 STS. (34)

    Row 4: CH1, turn. SC in each of the first 14 STS. (SK next ST, SC+DC in next ST) 10 times. (34)

    Rows 5-62: Repeat Rows 3 & 4 until you have 62 rows. (34)

    Row 63: Repeat Row 3.  (34)

    We are now going to work along the long edge of our project to put a nice edging on the band of the hat.

    Row 64: CH1, do not turn. Working along the long edge, SC across, putting 1SC in each row, for a total of 63SC. When you’re done, your starting and ending tails should be in the same corner. (63)

    Lay your project flat, with the starting and ending tails at the bottom left corner. At this point, your project should look like this:

    Half & Half Slouch Crochet Hat  |  Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    Fasten off your finishing tail and weave it in.

    Seaming the Hat

    Turn your hat inside out. Use a yarn needle and your starting tail, whip stitch the two short ends together (see photo below). Now, we’re going to keep using this tail to cinch the top of the hat too, and we don’t want the seam to pull when we pull the cinch tight — so tie a knot or two at the top of the hat.

    Cinching the Hat

    Keeping your hat inside out, weave your starting tail in and out along the top edge of the hat. When you’re done, pull it tight to cinch the hat (but carefully… you don’t want to break the yarn!). Use the yarn needle to reach across the cinch a few times to make sure it’s closed up nice and tight, then make a knot and weave in the tail. Turn your hat right side out.

    halfnhalf-seamingcinching

    Done!

    Half & Half Slouch Crochet Hat  |  Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

  • Yenni Slouch Hat

    Yenni Slouch Hat

    © Photography by Kindred Photo & Design

    Thank you to Cascade Yarns for providing the yarn for this sample!

    I recently discovered Cascade Yarn’s Longwood Sport when I used it to make the South Haven Slouch pattern last month. I really fell in love with it, and wanted to work with it again. As a newbie crocheter, I always avoided patterns with anything thinner than worsted weight yarn because I thought it would take forever to work up. But eventually, I branched out and discovered that I actually love the look of  items crocheted with thinner yarn. I encourage you to try it if you haven’t already!

    This slouchy hat, called the Yenni Slouch (that’s pronounced like the English “Jenny”, by the way) is named after my beautiful niece who is modeling it in the photo. It also has a pair of matching boot cuffs — which, conveniently, are basically just little versions of the hat!

    Yenni Slouch Crochet Hat | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    Prefer a PDF?

    This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

    All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

    YENNI SLOUCH

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    Level: Easy

    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Hat measures 10” across at band, and is 9” tall.

    Materials:

    • H hook (5.00mm) and G hook (4.25mm)
    • Yarn needle
    • Cascade Yarns Longwood Sport*, 250-270 yards. The color in the photos is Doeskin Heather.
      *About Longwood Sport:
        Weight: #3 light
                    Fiber: 100% Superwash Extrafine Merino Wool
      Yardage: 100 g (3.5 oz) / 273 yds (250 m)
      Gauge: 22-24 sts = 4″ (10 cm), US 5-6 (3.75-4.0mm)
    • Button embellishment (mine is 1-1/8″)

    Gauge: With H hook, 4HDC = 1″

    Stitches Used:
    CH (chain)
    SS (slip stitch)
    SC (single crochet)
    HDC (half double crochet)
    DC (double crochet)
    SC+DC (this just means to put a single crochet and a double crochet in the same stitch)

    Special Terminology:
    3rd Loop – Some rows call for the stitches to be completed in the “3rd loop”. When working in turned rows, and after completing a row of HDC, these loops will be visible just below the front loop. So instead of inserting your hook into the top loops, you’ll only insert it into that 3rd loop. This will force the top loops to go to the front of your work, which is how we get the “ribbing” effect.

    Notes:
    (1) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    To begin:
    Using H Hook, and leaving a 12″ tail, CH29.

    Row 1:  SC+DC in 3rd CH from hook. (Sk next ST, SC+DC in next ST) across. (28)

    Row 2: CH1, turn. Skip 1st ST, SC+DC in next ST. (Sk next ST, SC+DC in next ST) across. (28)

    Row 3: CH1, turn. Skip 1st ST, SC+DC in next ST. (Sk next ST, SC+DC in next ST) across. (28)

    Row 4: CH1, turn. SK 1st ST. HDC in each of the next 26 STS. 2HDC in last ST. (28)

    Row 5: CH1, turn. Working in 3rd loops, (SK next ST, SC+DC in next ST) across. (28)

    Rows 6-72: Repeat Rows 2-5 in order until you have 72 total rows (you will end with a repeat of Row 4).

    Switch to G hook.

    Row 73: CH1, DO NOT turn. Begin to SC down the LONG edge of the project, putting 5SC in each section between ribbing rows (see photo below for a visual). You should end up with 90SC. Then, CH 11 to create the base of your button flap.

    yennislouch-5SCedging

    Row 74: Turn your work. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. Continue to SC across. (100)

    Rows 75-84: CH1, turn. SC across. (100)

    Row 85 (edging): CH1, turn. SC across (100). Putting (SC, CH1, SC) in both corners, continue to SC around the edge of the button flap. Stop when you get here:

    yennislouch-edging

    Sewing the hat together
    Fasten off your yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a yarn needle, sew the ends of the hat together. Utilize the 3rd loop of the edge with the HDCs in order to blend the seam in so it is hardly noticeable:

    yennislouch-seaming

    Once you get to the top of the hat, make a knot and weave in the end.

    Cinching the top
    Turn your hat inside out. Use your starting tail to cinch the top of the hat by threading it through a yarn needle and weaving the needle in and out along the top edge of the hat at even intervals. Once you’ve gone all the way around, pull the tail tight and insert your yarn needle across the cinched area a few times to really keep it closed, then make a knot and weave in the end. Turn your hat right-side out again.yennislouch-cinching

    Finishing the Button Flap
    We still need to sew our button flap in place and attach our button. Using a needle and appropriately-colored thread, position the button flap in place and sew along its 3 edges to secure it. Use your needle and thread to attach your button as well.

    Yenni Slouch Crochet Hat  |  Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

  • Macchiato Slouch Hat

    Macchiato Slouch Hat

    © Photography by Kindred Photo & Design

    Thank you to Lion Brand for providing the yarn for this pattern sample!

    I’ve always had a picture in my head of a slouch hat that I wanted to create, that had a very slooooooooow, graaaaaadual color change. I looked into the possibility of dip-dying the finished hat, but it looked like more effort than it was worth. (Plus, I’m lazy.) Then, just recently, I found out about Lion Brand’s new yarn – Scarfie! As soon as I saw it, I knew it was The One. The perfect yarn for the hat I wanted to create.

    scarfieyarnpic
    Click the photo to view Lion Brand Scarfie yarn on Craftsy!

    About the Yarn

    Each skein of Scarfie has very gradual color changes between two colors. I immediately gravitated to the Cream/Taupe, because, well, I’m a sucker for a good taupe color. Each skein has 312 yards of bulky weight yarn, so you’ve got plenty to make a beautiful, somewhat-ombre-style scarf.

    But we’re not making a scarf today.

    Nope, today we’re going to use that beautiful Scarfie yarn to make a hat! Sometimes, you just gotta do the unexpected. 🙂

    This pattern is a very simple slouch pattern. But paired with the gorgeous gradual color changes of Scarfie, it becomes completely unique! It just goes to show you how yarn choice can make all the difference.

    About the Name

    I named this pattern the “Macchiato Slouch” because the combination of the yarn color and the gradual fade made me think back to my days as a barista. One of my favorite drinks was an iced caramel macchiato — vanilla syrup, milk, and a couple shots of espresso and caramel drizzle to mark the top (macchiato means marked in Italian). So instead of the espresso instantly mixing with milk, as it would in a latte, the espresso sits on top of it until it sloooooowly blends in from the top-down. Now, the next time you to go your local coffee shop, you can wow them with your knowledge… and with your new hat!

    Prefer a PDF?

    This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

    All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

    MACCHIATO SLOUCH HAT

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    Level: Easy

    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Hat measures 9.5” across at band, and is 9” tall.

    Materials:

    • N hook (9.00mm) and I hook (5.50mm)
    • Yarn needle
    • Lion Brand Scarfie Yarn (I used Cream/Taupe), about 140 yards, which is less than half a skein – so you can make two! (Scarfie is a bulky weight yarn.)
    • Stitch marker (a bobby pin works great)
    • Button (1-1.5″) and tools to attach it

    Gauge:
    With N hook, 7HDC = 3″

    Stitches Used:
    MC (magic circle) – view my tutorial here
    CH (chain)
    SS (slip stitch)
    SC (single crochet)
    HDC (half double crochet)

    Notes:

    (1) This hat is worked in a continuous spiral until the band. Do not join, chain or turn until instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
    (2) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.
    (3) The button and button flap on this hat are just decorative (they don’t actually function). There is no buttonhole, and at the end, we’ll just sew everything neatly in place.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    To begin:
    Using N Hook, make a magic circle.

    Round 1:  10 HDC in MC (10)

    Round 2: 2 HDC in each ST around (20)

    Round 3: 2 HDC in each ST around (40)

    Note: At this point, it’s going to start looking wavy. You’re doing it right! The back of the hat has a faux-cinched look to it, and this is how we achieve it. Once you get to the body of the hat, it will start to straighten itself out naturally.

    Round 4: (2 HDC in next, 1 HDC in next) around (60)

    Rounds 5-15: HDC around (60)

    Switch to I hook.

    Round 16: SC around (60). CH7.

    From this point on, we will be working in turned rounds. We still won’t be joining.

    Round 17: Turn your work. Working down the back side of the CH7, SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH, then continue to SC around the hat (you’re now crocheting in the opposite direction as the previous round) until you reach the beginning again. (66)

    Rounds 18-22: CH1, turn. SC around. (66)

    Edging: CH1. SC around the entire band of the hat, including the button flap, putting (SC,CH1,SC) in each corner.

    Fasten off, leaving a 12″ tail. Use the tail to gently sew the button flap in place, then weave in all ends securely. Attach decorative button in place with yarn or a needle and thread.

  • Ribbed Cinched Ear Warmer

    Ribbed Cinched Ear Warmer

    © Photography by Kindred Photo & Design

    Thank you to Lion Brand for providing the yarn for this pattern sample.

    As far as social media is concerned, my Cinched Ear Warmer has been one of my top all-time most popular patterns. It’s one of my earlier ones, and when I made it, I knew there were so many options for changing it up. I just never got around to it until now! This new version begins with the same cinched style, but a ribbing stitch gives it a unique look.

    The Yarn

    I use Heartland in a lot of my patterns because I love everything about it – the weight (it’s worsted, but feels light), the colors (I’m a sucker for natural hues) and the sheen (not too shiny, not too dull). After the first sample, I decided that this pattern might look awesome in two colors. I didn’t want it to look striped so much as two-toned, so I chose two colors that were pretty close in shade – “Katmai” and “Grand Canyon”. Click here to view the full range of colors available.

    yarnpic

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    RIBBED CINCHED EARWARMER

    Level: Easy

    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Earwarmer measures 18” around, and is 3” wide.

    Materials:

    • H hook (5.00mm)
    • About 60 yards of Lion Brand Heartland* (Samples are shown in Glacier Bay and Katmai/Grand Canyon)
      *About Heartland:
        Weight: #4 worsted
                    Fiber: 100% Acrylic
      Yardage: 5oz/142g (251yd/230m)
      Gauge: 12 sc + 15 rows = 4 inches on size J-10 [6 mm] hook
    • Yarn needle

    Gauge:
    With H hook, 4 HDC = 1″

    Stitches Used:
    CH (chain)
    SL ST (slip stitch)
    FHDC (foundation half double crochet – click here for a tutorial)
    RibHDC (also known as Camel Stitch or 3rd Loop HDC; see Special Stitch, below)

    Special Stitch:
    RibHDC – instead of putting your HDC in the top loops, find the 3rd loop. Because we’re working in turned rows, the third loop will be located just underneath the front loop. Insert your hook there and create your HDC. This forces both of the top loops to rest on the front of your project, creating a ribbing effect. It is also referred to as a Camel Stitch or 3rd Loop HDC. (Confused? You can view a photo tutorial here.)

    Notes:
    (1) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.
    (2) Starting chains do not count as stitches.
    (3) This pattern is easily adjusted to any head size. 68 STS was perfect for me, but you might want to wrap the first round around your head as you go to get the perfect fit for you.
    (4) For the tan-colored sample in the photos, I actually used two different colors of Heartland (Katmai and Grand Canyon). I switched colors every other row, and carried my yarn instead of fastening it off each time.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    With H hook,

    Round 1: FHDC 68. Join to the first FHDC with a slip stitch, being careful not to twist the row.
    (Or, if you don’t like the Foundation Chain method,  just CH 69, HDC in second CH from hook and HDC across.)

    Round 2: CH1, turn. RibHDC around. Join with a SL ST to first RibHDC. (68)

    Rounds 3-12: Repeat Round 2.

    Cut your yarn, leaving about a 12″ tail, and finish off but don’t weave in the tail. Use your yarn needle to sew up the first round of FDCs, then weave in that tail and cut.

    To Cinch:
    Please note that the photos below are taken from my original Cinched EarWarmer pattern, so the pattern looks slightly different, but it’s the same concept.)

    1. Thread the long tail through your yarn needle. Gather the seamed section of the headband, and fold in half so that the fold is facing you.

    2. Bring either side up to the top of the fold and hold secure with your fingers.

    3. Run your yarn needle through all three sections of gathered material. The closer you get to the surface, the better your cinch will look; so I run mine right under the top loops of the outer sections, and under just a few strands of the center fold.

    4. Wrap the yarn around the underside of the cinch, then through the sections again. Do this a few times to secure the cinch, then tie off underneath and weave in the tail.

    cinching steps

    Ribbed Cinched Ear Warmer  |  Free Ear Warmer Headband Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

  • South Haven Slouch

    South Haven Slouch

    A few weeks ago, our family had the opportunity to go to one of my favorite little spots in Michigan for a week. South Haven, on Lake Michigan, is an adorable town full of good food, cute shops, and AMAZING views. I used to come here as a teen with my youth group, so I have a lot of memories of swimming at the beach and walking down to the lighthouse. Now, during our first real vacation as a family (and really, our first real vacation as a couple since our honeymoon 8 years ago), we were able to make tons of new memories. It was a great week!

    This was my view…

    South Haven Slouch | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    …for pretty much the entire week.

    South Haven Slouch | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    When we weren’t hanging out at the beach, we were wandering around downtown (usually hunting for a new ice cream parlor or coffee shop to try). But I was super excited when I saw this yarn store, “Needle in a Haystack.” (Edit: This cute little store has closed its doors.) The owner was sweet and friendly, and we had a great conversation about selling online while I perused the shelves of gorgeous yarns.

    South Haven Slouch | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    After staring at yarn for an eternity, I finally settled on this skein of Longwood Sport 100% Superwash Extrafine Merino Wool.

    South Haven Slouch | Free Slouchy Hat Crochet Pattern by Little Monkeys Crochet

    I don’t know about you, but I tend to buy all of my yarn from the big craft stores in my town. It’s great to have them nearby, but it really limits you as far as yarn goes. That’s why I think it’s important as a crocheter, and especially as a designer, to visit out-of-town yarn shops when you get the chance. I’ve never worked with anything from Cascade Yarns before, but I think I might be in love now.

    This particular yarn came in a range of stunning, natural colors (hence the eternity it took me to pick one). It’s SO soft, but it really holds its shape well. I took it down to the beach with me and stared at it for a little while, squished it in my hands (I love squishy yarn), and pretty soon I knew what it was going to become.

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    SOUTH HAVEN SLOUCH

    add-to-ravelry-favorites

    Level: Easy

    Size:
    One Size Fist Most (Preteen – Adult Woman).
    Hat measures 10” across at band, and is 9” tall. I like just a little bit of slouch in my slouch hats, but if you like more, you can add rounds to the body of the hat, or make the band of the hat wider, too.

    Materials:

    • H hook (5.00mm) and G hook (4.25mm)
    • Yarn needle
    • 260-270 yards of Cascade Yarns Longwood Sport (that’s a little less than one skein). The color in the photos is Midnight Blue.
      *About Longwood Sport:
        Weight: #3 light
                    Fiber: 100% Superwash Extrafine Merino Wool
      Yardage: 100 g (3.5 oz) / 273 yds (250 m)
      Gauge: 22-24 sts = 4″ (10 cm), US 5-6 (3.75-4.0mm)
    • Stitch marker (a bobby pin works great)

    Gauge:
    With H hook, 7 rows of 9HDC = 2″ square

    Stitches Used:
    MC (magic circle) – view my tutorial here
    CH (chain)
    SS (slip stitch)
    SC (single crochet)
    HDC (half double crochet)
    SC2TOG (Single Crochet 2 Together)
    RibHDC (also known as Camel Stitch or 3rd Loop HDC; see Special Stitch, below)

    Special Stitch:
    RibHDC – instead of putting your HDC in the top loops, reach your hook past the back loop where you’ll find a 3rd loop on the side of the stitch. Insert your hook there to create your HDC. This forces both of the top loops to rest on the front of your project, creating a ribbing effect. It is also referred to as a Camel Stitch or 3rd Loop HDC.

    Notes:
    (1) This hat is worked in a continuous spiral. Do not join at the end of each round and do not chain at the beginning of rounds unless instructed. Use a stitch marker to mark the last stitch of each round.
    (2) This pattern is written in American Standard terms.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    To begin:
    Using H Hook, make a magic circle.

    Round 1:  10 HDC in MC (10)

    Round 2: 2 HDC in each ST around (20)

    Round 3: 2 HDC in each ST around (40)

    Note: At this point you should have a floppy-looking circle. This is a good thing. It will continue to get floppier as we increase, and then it will smooth itself out on the body of the hat. That’s how we create the cinched look on the top.

    Round 4: (2 HDC in next, 1 HDC in next) around (60)

    Round 5: (2 HDC in next, 1 HDC in each of the next 2 STS) around (80)

    Round 6: (2 HDC in next, 1 HDC in each of the next 3 STS) around (100)

    Round 7: RibHDC around. (100)

    Round 8: HDC around. (100)

    Round 9: RibHDC around. (100)

    Rounds 10-13: HDC around. (100)

    Round 14: RibHDC around. (100)

    Round 15: HDC around. (100)

    Round 16: RibHDC around. (100)

    Rounds 17-20: HDC around. (100)

    Round 21: RibHDC around. (100)

    Round 22: HDC around. (100)

    Round 23: RibHDC around. (100)

    Round 24: HDC around. (100)

    Note: If you want a little more slouch in your hat, this would be a good place to add some extra rounds of HDC.

    Round 25: (SC2TOG, SC in each of the next 8 STS) around. (90)

    Round 26: SC around. (90)

    Switch to G hook.

    Rounds 27-35: SC around. (90)

    Smooth out the round by slip stitching into the first 3 STS of the next round. Fasten off and weave in ends.

  • Basic Men’s Hat

    Basic Men’s Hat

    Project status: Complete | Hats collected: 565

    Please note that this pattern was originally a part of the Hats for the Homeless campaign from 2015. We are no longer collecting hats for this project, but the pattern can still be found below!

    BASIC MEN’S HAT SEAMLESS CROCHET PATTERN

    Hook: I (5.50mm)
    Yarn: Soft worsted weight yarn (I typically use Hobby Lobby’s “I Love This Yarn” or Lion Brand’s “Vanna’s Choice”)
    Difficulty: Easy

    Notes:

    • You will work in a continuous round. You will not join or turn. Use a stitch marker to keep track of your rows.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    With I hook, make a Magic Circle (also known as an Adjustable Loop).

    Round 1: 8 HDC in magic circle. Do not join. (8)
    Round 2: 2 HDC in first St from Round 1 and in each stitch around (16)
    Round 3: (2 HDC in next St; 1 HDC in next) around (24)
    Round 4: (2 HDC in next St; 1 HDC in each of the next 2 St) around (32)
    Round 5: (2 HDC in next St; 1 HDC in each of the next 3 St) around (40)
    Round 6: (2 HDC in next St; 1 HDC in each of the next 4 St) around (48)
    Round 7: (2 HDC in next St; 1 HDC in each of the next 5 St) around (56)
    Rounds 8-21: 1 HDC in each St around (56)
    Rounds 22-25: 1 SC in each St around (56)

    Fasten off and weave in ends.

  • Sandy Slouch Hat

    Sandy Slouch Hat

    A new slouch hat pattern! YAY!

    I love slouch hats. And you guys must, too, because the Jenny Slouch quickly became one of my most popular patterns of all time (“all time”, of course, referring to the one year I’ve been blogging). There’s just something about a cute slouch that makes you feel extra adorable when you’re out in the cold. And it’s a great way to hide a bad hair day, which – as a tired mom of two toddler boys – is almost a daily thing for me.

    Here’s a new slouch pattern I’ve been working on, and it even has a matching cowl that I think you’ll also love, which I originally designed for All Free Crochet’s blog, Stitch & Unwind!

    The button on the hat is purely decorative, meaning there’s no buttonhole. (I figure, why go to the trouble of making it functional, when you’re never going to need to unbutton it, anyway?)

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    SANDY SLOUCH

    Hooks: K (6.5mm) and I (5.5mm)
    Yarn: About 175 yards of worsted weight acrylic yarn; I used <1 skein of Lion Brand Heartland in “Grand Canyon”. (Heartland is a lighter worsted weight yarn, comparable to Bernat Satin or Red Heart Soft, so if you use something a little thicker like Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn it may turn out slightly larger.)
    Difficulty: Easy
    Gauge: A round of HDCs will = 1″. So, when you complete your 6th and final increase round, it should measure about 6″ in diameter.
    Finished Size: Approximately 10″ tall, and 9.5″ wide
    You’ll also need: Yarn needle, stitch marker (such as a bobby pin), 1″ button and materials to attach button

    Notes:
    (1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
    (2) This pattern is worked in a seamless round until the band, when it becomes turned rounds. Do not join, chain or turn unless instructed to do so.
    (3) Some have struggled with understanding that is happening once you get to the band and button area, so here’s an explanation I replied with in the comments section that seemed to help, and you can come back to this if you get tripped up too. What you’re doing in Round 21 is setting the base for your flap. Because of the flap, we are not able to work in continuous or joined rounds. We’re just going to be going back and forth, building the band, including the flap. (Which is why the stitch totals switch from 60 to 66, because we created 6 additional stitches with our CH7.) So in Round 22, you’re SCing back down that CH7 that you’ve just made, and then continuing on all the way around the hat until you reach the end of that round. (Technically it would be considered a row at this point, but I thought that would be even more confusing.) Then you’ll CH1 and turn, and SC back around the hat, all the way back up to the top of the CH7 section you made, then CH1, turn around and SC back down the flap and around the hat. You’re going to keep doing this until the pattern tells you to stop, and you will end up with a flap that is the same thickness as the band.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    THE PATTERN

    To begin: With K hook, make a magic circle (view a tutorial here).

    Round 1: 10 HDC in magic circle. (10)

    Round 2: 2HDC in each ST around. (20)

    Round 3: (2HDC in next ST, HDC in next ST) around. (30)

    Round 4: (2HDC in next ST, HDC in next 2 STS) around. (40)

    Round 5: (2HDC in next ST, HDC in next 3 STS) around. (50)

    Round 6: (2HDC in next ST, HDC in next 4 STS) around. (60)

    Round 7: (SC+DC in next ST, SK next ST) around. (60)

    Rounds 8-20: Repeat Round 7.

    Round 21: (SC+DC in next ST, SK next ST) 29 times (until you only have 2 STS left in the round). SC in next ST, SL ST in next ST. CH7. (60)
    (Note: the CH7 will form the base of our button flap.)

    Switch to I hook. You will now crochet the band of the hat, and we want it to be a little snug so that it doesn’t fall off.

    Round 22: SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. Continue to SC around. (66)

    Rounds 23-29: CH1, turn. SC around. (66)

    Finishing: CH1 (do NOT turn). SC around the entire edge of the hat, including the button flap, putting 2SC in each corner. Join with a SL ST to the first SC. Fasten off and weave in ends.

    Button: Place your button in the center of the flap and, using yarn or thread, secure it through both layers (the flap and the band underneath).