Every year, I make my boys a hat for Christmas. They’ve always been various character hats like TMNT, Lion Guard, etc., but at ages 6 and 8, we’ve transitioned out of the Disney Jr phase and into a more mature (ha!) one. Pikachu and Link have replaced Mickey Mouse and Kion, and the boys reach for their simple Walmart slouchies way more often than their Lion Guard hats. (How did they get so old?)
And then there’s little Henry, who doesn’t keep a hat on long enough to make a character hat worth the time or energy. Toddlers, right!?
And then there’s the husband, who has been asking me for a hat for I’m-embarrassed-to-say-how-long. Sorry, babe.
So this year, I went in a different direction and designed a pattern that would work for all of them. It has just the right amount of slouch, and uses a very guy-friendly yarn called Jeans (from Lion Brand). This yarn is soft, heathery, and just looks really good.
Then, I did a little searching online to find some patches for the boys’ hats. The older two are super into the Zelda video game, and I was so pumped to find these Hylian Shield patches online. (Listen to me, throwing around that video game lingo like I actually know what I’m talking about. I don’t.)
I then searched for something Mario-related for little Henry, and found this adorable mushroom patch that I knew he would recognize.
I left my husband’s hat patch-free, but of course, all four of them got Mom’s Yarn + Chai tag sewn on. Gotta represent! (I get my tags from All This Wood on Etsy.)
And for those of you that like to know name origins — I ended up naming this hat the Hyland Slouch because for a while, when my boys would refer to that Hylian Shield, I thought they were saying hy-land instead of hy-lee-an and it just stuck.
Of course, despite its name, this hat isn’t just for the guys. It would make a great girls’ hat, too! (But let’s be honest, girls get a lot more dedicated patterns than guys, right?)
Prefer a PDF?
This pattern is also available as an ad-free, printable PDF, which includes sizes toddler – adult large! And if you love PDFs, you might want to check out my All Access Pass. It’s an awesome deal! (Or, scroll down for the free version!)
Hyland Men’s Hat
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Sizes (h x w): 8″ x 8″ (toddler), 9″ x 9″ (child), 10″ x 9.5″ (teen/adult small), 10.5″ x 10″ (adult large). Width is measured at the bottom of the ribbing when the hat is laid flat, but the widest part of the hat (near the middle) will be about .5-1″ more.
Hook: J (6.0 mm) or whichever hook is needed to obtain correct gauge
Yarn: Lion Brand Jeans Yarn or similar #4 worsted weight yarn. Approximate amounts as follows: 170 yards (toddler), 210 yards (child), 240 yards (teen/adult small), 280 yards (adult large).
Gauge: 5 increase rounds of 10 HDC = 4.25″ across.
Pattern For Gauge:
Round 1: 10HDC in magic circle; join (10)
Round 2: 2HDC in each ST around; join (20)
Round 3: (2HDC in next, HDC in next) around; join (30)
Round 4: (2HDC in next, HDC in next 2) around; join (40)
Round 5: (2HDC in next, HDC in next 3) around; join (50)
Terms and Abbreviations:
Magic Circle (view my tutorial here)
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
YUSC (yarn under single crochet – see Special Stitches)
YUHDC (yarn under half double crochet – see Special Stitches)
Special Stitches:
Yarn Under Single Crochet (YUSC) – this is the same as a regular SC, but with one simple variation. In a regular SC, you insert your hook, yarn over, draw yarn through (2 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops. With a Yarn Under Single Crochet, you will insert your hook, yarn over, draw yarn through the stitch (2 loops on hook), yarn under, draw through both loops.
Yarn Under Half Double Crochet (YUHDC) – this is the same as a regular HDC, but with one simple variation. In a regular HDC, you yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over, draw yarn through (3 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through both loops. With a Yarn Under Half Double Crochet, you will yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over, draw yarn through the stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn under, draw through all three loops.
A Note About Changing Colors:
To keep the written pattern simple, I have written it without including color changes (since it would be different for every size). The hat can be made all one color, with 2 or 3 colors (as in my samples), or really with any number of color changes you wish. To change colors, keep the following tips in mind:
- To decide where to put your color changes, first decide how many colors you want, then take the finished height of the size you are making and divide it by the number of colors you want to use. So for instance, if I want to make a children’s hat (9″ tall) with 3 colors, I’ll divide 9 by 3 (9/3=3). I know that each color block will be about 3″, so I’ll keep a ruler handy as I work the pattern and I’ll change colors every 3″.
- I feel that the cleanest color change happens between two rounds of YUSC (as opposed to YUHDC), so I always placed my color changes at that part of the pattern, wherever it fell closest to the measurements I was going for.
Additional Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) Pattern is worked top-down, in a spiral. Do not join or chain unless instructed.
(3) Pattern is written for toddler size with additional sizes in brackets [child, teen/adult small, adult large]. So, for example, if it says “12 [13, 14, 15]”, the first number is for the toddler size, and the numbers in brackets are child, teen/adult small, and adult large instructions, respectively. If there is only one number, it applies regardless of which size you are making. If you are working from printed instructions, it helps to circle or highlight the numbers you are following before you begin.
INSTRUCTIONS
Note: The first few rounds will produce a VERY wavy circle. As you work further down the hat, the waves will smooth out. This is how we get that cinched look at the top.
To begin: Make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 12 [13,14,15] SC in magic circle. (12 [13, 14, 15])
Round 2: 2YUSC in each ST around. (24 [26, 28, 30])
Round 3: 3YUSC in each ST around. (72 [78, 84, 90])
Rounds 4-5: YUSC in each ST around. (72 [78, 84, 90])
Rounds 6-8: YUHDC in each ST around. (72 [78, 84, 90])
Rounds 9-13: YUSC in each ST around. (72 [78, 84, 90])
Rounds 14 – ?: Repeat Rounds 6-13, in order (3 rounds YUHDC, 5 rounds YUSC), until hat measures 6.5 [7.5, 8.5, 9]” tall, then continue to “Base Round” (the beginning of the ribbing section). It does not matter which repeat round you end on.
Base Round: YUSC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the first ST of the round. (72 [78, 84, 90])
– – – – – –
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the Base Round with SL STS as we go. If you need a little extra help, click here for a video tutorial on how to add ribbing at the end of a project.
– – – – – –
CH7.
Row 1: SC in 2nd chain from hook and in each of the remaining 6 chains. SL ST into the first SC from Base Round, the stitch on which your CH7 was built. SL ST into the next SC from Base Round. (6, plus the two slip stitches along Base Round)
The section we just created, built on the CH7, will hereafter be referred to as the “ribbing.”
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS you put in Base Round, SC in BLO of each of the first 5 STS of the ribbing. SC in both loops of the last ST. (6)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in 1st ST. SC in BLO of each of the remaining 5 STS of the ribbing. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS of Base Round. (6, plus the 2 SL STS along Base Round)
Row 4: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS you put in Base Round, SC in BLO of each of the first 5 STS of the ribbing. SC in both loops of the last ST. (6)
Rows 5-72 [78, 84, 90]: Repeat Rows 3-4 all the way along Base Round.
Fasten off and use your tail to sew together the gap between the first and last rows of the ribbing, then weave in your ends.
Done! If you’re sharing your finished hat on social media, be sure to hashtag #hylandmenshat and tag me @yarnandchai.design. Stay warm out there!
Hi Rebecca,
I am trying to make the Hyland Men’s hat for my son, 6’2″ son. Anyway, I can’t figure out what you mean by “yarn under” I’ve been crocheting for 30 years and have never come across this direction. to Yarn Under. How do you do that?
OK. I went to YouTube and searched for Yarn Under. AH HA! I have seen this before but it , in my opinion, a more difficult way to crochet. but it dose use less yarn and the stitch is tighter. So now I know.
Hi! So I’m fairly new to crocheting, so I feel as though I’m doing something wrong.
You said for the first few rows, they will be wavy. I have gotten to row 10 and they are still VERYYY wavy, it looks like a puff pom. Is that just how it works out, or could you shed some light onto what I am doing wrong? Thank you!
After increasing is done in the first few rounds. each round gets sliiiightly less wavy as it works its way into a flat shape. That’s how we get the faux cinched look at the top of the hat. I didn’t take a good picture of it on this pattern but if you look at https://yarnandchai.com/barista-slouch-hat/, the third photo shows the concept well. You’ll be able to see that the waviness definitely doesn’t disappear by the 10th row.
Love the hat! How did you attach the patches? Are they seem on? I’ve considered using a fabric glue.
I sewed them on. It was tedious. 🙂
I just made one for my teenage son. It turned out awesome! Thank you for this awesome pattern.
First, I love all your patterns and have been waiting for a pattern for the guys in my life! I love the end product and the patch was such a fun way to personalize it! Do you think any of your other patterns would work well with patches as my daughters are asking for yet another hat now. I know I can use this one, but I love all your patterns
Love making this hat!!!!! I am glad I purchased the pattern…this really helps. One day I will just have to but the all access pass!!! I have a question……I am making an adult hat. Will the hat look “floppy” until the ribbing is added? I am just now adding my third color. I checked my gauge and dropped my hook to 5.5. Thank for your help.
Hi Christy! You are welcome to email me a picture at rebecca@yarnandchai.com. You can also lay it flat and measure along the bottom edge; vat this point it shouldn’t be more than 1-2″ bigger than the finished measurement should be.
Hi, this hat’s very beautiful. I want do this hat but I do not understand what your write. Where is hat’s video? I can’t find the video of Hyland Men’s Hat
Hi Zehra! Unfortunately there is no video tutorial for this pattern at this time.
I am in love with this hat for the men in my life.
I am starting now for Christmas 2019…with Hubby, 7 sons and 2 son-in-loves I need the early start! Question……where did you find the maroon color yarn? I have gone to my big box store and Lion Brand website but cannot find the color. Thanks for your help and great patterns!!!!!
Hi Christy! I just checked the web site and that color isn’t listed… I hope they aren’t discontinuing it because it’s a beautiful color! Looks like you can still find it on Joann.com – https://www.joann.com/lion-brand-jeans-yarn/zprd_15475346a.html (color is “Corduroy”)
Thank you!!!!!
I found it on the Lion Brand site; it’s called “Jeans Colours”. https://m.lionbrand.com/item/313537353531
I love the red too but can’t get it in Canada yet. 🙁
Are you concerned about the width or the height? The height would be easy to adjust (just do fewer rounds). If it’s the width, lay your hat flat and measure across the bottom. It should be about 1-1.5″ larger than the finished width is supposed to be (the ribbing brings it in just a bit). If it’s much more than that, just focus on tightening up your stitches or switch to a smaller hook; with this style of hat it’s not going to hurt anything 🙂
I can’t believe little Henry is walking!!!!! My big babies (24 and almost 21) STILL love Zelda – ha! And now I’ve got the song stuck in my head as well! I’ve seen this yarn and have almost bought some but haven’t had a pattern and viola! Perfect timing once again my yarny friend! Thank you so much!
Love this! Great to be able to treat the guys with a great looking hat! Thanks, Rebecca!!
Awesome hat. I am cracking up about the Zelda lingo, because my 12 & 10 yr old boys and 7yr old daughter are (slightly) obsessed with Zelda and I find myself slinging the lingo around like a true Zelda nerd…hilarious!
Beautiful family. I’m definitely thinking I need to make this hat for my husband. Thanks for all your awesome work!
I’m a passholder but I always have trouble getting the PDF’s.
Help! Mary
You need to sign in to your account on Yarn + Chai, then click “Passholder Area” at the top of the screen. If it says “content restricted”, just refresh the screen as instructed on that page. Any issues beyond that, please email me directly at rebecca@yarnandchai.com 🙂
Love this. Can you design some men’s mittens to go along with this. My husband loves mittens and most of the online mitten patterns are for women or the one’s for men don’t have the interesting and thoughtful attention to detail that is inherent in all your patterns.
I’ll keep that in mind!
Beautiful family! Love the beanies perfect for someone I need to make one for. Would love to know where to buy your little tags on side of hats if you don’t mind. Thanks Rebecca
Hi and thank you! There is a link up in the blog post for the shop that makes my tags. They are the 1″x2″ cork tags 🙂
I have ordered cork tags thanks to your post, I absolutely love them!! The people were wonderful to work with too, they found exactly what I was looking for.
Love your new “Guys” hat and the pics of your guys! What a lovely family! Thanks for sharing Rebecca! Yah/God bless!
I’ve never done a crocheted hat yet. But my brother will be once again going tbrough chemo and will lose all his hair this go round. This hat will be perfect.
1Another great pattern with wonderful color coordination! Thanks for sharing. I love your patterns and blog
Love this pattern, AND you have a Beautiful family! Such handsome guys!
is there a video to show how to yarn under sc or the dc?
I didn’t make one, but there are plenty on YouTube if you do a quick search.