Artifice Slouch

Artifice Slouch Crochet Hat by OneLoopShy Designs

What Is Being Made

The Artifice Slouch is a downloadable crochet hat pattern featuring two distinct style options: a full slouch or a shaped slouch silhouette. Both versions offer customizable finishing details, allowing makers to choose between a side slit or braid and tassel closure. The finished hat measures approximately 20 inches in circumference at the brim and is designed to be easily modified by adding or subtracting rows before seaming to achieve different sizes.

Design Approach and Techniques

This pattern showcases a clever application of Tunisian crochet, a hybrid technique that combines elements of crochet and knitting. Tunisian crochet is known for its distinctive bias and drape characteristics, which create fabric with elegant movement and fluidity. The Artifice Slouch leverages these inherent properties to achieve its relaxed, slouchy aesthetic while remaining deceptively simple to construct. The hats are worked flat rather than in the round, then seamed together, cinched at the top, and finished with edging for a polished result.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern utilizes several foundational Tunisian crochet stitches:

• Tunisian double crochet (tdc) – the primary stitch used throughout the main fabric, worked at a gauge of 14 stitches and 6 rows over 4 inches
• Tunisian simple stitch (tss) – a basic Tunisian stitch that forms the foundation of the technique
• Tunisian chain stitch (tcs) – used for chain construction within the Tunisian method
• Single crochet (sc) – employed for edging and finishing details
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used to join rounds and secure stitches
• Chain (ch) – foundational stitch for starting rows

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 150 to 175 yards of sport weight yarn. The designer specifically recommends Malabrigo Arroyo, available in colorways such as English Rose and Aguas. Sport weight yarn blended with silk or bamboo is noted as preferable for optimal drape and finish. The pattern is especially well-suited to variegated and tonal hand-dyed yarns, which showcase the bias and movement created by Tunisian crochet techniques.

Hooks: An I (5.5 mm) Tunisian hook is required for the main fabric, or a size as needed to obtain the specified gauge. An M (13 mm) hook is used for creating the optional braid finishing detail.

Pattern Structure

The Artifice Slouch pattern includes detailed abbreviations and comprehensive Tunisian crochet notes to guide makers through the technique. Hats are constructed by working flat sections, seaming them together to form the crown, cinching the top for the slouch effect, and adding edging. The flat-worked construction makes this pattern accessible to crocheters looking to explore Tunisian techniques while creating a wearable, fashionable hat.