GARTER STITCH SLOUCH KNITTING PATTERN - MADMONKEYKNITS

Garter Stitch Slouch Knitting Pattern by Madmonkeyknits

What Is Being Made

The Garter Stitch Slouch is a beginner-friendly knitted beanie hat designed by Madmonkeyknits (Pattern No. 74). This slouch hat features a relaxed, oversized fit that drapes down the back of the head, making it an ideal accessory for casual everyday wear. The pattern is available in four sizes to fit head circumferences ranging from 40 to 60 centimeters (16 to 24 inches), accommodating extra-small through large head sizes.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for beginners. The primary construction method uses garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row on both sides of the fabric, producing a textured, reversible surface. The slouch shaping is achieved through strategic decreasing worked in a repeating pattern across multiple rows. The decreases are distributed evenly throughout the crown section to create the characteristic slouched silhouette. The pattern includes casting on to establish the initial stitches and increasing techniques (knitting into both the front and back of a stitch) for shaping adjustments as needed.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch (Gt.St) – The foundational stitch created by knitting every row, forming horizontal ridges and providing structure and texture throughout the hat
• Knit Stitch (K) – The basic stitch used consistently in garter stitch construction
• Knit Two Together (K2tog) – A decrease technique that reduces stitch count by combining two stitches into one, used repeatedly in the crown shaping rows
• Increase (Inc) – Created by knitting into both the front and back of a single stitch to add stitches where needed

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Aran yarn or any comparable chunky knitting yarn in aran or worsted weight. Yardage requirements vary by size: the extra-small requires 2 balls of 50-gram yarn, small requires 3 balls, medium requires 3 balls, and large requires 4 balls. Knitting is worked on 4.00 mm (US size 6) knitting needles. The pattern specifies a tension of 20 stitches and 24 rows per 10 centimeters (4 inches) measured in stockinette stitch on 4.00 mm needles, ensuring proper fit and drape.

Pattern Construction Details

The slouch hat begins with casting on between 84 and 120 stitches depending on size. The main body is worked in garter stitch for 50 to 80 rows (varying by size), creating the deep, relaxed slouch effect. The crown shaping follows with a series of decrease rows that reduce stitches in a structured pattern, with different starting points for each size to ensure proper proportions. Each decrease row is followed by a plain knit row to maintain the garter stitch texture throughout the shaping process.