Stretcher slouch hat

Bricklayers use different “bonds” or patterns of laying bricks side by side and end to end to build a strong wall. The simplest is the Stretcher bond; each brick is offset halfway from the brick below with each one showing its long side, or “stretcher”. The slipstitch pattern on this hat forms a design that resembles this stretcher bond. The hat has a wide ribbed brim to keep it in place and its slouchy shape is casual and easy to wear.

The smaller size is to fit a 20"/50cm head circumference and the larger size is to fit a 22"/57cm head, with around 2"/5cm of negative ease at the ribbed brim.

Pattern tension is 21 sts and 28 rows to 4”/10cm over stocking stitch using 4.5mm (US7) needles and 24 sts and 28 rows to 4”/10cm over unstretched double rib using 3.75mm (US5) needles.

The hat uses up to 150 yards of the main colour and up to 75 yards of the contrast colour. The pattern is formed with slipped stitches, no stranding.