Eleanor's slouch

Eleanor's Slouch: Garter Stitch and Lace Slouchy Beret

What is Being Made

Eleanor's Slouch is a slouchy beret-style hat designed by Melissa LaBarre. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a relaxed, oversized hat featuring a combination of garter stitch and lace work. The slouchy silhouette is achieved through strategic increases and shaping, making it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is worked in worsted weight yarn, specifically using Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage in the colorway "tart." The project requires approximately 200 yards of yarn from one skein. Knitters will need US 6 (4mm) circular needles measuring 16 inches and US 8 (5mm) circular needles of the same length, plus one set of US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles (dpns) for working the crown decreases when the circumference becomes too small for circular needles. Additional notions include a stitch marker and a blunt needle for weaving in ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches on the larger US 8 needle in circular garter stitch. The hat begins with 80 cast-on stitches on the smaller needle, which are increased to 120 stitches before transitioning to the larger needle for the lace and garter stitch sections.

Techniques and Construction

Eleanor's Slouch employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for an intermediate skill level. The hat is constructed in the round using circular needles, beginning with a ribbed band worked in k1, p1 rib that measures 1.5 inches and provides a snug, elastic cuff. After the ribbed section, a purl row creates a transition, followed by a strategic increase row using k1f/b (knit one, knit one front and back) increases distributed across the entire round. This increase row adds 40 stitches, bringing the total to 120 stitches on the larger needle.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern combines multiple stitch techniques to create visual interest and the characteristic slouch. Key stitches and stitch patterns include:

• K1, p1 rib – worked in the ribbed band section for elasticity and a fitted edge
• Garter stitch – created by knitting every row in the round (or alternating knit and purl rows depending on the construction method)
• Lace stitch – worked from a chart that represents one-sixth of all stitches on the needle, repeated six times around each row to create the lace patterning
• K1f/b (knit one, knit one front and back) – the increase stitch used to add capacity before the lace section begins

The lace pattern is introduced after the purl and knit transition rows and is worked from a chart. Knitters repeat each row of the chart six times around the hat, creating a symmetrical, six-part design. As the crown shaping progresses and stitches decrease, knitters transition from circular needles to double-pointed needles to accommodate the smaller circumference.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with some experience beyond basic stockinette stitch. The combination of ribbing, increases, chart reading for lace work, and the transition from circular needles to dpns requires comfort with multiple techniques and the ability to follow written and charted instructions simultaneously.

Pattern design and copyright by Melissa LaBarre, originally published in 2010.