Hadley Button Slouch Hat

Hadley Button Slouch Hat by Justine Walley

What is Being Made

The Hadley Button Slouch Hat is a relaxed, comfortable crochet hat designed by Justine Walley. This slouch-style hat features a structured brim and a relaxed crown that drapes down the back of the head. The design includes three decorative buttons sewn onto the brim, adding both visual interest and a charming detail to the finished piece. The hat is sized to fit most head sizes, with a brim measuring approximately 17 inches around (stretching to over 22 inches) and a finished length of approximately 9 to 9.5 inches.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Hadley Button Slouch Hat employs several fundamental crochet techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The pattern requires working in the back loop only (BLO) for portions of the construction, which creates a distinctive textured appearance. This technique involves inserting the hook into only the back loop of each stitch rather than under both loops, producing a ribbed or lined effect. The hat also incorporates decreasing techniques to shape the crown and create the slouch silhouette.

Stitches Used

This pattern utilizes basic crochet stitches that form the foundation of most crochet projects:

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to create the foundation and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Single crochet (sc) – A short, tight stitch that provides structure and density
• Double crochet (dc) – A taller stitch used for the main fabric of the hat, creating a more open, drape-friendly texture
• Double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) – A decrease stitch that reduces stitch count to shape the crown and create the slouch effect
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used to join rounds and create seamless transitions

Materials and Tools

The Hadley Button Slouch Hat requires approximately 180 yards of worsted weight yarn. The example shown uses Willow Wash in Walnut, a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and drape. Three buttons, each measuring 1 inch in diameter, are sewn onto the brim to complete the design.

Two crochet hook sizes are needed to achieve proper gauge and construction: an H/8 (5mm) hook and an I/9 (5.5mm) hook, or sizes adjusted as needed to obtain the correct gauge. The pattern specifies a gauge of 3 double crochet stitches with the I hook equaling 1 inch in width, and 2 rows of double crochet equaling 1 inch in height. Additional tools include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and a tape measure for checking measurements throughout construction.

Skill Level and Pattern Notes

Classified as Advanced Beginner difficulty, this pattern assumes crocheters have foundational knowledge of single crochet and double crochet stitches, as well as experience working in the back loop only. The pattern is written using US crochet terminology, which is important for international crocheters who may be more familiar with UK terminology. The one-size-fits-most design accommodates various head sizes due to the stretchy nature of the brim, which expands from its measured 17 inches to over 22 inches when worn.