Seed stitch slouch

Seed Stitch Slouch Hat by Kelly Spenhoff

What is Being Made

The Seed Stitch Slouch is a relaxed, comfortable adult hat designed by Kelly Spenhoff. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a slouchy-style hat with finished measurements of approximately 9 inches (23 cm) wide and 9 inches (23 cm) tall when measured flat. The design features a one-size-fits-many construction that accommodates most adult head sizes, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's wardrobe.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several fundamental knitting techniques to create its distinctive texture and shaping. The pattern uses both knit and purl stitches to establish the seed stitch pattern, which creates a bumpy, textured fabric by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence. The construction involves working in the round using double-pointed needles (dpns) and a circular needle, which allows for seamless construction and even stitch distribution throughout the hat.

Shaping techniques are incorporated through decreases, specifically using k2tog (knit 2 together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), and p2tog (purl 2 together) methods. These decreases gradually reduce the stitch count to shape the crown of the hat. The pattern also includes ribbing at the cast-on edge, which provides elasticity and helps the hat stay securely on the head. Additional construction details include the use of stitch markers to help track pattern repeats and decreases throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Seed stitch – the primary stitch pattern creating the textured fabric
• Knit stitch (k) – fundamental stitch used throughout
• Purl stitch (p) – alternated with knit stitches in the seed stitch pattern
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – left-leaning decrease for symmetrical shaping
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) – purl decrease for maintaining pattern during crown shaping
• Knit into front and back (kfb) – increase stitch used in pattern construction
• Ribbing – elastic edge treatment at the cast-on

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Seed Stitch Slouch requires 170 yards (156 meters) of DK or light worsted weight yarn, making it an efficient project that uses relatively modest yardage. This yardage requirement makes the pattern ideal for using up yarn from stash or for selecting a special yarn without significant investment.

Needles required: US size 7 double-pointed needles and a 16-inch (41 cm) circular needle, or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge. The gauge for this pattern is 11 stitches equals 2 inches (5 cm) in seed stitch, which is important to verify before beginning to ensure proper fit.

Additional notions: The pattern calls for 10 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and decreases, plus a yarn needle for weaving in ends upon completion. These basic notions are standard supplies found in most knitters' collections.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

Rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, the Seed Stitch Slouch is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting fundamentals and are comfortable working with decreases and circular needle techniques. The pattern requires proficiency with knit, purl, k2tog, ssk, and p2tog stitches, all of which are clearly defined in the pattern abbreviations. The cast-on begins with 118 stitches worked in ribbing before transitioning to the seed stitch pattern that forms the main body of the hat.