STAY HOME KNIT Playing Kittens

STAY HOME KNIT Playing Kittens Slouchy Hat

What Is Being Made

The Playing Kittens pattern is a slouchy knit hat designed by NikkiSem (Veronika Semenova). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a relaxed, comfortable hat with a finished brim circumference of 45 cm (17 11/16 inches) and a length of 25 cm (9 5/8 inches). The hat is sized to fit head circumferences of 56–58 cm (22–22 5/8 inches) and features a classic slouchy silhouette that drapes elegantly when worn.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This hat is constructed using knitting in-the-round, a fundamental technique for creating seamless, tubular garments. The pattern accommodates multiple methods for working in-the-round, allowing knitters to choose their preferred approach. The cast-on and brim are worked on 3 mm needles, then the body transitions to slightly larger 3.5 mm needles to create the slouchy shaping and drape characteristic of this hat style. The transition between needle sizes helps establish the hat's structured brim and relaxed crown.

Stitches Used

The Playing Kittens hat employs fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and visual interest. Key stitches include:

• Stocking Stitch (also called stockinette stitch) – the primary stitch used throughout the body, creating a smooth, classic knit fabric with a flat appearance on the right side
• SL2TOG-K1-PSSO (centred double decrease) – a shaping technique that decreases two stitches at once while maintaining a centered, symmetrical appearance in the fabric

These stitches work together to create both the foundational fabric and the shaping decreases needed for the hat's slouchy crown.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Playing Kittens hat requires 2 skeins of 350 m / 50 g cashmere yarn in contrasting colors. The sample shown was knitted using Mink Cashmere in white and gray, demonstrating how color variation can enhance the design. Cashmere yarn at this weight (4-ply) provides a luxurious, soft fabric with excellent drape and warmth. The yardage and weight specifications allow knitters to substitute similar luxury or standard 4-ply yarns if desired, provided they match the gauge requirements.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two sets of needles to accommodate the gauge changes throughout the project:

• 3 mm needles for the cast-on and brim sections, worked in-the-round using either double-pointed needles (DPNs) or long circular needles with the magic loop method
• 3.5 mm needles for the body and crown, also worked in-the-round with the same method flexibility

Additional tools include 4 removable stitch markers (with one unique marker to denote the beginning of each round) and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 40 stitches and 45 rounds = 10 cm (4 inches) in Stocking Stitch using 3.5 mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and drape. The hat is offered in one size with finished measurements of 45 cm (17 11/16 inches) brim circumference unstretched and 25 cm (9 5/8 inches) in length, making it suitable for average adult head sizes.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills in knitting in-the-round and basic stitch techniques. The centered double decrease and gauge transitions require attention and prior experience, but the straightforward construction and clear stitch definitions make it an excellent project for advancing knitters looking to build confidence with shaping techniques.