Eldora Slouch Hat

Eldora Slouch Hat by Emily J. Designs

What is Being Made

The Eldora Slouch Hat is a relaxed, comfortable adult hat featuring a distinctive textured brim design that adds visual interest to an otherwise simple construction. This downloadable knitting pattern from independent designer Emily J. Designs offers three size options to fit head circumferences of 21, 22, or 23 inches (53.5, 56, or 58.5 centimeters), with corresponding finished lengths of 9, 9.5, or 10 inches (23, 24, or 25.5 centimeters). The slouch silhouette creates a casual, modern aesthetic suitable for everyday wear.

Techniques Used

This beginner-level knitting project employs fundamental circular knitting techniques, working in the round from the bottom up. The pattern uses both circular needles and double-pointed needles to accommodate the transition from a larger circumference at the brim to the smaller crown. Key techniques include casting on, working ribbed and stockinette stitches in rounds, increasing stitches to shape the hat, and decreasing stitches to close the crown. The textured brim pattern adds dimension through strategic stitch manipulation, making this an excellent introduction to combining basic stitch patterns within a single garment.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch creating the smooth stockinette fabric
• Purl (P) – used in ribbing and the brim texture pattern
• Knit front and back (Kf&b) – an increase technique for shaping
• Yarn over (Yo) – creates decorative eyelets or texture in the brim
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a decrease used to shape the crown
• Ribbing (K1, P1) – the elastic band at the base that provides stretch and fit

Materials

The Eldora Slouch Hat requires minimal yardage, using just 1 skein of Cascade Yarns 220 Merino (220 yards/200 meters, 100 grams/3.5 ounces, 100% Merino Wool). The pattern shown is worked in colorway #42 Butterscotch, a warm neutral tone. Needles required include US 7 (4.5mm) 16-inch circular needles and double-pointed needles in the same size, along with US 6 (4mm) 16-inch circular needles for the ribbed band. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, which helps determine the appropriate needle size for proper fit and drape.