Flick

Flick Slouchy Hat by Mary-Anne Mace

What is Being Made

Flick is an easy slouchy hat designed by Mary-Anne Mace, created as a downloadable knitting pattern. This intermediate-level hat is knit in the round and features a distinctive rolled edge combined with a nifty brim detail that adds visual interest and texture to the finished garment. The slouchy silhouette makes it a versatile, comfortable hat suitable for various head sizes and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

The pattern employs several key knitting techniques that make it engaging for intermediate knitters. The hat is constructed by knitting in the round, which creates a seamless fabric and is a fundamental technique for hat construction. A rolled edge forms naturally at the beginning of the piece, adding a polished finish without requiring additional finishing work. The brim detail, while appearing complex at first glance, is described as straightforward to execute when following the pattern instructions carefully. A 2-stitch cable is incorporated into the stitch pattern, providing texture and visual depth while remaining accessible for knitters developing their cable skills.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern utilizes a cable stitch as its primary textural element. The cable involved is a simple 2-stitch cable, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to build confidence with cable techniques without overwhelming complexity. The combination of the cable with the brim detail creates an interesting stitch pattern that rewards careful attention to the written instructions.

Yarn and Materials

The sample hat shown in the pattern was knit using Zealana Kauri Fingering yarn in the colorway Roha (11), requiring 2 balls. This luxury yarn blend contains 60% Fine New Zealand Merino, 30% Brushtail Possum, and 10% Mulberry Silk, with each 40-gram ball providing 153 meters (167 yards) of yardage. The pattern recommends selecting yarn with a soft halo quality to showcase the design beautifully.

Yarn and Needle Recommendations

The pattern offers flexibility in yarn choice and provides gauge information for two needle sizes. For 2.5mm needles, the gauge is 24 stitches over 10 centimeters (4 inches) after blocking, with the finished hat fitting a 22-23 inch head. Alternatively, 3.25mm needles produce a gauge of 26 stitches over 10 centimeters (4 inches) after blocking. The pattern notes that Flick looks excellent knit in solid yarn with a soft halo effect, but can also be successfully created using sock wool with moderate variegation. For variegated yarns, the designer recommends selecting a highly contrasting color to ensure the brim detail stands out visually and makes maximum impact.

Pattern Suitability

This free downloadable pattern is ideal for knitters seeking an intermediate project that teaches new techniques while producing a wearable, stylish finished object. The slouchy fit and customizable yarn options make Flick adaptable to personal preferences and stash yarns, while the cable and brim detail provide satisfying skill-building opportunities.