Harper Slouch

Harper Slouch by Tricia Dodge

What Is Being Made

The Harper Slouch is a slouchy bonnet-style hat designed by independent designer Tricia Dodge. This intermediate-level knitting pattern creates a relaxed, comfortable hat with a gathered crown and optional pom pom finish. The pattern is available in three sizes: adult, child, and toddler, making it a versatile project for knitters of various skill levels seeking to create gifts or items for personal use.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The construction utilizes circular needles for the main body, allowing for seamless knitting in the round, which is a core technique for hat construction. Double-pointed needles (dpns) are used for the crown decreases when the stitch count becomes too small for circular needles. The pattern incorporates basic shaping through strategic decreases to create the slouchy silhouette and gathered crown characteristic of bonnet-style hats.

Stitches Used

The Harper Slouch pattern uses essential knitting stitches including:

• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch that forms the fabric
• Purl (P) – used to create texture and stitch definition
• Slip stitch (Sl) – inserted as if to knit and slipped from left needle to right needle for seamless transitions
• Knit Through Back Loop (KTBL) – creates a twisted stitch for shaping and decreases
• Yarn Back (YB) – yarn positioning technique for stitch management

These stitches combine to create the textured fabric and structured shaping of the finished slouch hat.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Harper Slouch pattern calls for Bernat Softee Chunky Yarn or any comparable #6 weight yarn. Yarn quantities vary by size: the adult version requires 2 skeins (180 yards), the child size needs 1½ skeins (150 yards), and the toddler version uses 1 skein (108 yards). The pattern specifies Size 10½ circular needles (18" for adult) for the main body and Size 13 needles in both circular and double-pointed needle formats for crown shaping. Additional supplies include a stitch marker, tapestry needle for finishing, and a pom pom maker for the optional decorative topping. The recommended gauge is 9 knit stitches over 3 inches when worked with the smaller needles.

Pattern Details and Finished Project

This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Tricia Dodge provides complete instructions for creating a slouchy, comfortable bonnet suitable for all ages. The chunky yarn weight combined with the specified needle sizes creates a quick-to-knit project that produces a soft, wearable hat with a distinctive gathered crown. The optional pom pom finish adds a playful, decorative element to the completed hat.