Bella Slouchy Hat - Free pattern

 

The Bella hat is a easy-to-knit slouchy beret that uses pleats instead of decreases to shape this hat. Starting at the crown, you increase your stitches until you reach an oversized slouch in the middle down to the band of the hat. Then using double-pointed needles, you created 10 cute little pleats before a 2x2 rib band. It makes a roomy and warm hat with a snug band over the ears. Using a self-striping yarn also adds interest to the look. Enjoy!

MATERIALS
1 skein Chroma Fingering Yard in Red Velvet (70% Superwash Wool, 30% Nylon, 100 grams/396yds)
Size US 2 (2.5 mm) Circular Needles

Size US 2 (2.5 mm) Double Pointed Needles
Yarn needle

1 Unique stitch markers

7 Stitch markers

Gauge: 15 stitches per 2 inches; 10 rows per 2 inches.

 

Pattern:

CROWN:

With double point needles, cast on 8 sts. Place unique marker for beginning of round and join.

Round 1: Knit

Round 2: *K1, M1.* Repeat from * to * beginning of round marker. 16 sts

(see how to make a nice line your increase at the end of this post).

Round 3:  Knit

Round 4: *Knit 2, m1, place marker.* repeat to unique marker. 24 sts

Round 5:  Knit

Round 6: *Knit 3, m1, slip marker.* repeat to unique marker. 32 sts

Round 7:  Knit

Round 8: *Knit to the marker, M1, sm. Repeat to unique mark

Changing to circular needles when comfortable, continue rounds 7 and 8 until there are 30 stitches between each marker.  (240 stitches)

Body with Pleats:

Next round: Knit each round until the piece measures 2¼ inches from the last increase round.

Next round: K5, *right-facing pleat (see Instructions below), k2* five times, k5, *left-facing pleat, k2* five times knit to the end of the round (140 stitches).

Next round: Knit

Band:

Next round: K2, p2 to the end of the round.  Continue 2x2 rib for 1 inch.

Bind off and weave in ends.

Pleats:

Right-facing pleat:

Slip the next 5 stitches onto a double-pointed needle (DPN).

Slip the next 5 stitches onto a second DPN

Turn the DPNs to overlap the working needle so the first needle is in front and the working needle is in the back. 

Line up the three needles as close as you can.

Work the first stitch on each needle as a K3tog. (I have also used a small-sized crochet needle to pull the yarn through all three stitches.) 

 

10 stitches decreased.

Left-facing pleat:

Slip the next 5 stitches onto a double-pointed needle (DPN).

Slip the next 5 stitches onto a second DPN

Turn the DPNs over the working needle so the first needle is in back and the working needle is in the front. 

Work the first stitch on each needle as a K3tog. (I have also used a small-sized crochet needle to pull the yarn through all three stitches.)  10 stitches decreased.

How to make a nice line in your increases

Knit the stitch. Using the tip of the left needle, create a stitch from the row below and put it on your left needle.

Knit the stitch

One stitch increased

And here is a picture of the wonderful and adorable Bella (and my son Dane).