January is the perfect time to make something for yourself, especially if you are feeling a little burnt out from handmade Christmas gifts. So why not make yourself something that’s both practical and adorable? Any one of these free slouchy beanie knitting patterns would be a great choice for a bit of self-care.
There’s just something about a slouchy hat that’s effortlessly cool. The casual style goes well with a variety of outfits and there are many different designs to choose from. We have an entire curated list for you today, so you’ll get your pick of the litter. You can make your decision based on the level of slouchiness (from slightly slouchy to seriously slouchy) or based on other features of the design.
Of course, not all slouchy beanie knitting patterns are created equally, so we’ve made sure to only select the best ones! Many of these patterns are more than suitable for beginner knitters, so don’t feel discouraged if you’re not quite sure how to knit a slouchy beanie yet. There are also a few more challenging designs for more experienced knitters. If you are looking for a challenge, keep an eye out for beanies that involve cablework, colorwork, and interesting stitches.
Whether you’re looking for an easy knitting project to work on in front of the TV or a project that will really stretch your knitting skills, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and see all these amazing slouchy beanie knitting patterns for yourself!
Interested in learning about the best yarn for hats? Check out the recommendations here!
25 Must-Make Slouchy Beanie Knitting Patterns
Discover the charm of lacework with our beanie-free knitting pattern. This pattern adds a touch of lace to your beanie, instantly elevating its style. There's no need to worry about a draft, as the lacework is minimal and the super bulky weight yarn ensures excellent heat retention. This pattern proves that slouchy beanie knitting patterns can be cozy and stylish, blending the warmth of traditional beanies with the elegance of lacework. Perfect for knitters looking to add a unique twist to their winter wear.
Designer: Estelle Yarns
Yarn: Estelle Yarns Bulky (Super Bulky Weight #6)
How slouchy of a beanie are you looking for? If the answer is only slightly, then you must give The eM Hat a try. It’s got a classic look that makes it an easy accessory for any outfit, and you’ll find that the pattern is quite straightforward and simple. As an added bonus, it’s also available in child and baby sizes, so you can make a matching hat for your mini-me. This pattern is a must-try for those seeking a subtly slouchy beanie with a timeless appeal.
Designer: Emily Russell
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rios (Worsted Weight #4)
What could be better than a beautiful beanie with soft stripes in two sophisticated shades? How about one where you don’t have to worry about color changes at all? That’s right, this slouchy hat pattern, perfect for those who love hassle-free knitting, is made with a self-striping yarn! The pattern is available in 2 sizes, making it perfect for a variety of head sizes, and it’s an easy-level project that’s knit in the round using only basic stitches. This beanie is perfect for knitters who want to create a stylish accessory with minimal effort.
Designer: Shannon Dunbabin for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Aereo Duo (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
The next beanie hat pattern, which is a great choice for those who appreciate intricate textures, is characterized by a wide ribbed brim and a crown that is highly textured thanks to the Irish moss stitch. This stitch is a variation of the seed stitch that, in addition to producing tons of texture, also gives this project its lovely diagonal lines. This is a great pattern for knitters who want to explore different textures and create a beanie that stands out with its unique design.
Designer: Handknit Hugs
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® 128 Superwash® (Bulky Weight #5)
If you’re looking for something a little more vanilla, this understated design might be more your speed. The beanie pattern is knit in the round from the bottom up using only knit stitches and knit 2 together for crown shaping. The recommended yarn has a slight fuzziness which blurs the stitch pattern definition for a visually soft finish.
Designer: The Knitting Loft
Yarn: Rowan Selects Patina (DK Weight #3)
Yes, that’s hats - plural! This is one of those versatile hat knitting patterns where you can make two slouchy beanies with only two skeins of yarn by reversing the colors on the second one. The designer describes the stranded colorwork design in these hat knitting patterns as cozy zig zags that encircle the head like a wooly crown - an apt and whimsical description to be sure! These patterns are perfect for knitters looking to maximize their yarn usage while creating stylish, cozy headwear.
Designer: Churchmouse Yarns and Teas
Yarn: Wool and the Gang Alpachino Merino (Bulky Weight #5)
Sometimes it seems a shame to use up a beautiful skein of sock yarn on socks because they're always hidden away in your shoes. Luckily, with slouchy hat patterns like this one, you can have that beautiful skein of sock yarn on full display. This cozy and casual beanie knitting pattern is a perfect example of how slouchy hat patterns can transform a single skein into a stylish accessory. And the best part is that you only need one skein to complete this project!
Designer: Espace Tricot
Yarn: Scrumptiouspurl Stripe Me Up (Fingering Weight #1)
This design, one of the free slouchy hat patterns available, features a spiral of purl stitches that stand out beautifully thanks to the top-notch stitch definition of the super bulky yarn. The thicker yarn also makes this pattern suitable for beginner knitters, as it involves all basic stitches. For those looking for free slouchy hat patterns that are easy to follow and quick to knit, this is an ideal choice. The pattern can easily be sized down by using needles a couple of sizes smaller and skipping the last 4 rows, making it versatile for different sizes.
Designer: Tangled Bow
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
This gorgeous jewel-tone teal color is one of my all-time favorites and a great way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe. I think it’s a really great choice for a slouchy knit beanie, and I love the addition of the checkerboard texture. It’s hard to believe that such a sophisticated style can be made with just knit and purl stitches. That’s right, this pattern is beginner-friendly and a great way to dive into the world of knitting stylish accessories!
Designer: Gina-Michele
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials Solids (Bulky Weight #5)
A fingering weight yarn and a small needle size produce a beanie with stitches so small that you can scarcely see them. Don’t be offended if someone asks you where you bought your hat, it just looks that good! The secret to the slick design is the Old Norwegian Cast On (also known as German Twisted Cast On). It’s used to produce a straighter edge and a cleaner fold for the wide brim.
Designer: Siri Anne Ystad-Deglum
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (Fingering Weight #1)
A fingering weight yarn and a small needle size produce a beanie with stitches so small that you can scarcely see them. Don’t be offended if someone asks you where you bought your hat, it just looks that good! The secret to the slick design is the Old Norwegian Cast On (also known as German Twisted Cast On). It’s used to produce a straighter edge and a cleaner fold for the wide brim.
Designer: Siri Anne Ystad-Deglum
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed (Fingering Weight #1)
Can you tell what stitch this design from our slouchy hat knitting patterns collection uses? It’s called the broken rib stitch, and if you’ve never tried it before, then you really owe it to yourself to put it on your “to knit” list! It’s really not any trickier than a regular ribbed stitch, and the attractive style makes it well worth a learn. Try it out with this fuss-free slouchy beanie design, a standout piece among slouchy hat knitting patterns. It's perfect for those looking to add a unique texture to their knitting projects.
Designer: Berroco
Yarn: Berroco Catena (Bulky Weight #5)
Oh, I just love a good tweed yarn, don’t you? It looks more interesting than a solid colored yarn but it doesn’t introduce the controlled chaos of a self-striping or a variegated yarn. That’s what makes it such a happy medium! You can see what I mean with the Cladonia Slouch design, a fantastic slouchy hat-free knitting pattern. This pattern calls for a 1x1 rib brim, a moss stitch middle, and an attractive starfish crown, showcasing how a simple yarn can create a stunning effect. It's perfect for those who appreciate the understated elegance of tweed.
Designer: Shannon Dunbabin for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Aegean Tweed (Sport Weight #3)
I like big needles and I cannot lie, especially when it comes to Circular needles! There’s just something about a good super bulky yarn knitting project that gets my gears going. I love how quick these sorts of projects are, and how the thick yarn really highlights the definition of each individual stitch when worked on. Plus, thicker yarns are also easier to work with on these needles, which is great news for beginners!
Designer: Nina Chicago
Yarn: Mrs Moon Plump (Super Bulky Weight #6)
I’ll be the first one to admit that I love a good pom pom, but sometimes it’s refreshing to see a design that doesn’t use one. This design goes to show that slouchy hats can be every bit as cute and cozy without one. And I find that the lack thereof keeps the focus on the elegant cabled stitchwork. As an added bonus, there’s also a coordinating cowl pattern.
Designer: Hayley Geary
Yarn: Knitting Niqabi DK Weight 100% NonSuperwash Merino (DK Weight #3)
You’ll be working with 3 strands of fingering weight yarn at once for this colorful, marled beanie, a standout design among free-knit slouchy hat patterns. It’s a great stash buster that will help you declutter your yarn stash a bit (to make room for new yarn of course, because you can never really have enough!). The design, typical of free knit slouchy hat patterns, features a simple ribbed brim and a stockinette crown, making it both stylish and easy to create.
Designer: Petra Black
Yarn: Black Elephant Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
The yarn is the star of the show in the next one of our slouchy beanie knitting patterns. The rich jewel tone and the glittery filament woven throughout are total compliment catchers. Wonderful in its execution, the design is further enhanced by the delightful texture of the bramble stitch and the effortless chicness of the slouchy style, so that each stitch contributes to an overall look of sophisticated charm.
Designer: Stana D. Sortor for Knit Picks
Yarn: Knit Picks Alux (Fingering Weight #1)
The Northlights beanie was inspired by the traditional factory roof line of the mill that the yarn used for the beanie comes from. The twisted rib brim gives way to the stockinette stitch crown through the use of traveling stitches, which can be achieved with or without a cable needle, depending on your preference (instructions are given for both). This slouch hat-free knitting pattern beautifully combines historical inspiration with modern knitting techniques.
Designer: Claire Hutchinson for Wee County Yarns
Yarn: Wee County Yarns Kinross 4ply (Fingering Weight #1)
Blur the line between slouchy beanie knitting patterns and beret-style hats, with this color block design. The pattern is unique in that there’s absolutely no shaping, which is a great feature for those who prefer simpler projects. That makes it an ideal pattern for a bit of multitasking while watching TV! The free knitting pattern is available in both video and written formats and is a great choice for knitters of all skill levels.
Designer: Yay for Yarn
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Wool! Naturals (Aran Weight #4)
Your friends will be green with envy when you wear this chic new slouchy beanie. The casual style is enhanced with a decorative column of cable twists that’s sure to garner some compliments. And you’ll be every bit as cozy as you are cute since the soft merino wool that the pattern calls for is so warm, making it a required material for this stylish design.
Designer: Marly Bird for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird (Worsted Weight #4)
Slouchy beanie meets bonnet in this unique Zig Zag Slouch Hat design. The knit hat pattern is knit flat on straight needles starting and ending with an icord. Notice how the two icords meet in the middle of the back of the hat with a little notch at the bottom. The interesting construction and textured stitchwork are engaging and interesting.
Designer: Balls to the Walls Knits
Yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool Melange (Sport Weight #3)
If you’re in the mood for some good ol’ stranded colorwork, you can’t go wrong with this classic fair isle beanie in the signature slouchy style, a highlight among knit slouchy hat patterns. The pattern is sure to keep you interested from start to finish, making it a great addition to your collection of knit slouchy hat patterns. And if you’re still itching for more when you’re done, there are also coordinating patterns for a pullover and a pair of leg warmers.
Designer: Craft Passion
Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino (DK Weight #3)
Our next design, a standout cable beanie knitting pattern, keeps things interesting with an interlocking cable network. It lends a certain distinction and style that looks equally amazing on men and women, showcasing the versatility of the cable beanie knitting pattern. It’s designed to have a more relaxed fit, so this pattern might be a good choice if you have a big head (ha!). This knitted hat pattern recommends using the magic loop technique, making it a great project for those who enjoy cable knitting.
Designer: Sister Mountain
Yarn: Blacker Yarns Swan Falkland Islands DK (DK Weight #3)
While a fitted beanie with a wonky crown can be salvaged with a giant pom pom, this approach doesn’t always work for a slouchy beanie hat. That’s why it’s so important to find a pattern with crown shaping that you really like. The Off Grid knitted hat is the perfect example of a design that manages that tricky decreasing section with the utmost grace.
Designer: The Plucky Knitter
Yarn: The Plucky Knitter Snug Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
Don’t worry if it doesn’t get very cold where you live. You can still knit a simple slouch beanie hat with this lovely, light, and lacey design. The stunning stitchwork and casual slouchiness make this hat effortless to wear and endlessly stylish. You’ll be looking for every opportunity to wear it out!
Designer: Plymouth Yarn Design Studio
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Monte Donegal (Worsted Weight #4)
Are you ready to feel cuter and cozier than ever? Guess it’s time to pick your favorite one of these free slouchy beanie knitting patterns and get out your double pointed needles or your favorite circular needle! I’m really curious what everyone will choose, so comment your choice below!
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I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda