Zig Zag Slouch – Free Crochet Hat Pattern

ByJennifer Renaud Updated:

It’s been a while since I designed the Chevron Peaks Slouch for the first Hat Not Hate campaign. I really loved the technique & crochet stitches that created the design and texture of the hat. I loved it so much that I came up with several other projects using the same crochet stitches and technique (the Argyle Beanie & Slouch and Diamonds & Fur Stocking to name a couple). You can find the free crochet pattern for the Zig Zag Slouch in this post below, or an ad-free print friendly version on Love Crafts here, Ravelry here, or on Etsy here. 

 

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I’ve had so many crocheters reach out to tell me that they LOVED my Chevron Peaks Slouch. I was pleasantly shocked because it was one of those designs that I really didn’t think would garner much attention. All of the positive messages I received were the reason I used the same technique for the argyle stocking and this crochet slouch pattern. I’ve got a couple more fun designs coming your way with this technique too! Unlike the Argyle Beanie & Slouch and Diamonds Beanie & Slouch designs, the Zig Zag pattern is worked all the way to the tip of the crown. 

 

 

Two crocheted slouch hats laying on white bedspread.

 

 

 

THE YARN

Worsted weight yarn is my favorite weight to use for crochet beanies. Mostly because I live in the great frozen north (Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) and crochet hats made of yarns lighter than a 4, won’t keep our ears from getting frost bite…. we can’t have that! 
 
For this crochet slouch pattern, I chose to use one of my favorite worsted weight yarns, Lion Brand Wool Ease. Wool Ease is an acrylic and wool blend that is available in over 50 colors!
 

 

 

 

The Zig Zag Slouch free crochet pattern is my contribution to the 6th annual Hat of the Month Club CAL with Rhondda from Oombawka Design and Amy from The Stitchin’ Mommy.

If you would like to know more about this CAL, including the schedule please visit the links above (or click the picture below). 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER PATTERNS FROM THE HAT OF THE MONTH CLUB 2021: 

ZIG ZAG SLOUCH (IN THIS POST BELOW)

2021 Easy Does It Textured Hat Pattern – OOMBAWKA DESIGN

Oh So Denim Hat – THE STITCHING MOMMY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Crochet Hat Pattern - Zig Zag Slouch by A Crocheted Simplicity #freecrochetpattern #crochethatpattern #crochetslouchpattern #crochethat #handmadehat

 

 

 

ZIG ZAG SLOUCH – FREE CROCHET HAT PATTERN

The free pattern is below, but if you love to work offline, or need to order your yarn, I’ve got a couple other great options for you.

Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF, including all photo tutorials, on Love Crafts here, Ravelry here, or Etsy here. 

Save this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here.

Pin it for later here.

 

 

 

This post contains affiliate links.

MATERIALS

  • Yarn:  Worsted Weight Yarn / 4 / Any Color – Lion Brand Wool Ease in Fisherman and  Dark Rose Heather were used for the hats in the photos.
    • Yardage: See “Fits Head Size” below for yardage of all sizes.
  • Crochet Hooks: G/6/4.00mm,  H/8/5.00mm (My favorite crochet hooks are the Clover Amour Hooks, I’ve never had an ache in my hand since switching)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn Needle
  • Scrap piece of yarn or stitch marker
  • Faux Fur Pom (optional – I LOVE these poms!)

 

Many of these materials are available for purchase through our affiliates below:

Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Y...Shop on Amazon JINSEY 12pcs Faux Fur Fluff...Shop on Amazon Clover 1047/H Deep Blue Amo...Shop on Amazon Fiskars 154110-1001 Non-sti...Shop on Amazon Lion Brand Yarn 400-5-5002 ...Shop on Amazon

 

 

Gauge

  • In hat band stitch pattern: 6 sts = 1.25″; 14 rows = 3″
  • Body of Hat in sc: 11.5 sts = 3″; 11 rows = 3″

 

Fits Head Size

  • Toddler: 16″ – 17-1/2″ circ. (165 yards)
  • Child: 18″ – 20″ circ. (175 yards)
  • Teen / Adult Small: 20-1/2″ – 22-1/2″  circ. (195 yards)
  • Adult Medium / Large: 23″ – 24-1/2″  circ. (230 yards)

 

Abbreviations (US Terms)

  • ch(s): chain(s)
  • sl st(s): slip stitch(es)
  • st(s): stitch(es)
  • sc: single crochet
  • dc: double crochet
  • inv sc2tog: invisible single crochet decrease
  • RS: right side
  • BLO: back loop only
  • FLO: front loop only
  • Rep: repeat
  • Rnd: round
  • yo: yarn over
  • circ: circumference

 

Notes

  • Turning chains are not included in stitch count unless noted otherwise.
  • The majority of the pattern is worked in continuous rounds (a spiral). I suggest using a stitch marker to keep track of the round you’re on.
  • Yarn Notes: Lion Brand Yarns Wool Ease was used for the samples. Another comparable light worsted weight yarn may be used as long as gauge is met.
  • Lion Brand Yarns Wool Ease in Fisherman & Dark Rose Heather: 80% Acrylic / 20% Wool (197 yds / 180 m / 85 g / 3 oz)
  • Pattern Repeats:  In the crochet instructions you’ll see: rep from ( to ) around. The instructions written within the ( ) parentheses are one full pattern repeat. You are to repeat these around the entire hat. The stitch pattern will repeat evenly so you should not have any stitches remaining at the end of each round.
  • Changes for sizes are written as follows: Toddler  (Child, Teen/Adult Small, Adult Medium/Large).
  • This hat is worked from the bottom up.

 

 

Special Stitches

  • Invisible Single Crochet Decrease (inv sc2tog): Insert hook into the BLO of stitch indicated, insert hook into BLO of next stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru all loops on hook.

 

 

 

Zig Zag Slouch Instructions

 

Stretchy Hat Band 

Gauge: In stitch pattern as the pattern is written, using a 4mm hook: 6 sts = 1.25″; 14 rows = 3″

Row 1 (RS): Using a 4mm crochet hook, ch 8 (8, 10, 10), working into the back hump of the foundation ch, sc in the 2nd ch from your hook and in each ch across. Turn. (7, 7, 9, 9 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, BLO, sl st in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, BLO, sc in each st across. Turn.

Rows 4 – 59 (67, 77, 85): Rep Rows 2 – 3. 

Approximate length at this point (un-stretched): 12.75″ (14.35″, 16.5″, 18.25″)

Row 60 (68, 78, 86) – Seam Row: With RS facing out, bring the first row up to meet the last row (the first row should be in front if you kept the RS facing out). Position your working yarn so that it’s on the inside of the hat band (if needed, click HERE and scroll down to the seam photos in the tutorial). Ch 1, slip stitch the rows together using the following method: insert your hook (from front to back) into the FLO of the 1st stitch of Row 1, insert your hook (from back to front) into the BLO of the 1st stitch of the last row, yo, pull thru all loops on your hook. Continue in this way across the hat band to complete the seam. (7, 7, 9, 9 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Set-Up Body of Hat.

 

 

Set-Up Body of Hat

Gauge: With 5mm hook, in sc: 11.5 sts = 3″; 11 rows = 3″

The entire Body of Hat is worked in a spiral (continuous rounds). I strongly suggest using a scrap piece of yarn to keep track of the beginning of each round.

Rnd 1 Note: In Rnd 1 you will increase 2 – 4 stitches from the number of rows worked in the hat band. You can place these extra stitches wherever you’d like. Stitch placement is not crucial.

Rnd 1 (RS): Using a 5mm crochet hook and working into the sides of the rows of the stretchy hat band, ch 1, work 64 (72, 80, 88) sc evenly around. Do not join.  (64, 72, 80, 88 sts)  *Begin using a stitch marker or scrap piece of yarn to keep track of the beginning of each round as you work. 

Rnd 2: BLO sc in each st around.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Body of Hat.

 

 

Body of Hat

The remainder of this project is worked in a spiral (continuous rounds). I strongly suggest using a scrap piece of yarn to keep track of the beginning and ending of each round.

*See Zig Zag Chart Below

Rnd 1: (BLO sc in each of the next 5 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 2 sts) rep from ( to ) around. (64, 72, 80, 88 sts)

 

Rnd 2: (BLO sc in each of the next 4 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 3 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

Rnd 3: (BLO sc in each of the next 3 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 4 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

Rnd 4: (BLO sc in each of the next 2 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 5 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

Rnd 5: (BLO sc in the next st, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 6 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

Rnd 6: (FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 7 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

Rnd 7: (BLO sc in the next st, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 6 sts) rep from ( to ) around. *Note: Some FLO dc will be worked into the FLO of other dc 2 rnds below.

Rnd 8: (BLO sc in each of the next 2 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 5 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

Rnd 9: (BLO sc in each of the next 3 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 4 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

Rnd 10: (BLO sc in each of the next 4 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO sc in each of the next 3 sts) rep from ( to ) around.

 

Continue below to the size you’re making:

Toddler: Rnds 11 – 17: Rep Rnds 1 – 7. Approximate height: 7″.

Child: Rnds 11 – 20: Rep Rnds 1 – 10. Approximate height: 7.75″.

Teen/Adult Small: Rnds 11 – 23: Rep Rnds 1 – 10, then Rep Rnds 1 – 3. Approximate height: 8.5″.

Adult Medium/Large: Rnds 11 – 24: Rep Rnds 1 – 10, then Rep Rnds 1 – 4. Approximate height: 8.75″.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Crown Shaping Set-up.

 

 

Free Crochet Hat Pattern - Zig Zag Slouch by A Crocheted Simplicity #freecrochetpattern #crochethatpattern #crochetslouchpattern #crochethat #handmadehat

How to read the chart above:

  • Read the chart from right to left, bottom to top.
  • The Blue squares indicate when you’ll work a dc.
  • Make sure to work the dc in the front loops of stitches 2 rounds below the current round.
  • The vertical numbers indicate the round you’re on. Begin following the chart and working a dc in round 1 of the Body of Hat.
  • The horizontal numbers represent the stitch number. This stitch pattern is a multiple of 8 stitches.

 

 

Crown Shaping Set-Up

Toddler: BLO sl st in each of the next 4 sts. Move scrap piece of yarn to mark the beginning of the round after the 4th sl st. Sl sts are not included in stitch count.

Child: BLO sl st in each of the next 5 sts. Move scrap piece of yarn to mark the beginning of the round after the 5th sl st. Sl sts are not included in stitch count.

Teen/Adult Small: BLO sl st in each of the next 2 sts. Move scrap piece of yarn to mark the beginning of the round after the 2nd sl st. Sl sts are not included in stitch count.

Adult Medium/Large: BLO sl st in the next st. Move scrap piece of yarn to mark the beginning of the round after the sl st. Sl sts are not included in stitch count.

Do not fasten off. Continue on to Crown Shaping.

 

 

Crown Shaping

Rnd 1: (FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO inv sc2tog, BLO sc in each of the next 5 sts) rep from ( to ) around. (56, 63, 70, 77 sts)

Rnd 2: (BLO inv sc2tog, BLO sc in each of the next 4 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below) rep from ( to ) around. (48, 54, 60, 66 sts)

Rnd 3: BLO sl st in the first st, Move scrap piece of yarn to mark the beginning of the round after the sl st. Sl sts are not included in stitch count, (BLO sc in each of the next 3 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO inv sc2tog) rep from ( to ) around. (40, 45, 50, 55 sts)

Rnd 4: (BLO sc in each of the next 2 sts, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO inv sc2tog) rep from ( to ) around. (32, 36, 40, 44 sts)

Rnd 5: (BLO sc in the next st, FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO inv sc2tog) rep from ( to ) around. (24, 27, 30, 33 sts)

Rnd 6: (FLO dc in the next st 2 rnds below, BLO inv sc2tog) rep from ( to ) around. (16, 18, 20, 22 sts)

Rnd 7: (BLO inv sc2tog) rep from ( to ) around. (8, 9, 10, 11 sts)

Fasten off leaving an 8″ tail of yarn. Using a yarn needle, weave the tail of yarn in and out of the stitches from the last round, pull tail to cinch the crown of the hat closed, knot to secure and weave in ends. 

Finished hat height should be approximately 8.5″ (9.25″, 10″, 10.5″).

 

 

 

Now that you’ve finished crocheting your Zig Zag Slouch, add your own finishing touches using one of these fun options! 

 

 

Two crocheted slouch hats laying on white bedspread.

 

 

MORE FREE CROCHET PATTERNS FROM A CROCHETED SIMPLICITY

If you enjoy this crochet beanie & slouch pattern, you may enjoy these other projects as well. And if you just want to browse, you can find all of our free crochet patterns HERE.

 

Are you intimidated by knit-look crochet? Would you love to learn my tips & tricks? Take an Annies Video Class with me and let me ease your fears and help you increase your skills! Click on the photo below to watch a free preview. You can also see the other 4 video classes I have available!

Learn Knit-Look Crochet with instructor Jennifer Pionk

Please share your finished ACS projects with us in the A Crocheted Simplicity Crochet Community Group on Facebook! Use hashtag #ACrochetedSimplicity when sharing on social media so I can find your posts!

 

 

 

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