A chunky variation on a classic – this stylish and easy-to-wear beanie is equally suited to urban explorers and apres-ski snow bunnies.
Free online knitting pattern
This is a free, simplified version of our Hoxton Luxe hat pattern.
This simple pattern for beginner knitters is knitted in the flat on straight needles. It uses knit and purl stitches and simple decreases. If you’re a very new knitter, I recommend you work through parts 1-4 of Lion Brand’s Learn to Knit site, and familiarise yourself with those techniques (cast-on, knit, purl and ribbing).
Pattern information
Size
One size, to fit head circumference 53-57cm / 21-22½ inches.
Edge of brim to top of crown: 21.5cm/8½ inches.
Yarn
- 1 x skein It’s a Stitch Up Marshmallow Cloud Baby Alpaca Chunky (100g, 100m/109 yards), sample is knitted in shade ‘Purple Rain’
About 25m of yarn is required for an 11cm/4 inch pompom (included in the yarn requirements above)
Needles
- 5.5mm / US9 needles
- 6 mm / US10 needles (or whatever size you need to achieve the correct tension)
Equipment
- Ruler or tape measure
- Clover XL PomPom Maker
, or make one the old fashioned way or use a purchased pompom, we recommend Toft’s ethical Alpaca fur pompoms.
- Yarn needle
Tension/gauge
16 stitches and 22 rows over 10cm/4 inches in stocking/stockinette stitch on 6mm needles
Techniques
- Cable cast on – this simple variation on the knitted cast on gives a neater edge
- Mattress stitch – for an invisible seam
Instructions
Brim
Using smaller needles, CO 73 sts using cable cast on
Row 1 (rs): [k2, p2] to last st, k1
Row 2 (ws): p1, [k2, p2] to end
These two rows form the rib pattern
Continue in rib until work measures 8cm/3 in. from CO edge, ending with a ws row, stretching the ribbing a little before measuring
Body of hat
Change to larger needles
Row 1 (rs): Knit
Row 2 (ws): Purl
These two rows form stocking/stockinette st.
Continue in stocking/stockinette until work measures 14cm/5 1/2 in. from CO edge
Shape crown
Row 1 (rs): [k2tog, k14, ssk] four times, k1 (65 sts)
Row 2 (ws) and all following ws rows: Purl
Row 3: [k2tog, k12, ssk] four times, k1 (57 sts)
Row 5: [k2tog, k10, ssk] four times, k1 (48 sts)
Continue decreasing in this manner, working two fewer sts between decreases on each rs row, until the following row has been worked:
Row 13: [k2tog, k2, ssk] four times, k1 (17 sts)
Purl 1 row
Next row (rs): [k2tog, ssk] four times, k1 (9sts)
Break yarn, leaving an 80cm yarn tail (used to sew the side seam). Using a yarn needle, thread yarn through the remaining loops and pull tight.
Sew side seam using mattress stitch.
Attach the pompom by threading the two strands attached to the pompom through stitches on opposite sides at the very top of the crown. Fasten using a double bow on the inside of the hat, so that the pompom can be easily removed if ever necessary.