Description
Sloppy Joe is a slouchy Hat that is worked top down, starting with an optional small I-cord loop. It's knitted in stocking stitch and has a stocking stitch rolled brim.
Sloppy Joe is modern, casual Hat, which drapes back allowing the wearer to tuck up their hair should they wish. The gentle shaping allows the Hat to be worn to the back for a modern, slouchy look.
This pattern is ideal for beginning knitters, and is also a perfect showcase for your gorgeous hand-dyed and hand-spun yarns!
Pattern is worked top down and in the round.
This pattern was originally published in September 2006 as a premium single pattern. It’s been published for free as of June 2021, almost 15 years after it first went online!
Availability
My Patreon supporters and members of The Woolly Hat Society get exclusive early access to new free patterns and tutorials. Once the exclusive period is over it’s published here on the blog.
Support
If you have a question about this pattern, pop it in a comment below. Sorry, but I’m unable to help with my free patterns or tutorials via email or private messages.
Social Media
Share your hand-knit Hats online with these hashtags!
#WWSloppyJoeHat
Yarn
107 [113, 130] yd/98 [103, 119] m
27yd/25m for a 6x6in/15x15cm swatch in St.St.
Chunky weight, single ply yarn
Needles & Notions
Set 5.5mm/UK5/US9 DPNs/Circular or size needed to obtain gauge
Stitch marker as necessary
Tapestry needle
Sample details
Shown in Debbie Bliss Maya [137yd/125m per 100g; 100% Wool]
Shown in size 22in/56cm on model with 21.5in/54.5cm circumference head
Gauge
16 sts x 20 rows to 4in/10cm on 5.5mm needles over St.St.
Sizes
To fit size: 20 [22, 24] in/50.75 [56, 61] cm
Finished size: 18 [19.5, 21] in/45.75 [49.5, 53.25] cm
Not sure which size to make? Check my handy size and measuring guide!
Skills required
Stocking Stitch
Knitting in the round
I-cords
Abbreviations
K: knit
P: purl
rpt: repeat
Rnd(s): rounds
st(s): stitch(es)
M1: pick up the horizontal loop before the next stitch, place it onto the left needle and knit into the back of it
k2tog: knit next 2sts together
How to
I-cord version
Using your preferred method, cast on 3 sts
Work I-cord for 1in/2.5cm
Next Rnd: Knit into the front and back of each st [6sts]
Join in the round, taking care not to twist the sts.
Place stitch marker to indicate start of round.
Now work 2 rounds of Stocking Stitch.
Plain crown version
Using the Circular Cast-on method, cast on 6sts
Join in the round, taking care not to twist the sts.
Place stitch marker to indicate start of round.
Crown
Rnd 1: Knit all sts
Rnd 2: *K1, M1; rpt from * to end [12sts]
Rnd 3: Knit all sts
Rnd 4: *K2, M1; rpt from * to end [18sts]
Rnd 5: Knit all sts
Rnd 6: *K2, M1; rpt from * to end [27sts]
Rnd 7: Knit all sts
Rnd 8: *K3, M1; rpt from * to end [36sts]
Rnd 9: Knit all sts
Rnd 10: *K4, M1; rpt from * to end [45sts]
Rnd 11: Knit all sts
Rnd 12: *K5, M1; rpt from * to end [54sts]
Rnd 13: Knit all sts
Rnd 14: *K6, M1; rpt from * to end [63sts]
Rnd 15: Knit all sts
Rnd 16: *K7, M1; rpt from * to end [72sts]
Rnd 17: Knit all sts
Rnd 18: *K8, M1; rpt from * to end [81sts]
Rnd 19: Knit all sts
Rnd 20: *K9, M1; rpt from * to end [90sts]
20in & 22in sizes jump to Body section.
24in size only
Rnd 21: knit all sts
Rnd 22: *K10, M1; rpt from * to end [99sts]
Body
Now work stocking stitch by knitting every round until the length of the Hat (excluding I-cord) measures 7.25 [7.5, 8] in/18.5 [19, 20] cm
Rnd 1: *K8 [8, 9], K2tog; rpt from * to end [81, 81, 90] sts
Rnd 2: knit all sts
Rnd 3: *K7 [25, 13], K2tog; rpt from * to end [72, 78, 84] sts
Crown
Now work stocking stitch by knitting every round until Brim measures 3in/7.5cm, from last decrease round.
Using a larger needle, bind off loosely.
Finishing
Weave in all ends.
Blocking isn’t necessary although it will help the shaping settle. If required, gently wash with a wool friendly detergent and then dry flat. Avoid over stretching the brim.