Cozy Slouch Hat: Free Beginner Crochet Pattern
This soft, slouchy beanie has a relaxed silhouette that drapes comfortably, making it a reliable staple for chilly autumn mornings or winter walks. Its gentle ribbed texture and slouchy crown offer a timeless look that fits teens and adults alike. Even if you are just picking up a hook for the first time, the simple construction helps you build confidence while creating a wardrobe essential. You will learn to manage tension for a smooth finish and master basic decreases to shape the top of the hat. It is a rewarding project that comes together over a single weekend.

Why You Will Love This Pattern
This beginner-friendly project works up quickly using basic amigurumi techniques, making it an ideal choice for using up small amounts of leftover yarn from your stash. The construction relies on simple continuous rounds, which eliminates the need to join at the end of each circle and prevents visible seams. Because the pattern uses single crochet stitches, the resulting fabric is dense and sturdy, holding its shape perfectly when stuffed with fiberfill. It makes a thoughtful handmade gift for children or a charming desktop decoration for your own home office.
I finished this little project in just under two hours during a single evening. The instructions are very clear about where to place the increases, and the finished piece looks exactly like the photos provided.
— Sarah, amigurumi enthusiast
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Construction: Amigurumi-style continuous rounds worked from the bottom up, finished with stuffing and simple shaping.
- Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Approximately 4 inches tall and 3 inches wide.
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) acrylic or cotton blend, approximately 40 yards in main color and 10 yards in accent color.
- Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) crochet hook to ensure a tight gauge so stuffing does not show through.
- Notions: Polyester fiberfill stuffing, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a pair of 9mm safety eyes, and a stitch marker to track the beginning of rounds.
- Safe yarn substitutions: You may use DK weight yarn with a 3.0 mm hook for a smaller, more detailed result, or bulky weight yarn with a 5.0 mm hook for a larger, softer toy. Note that changing yarn weight will alter the finished size significantly.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: 2 sc in the same stitch (increase)
- dec: sc2tog (invisible decrease by picking up the front loops of the next two stitches, then yarning over and pulling through both)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Body
- Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring (6 sts).
- Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
- Rnd 3: 1 sc, inc repeat from * to * around (18 sts).
- Rnd 4: 2 sc, inc repeat from * to * around (24 sts).
- Rnd 5: 3 sc, inc repeat from * to * around (30 sts).
- Rnds 6-12: Sc in each st around (30 sts).
- Rnd 13: 3 sc, dec repeat from * to * around (24 sts).
- Rnd 14: 2 sc, dec repeat from * to * around (18 sts).
Insert the safety eyes between Rnd 9 and Rnd 10, spacing them about 4 stitches apart. Begin adding fiberfill stuffing firmly as you continue to close the piece.
- Rnd 15: 1 sc, dec repeat from * to * around (12 sts).
- Rnd 16: Dec in each st around (6 sts).
Finishing
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle and weave it through the front loops of the final 6 stitches. Pull the thread tight to close the hole securely and knot the yarn inside the body of the project before trimming the excess.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Hand wash in cool water using a mild wool-safe detergent to preserve the shape of the fiberfill.
- Lay the piece flat on a clean towel to air dry, turning occasionally to ensure even evaporation.
- Reshape the item gently while damp if the stuffing has shifted during the washing process.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension throughout the project to ensure the stuffing does not poke through the gaps between stitches. Always place a stitch marker at the first stitch of every round to keep an accurate count, as working in continuous rounds makes it easy to lose your place. When weaving in your yarn ends, pull them slightly to the inside of the piece before trimming so the ends stay hidden and secure. If you wish to make this project larger, increase the starting magic ring to 8 stitches and continue the increase sequence accordingly, though keep in mind this will require significantly more yarn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cotton yarn instead of acrylic?
Yes, cotton yarn is an excellent choice for amigurumi because it creates a defined stitch with little stretch. It results in a firmer finish than acrylic yarn.
Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never crocheted before?
Yes, this pattern uses only the most basic stitches. As long as you are comfortable holding a hook and yarn, you can complete this project by following the round-by-round guide.
How do I keep the fiberfill from showing through the stitches?
The most important step is using a hook size smaller than what is recommended on your yarn label. This creates a denser fabric that keeps the stuffing contained.
Am I allowed to sell items made from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items created from this pattern. Please credit the original design to maintain professional standards within the crafting community.

Your finished hat feels light yet warm against the skin and provides a polished look for everyday wear. You might consider adding a faux fur pompom to the crown for an extra touch of style or using a variegated yarn for a colorful pattern. I would love to see how your project turned out, so please share a photo of your work on your favorite social media platform. Feel free to browse through the rest of the blog for more free patterns to fill your next afternoon of stitching.





