Nordic Star Slouch Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Nordic Star Slouch Hat is a cozy, beginner-friendly project that looks far more intricate than it actually is. It's perfect for anyone who can single crochet in the round and wants to try their hand at a simple appliqué. The hat is worked as a straight tube in deep navy, giving it that relaxed, slouchy drape that sits beautifully on the head. A crisp white eight-pointed star, inspired by classic Nordic winter motifs, is crocheted separately and sewn to the front center for a clean, graphic finish. The result is a soft, warm hat with a handmade, heirloom feel that's wonderful for gifting or keeping for yourself.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn, acrylic or wool blend. Main color (MC) navy: 200 yds. Contrast color (CC) white: 50 yds.
- Hook: 5 mm (H/8) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle for sewing and weaving in ends, stitch marker (optional), scissors
- Finished size: Circumference 22 inches, height 11 inches (slouchy)
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- rnd(s) — round(s)
- MC — main color (navy)
- CC — contrast color (white)
Gauge
16 stitches and 16 rounds = 4 inches in single crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch in sc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your join tidy: When you join the starting chain into a ring, make sure the chain isn't twisted, or your tube will spiral.
- Work continuously: This hat is worked in a continuous spiral of single crochet. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you don't lose your place.
- Mind your tension: Even, relaxed single crochet gives the slouchy drape its softness. If your stitches are tight, try going up a hook size.
- Plan the star placement: Try the hat on before sewing the star so you can center it exactly where you want it on the front.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Hat (MC)
Setup: Ch 88, join with a sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist the chain.
Rnd 1: Sc in each ch around (88 sts).
Rnds 2–40: Sc in each st around (88 sts).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Star (CC)
Setup: Ch 2.
Rnd 1: 8 sc in the 2nd ch from hook (8 sts).
Rnd 2: [Sc in next st, ch 3, sl st in same st] 8 times (8 points).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Try the hat on and mark the front center. Using the long tail from the star and a tapestry needle, sew the star securely to the front center of the hat, stitching around the base of each point so it lies flat. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping flat, or steam gently, then let dry completely.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Color swap: Reverse the colors for a white hat with a navy star, or use a deep red MC for a festive look.
- Add a brim: Work a few extra rounds of sc in the back loop only at the bottom edge for a subtle rolled brim.
- Star placement: Sew the star slightly off-center or add a second smaller star for a playful, scattered look.
