Orange Peel Slouch Hat Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Orange Peel Slouch Hat is a beginner-friendly project that looks far more complicated than it is. It is worked as one flat rectangle in the bumpy, textured orange peel stitch, then seamed into a tube, so you never have to crochet in the round for the body. A bold cobalt blue band at the brim adds an art deco pop of contrast that makes this hat feel modern and polished. The finished hat is soft, squishy, and slouchy, with a smooth single crochet crown that gathers into a rounded top. If you can single and double crochet, you can make this hat.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: DK weight (3), acrylic or wool blend. Color A (orange): 200 yds. Color B (cobalt): 80 yds.
- Hook: 5 mm (US H-8)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, measuring tape, scissors
- Finished size: 22 inches circumference, 10 inches tall (slouchy fit)
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
- WS: wrong side
Gauge
16 stitches and 12 rows = 4 inches in orange peel stitch. Crochet a small swatch, measure it, and change hook size if needed so your hat comes out at the right size.
Tips Before You Start
- The orange peel stitch alternates sc and dc, so always work an sc into a dc and a dc into an sc. This keeps the texture even.
- Keep your turning chain loose so the edges of the rectangle stay straight and easy to seam.
- Measure the rectangle as you go: it should be 18 inches long before you stop. This length becomes the height of the hat.
- When working the brim and crown rounds, count your stitches at the end of each round so the decreases stay even.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rectangle (Color A)
Row 1: Ch 46. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, dc in next ch, [sc in next ch, dc in next ch] across, turn. (45 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first dc, dc in next sc, [sc in next dc, dc in next sc] across, turn. (45 sts)
Rows 3-54: Rep Row 2 until piece measures 18 inches from beginning, ending with a WS row. Fasten off. (45 sts)
Seam
Fold the rectangle in half with right sides together, matching the short ends. Whipstitch or slip stitch the short ends together to form a tube. Turn right side out.
Brim Band (Color B)
Rnd 1: Join B to bottom edge of tube. Ch 1, sc evenly around bottom edge, sl st to first sc. (72 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to first sc. (72 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each sc around, sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (72 sc)
Crown Shaping (Color A)
Rnd 1: Join A to top edge of tube. Ch 1, sc evenly around top edge, sl st to first sc. (72 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, [sc2tog, sc in next 6 sc] around, sl st to first sc. (63 sc)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc] around, sl st to first sc. (54 sc)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, [sc2tog, sc in next 4 sc] around, sl st to first sc. (45 sc)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, [sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc] around, sl st to first sc. (36 sc)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, [sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc] around, sl st to first sc. (27 sc)
Rnd 7: Ch 1, [sc2tog, sc in next sc] around, sl st to first sc. (18 sc)
Rnd 8: Ch 1, [sc2tog] around, sl st to first sc. (9 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Weave the tail through the remaining 9 sts and pull tight to close the crown.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle, working them into the wrong side of the fabric. Lightly block the hat to the finished measurements (22 inches around, 10 inches tall) by misting with water and shaping it flat or over a bowl. Let it dry completely before wearing.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the cobalt band for any bold contrast color, such as mustard or teal, for a different art deco look.
- Add a faux fur pom-pom to the crown for a cozy winter version.
- Use a worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm hook for a slightly denser, warmer hat (check your gauge first).
