The Lace Braid Slouchy is a lacy hat with a decorative brim and relaxed vibe. I was inspired to create this design as a warm-weather alternative for cabled brim beanies, and also to avoid the hassle of picking up stitches after knitting the brim. The lace motif for the brim suggests a braided cable motif, and then the body of the hat is knit with simple columns of lace stitches and slipped stitches. The pattern is given in three sizes, to fit a child, adult small, and adult large.

To knit this hat, knitters will need to be comfortable knitting in the round. Simple lace stitches (k2tog, ssk, and sl1, k2tog, psso), YO, and slipped stitches are all used in this design. The gauge for the hat body is not as important, but the gauge for the brim will be crucial for a correct fit. The brim was designed to be worn with 3-4” of negative ease. Because a lace brim will be less forgiving fit-wise than a ribbed brim, it is well worth knitters’ time to swatch and check gauge for this project.

Materials

Sirdar Cotton DK 100% cottonl; 232 yd/212 m per 100g skein - 539 Terracotta, 1 skein (Sample, adult large, used 90 g, approx. 209 yds)

1 US #2.5 / 3.0 mm circular needle, 16-inch
1 US #7 / 4.5 mm circular needle, 16-inch
US #7 / 4.5 mm DPNs

Notions: stitch marker, tapestry needle

SIZES: child (adult small, adult large)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:

Brim Circumference: 15, (17, 20) inches
Length: 7 (9.5, 9.5) inches after blocking

GAUGE:

6.5 sts / 10 rows = 1 inch in lace brim chart (smaller needles)
23 sts / 27 rows = 4 inches in body chart (larger needles)

the gauge of the hat body is not critical, but it will impact the yardage required to finish the project