Slouchy Cap

 

Slouchy Cap

Loose-fitting caps are becoming more trendy than fitted beanies – they are comfortable, fashionable and allow the hair to be either loose or piled up underneath.    My version of the slouchy cap is adapted to be a bit roomier for long hair but not too baggy.  This can quickly be knit in a few hours. 

Yarn 

Worsted weight – merino or blend

Needles

Size 8 circular or 4  DPNs, bamboo preferred

Instructions

CO 60 sts on circular or 3 DPNS; join ends of yarn to form a circle being sure that yarn is not twisted.  Mark start of round with a bit of yarn.

K2P2 for 10 rounds to form cap ribbing

Knit all sts for 4 rounds

You will now increase the diameter of the cap gradually by knitting into the front and back of the same stitch at spaced intervals on every other round five times.

Round 1:  K9, then knit front and back (KFB) of next st to form two sts; continue pattern of K9, KFB, K9, KFB till end of round

Round 2:  K all sts

Round 3:  K10, KFB, K10, KFB … till end of round

Round 4:  K all sts

Round 5:  K11, KFB, K11, KFB … till end of round

Round 6:  K all sts

Round 7:  K12, KFB, K12, KFB … till end of round

Round 8:  K all sts

Round 9: K 13, KFB, K13, KFB, till end of round

You have now finished increasing the diameter of the cap

Continue knitting all sts without further increases for 16 rounds

It’s now time to decrease sts in the same way that you increased but instead of KFB you will knit 2 together (K2tog).  So, for example:

Round 1:  K13, k2tog, K13, k2tog… till end of round

Round 2:  K12, k2tog, K12, k2tog.. till end of round

Round 3:  K11, k2tog, K11, k2tog... till end of round

And, so on.

If you are using circular needles, then you will need to transfer to DPNs at some point when your total st count is low. 

Continue in this pattern until 12 total sts remain.

Cut yarn leaving about 18 ins.  Thread a tapestry needle and pass through remaining 12 sts.  Tug snugly, circle yarn around itself to tie off.  Push needle through top of cap to inside and weave in loose end. 

Now, isn’t that a nice cap?

Abbreviations

CO – cast on

DPN – double-pointed needle

K – knit

K2tog – knit two together

KFB – knit front and back of stitch

P - purl

Sts – stitches