Olive Grove Slouchy Beanie Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Olive Grove Slouchy Beanie is a relaxed, Mediterranean-inspired hat that works up quickly and looks effortlessly stylish. It's designed with beginners in mind: if you can make a double crochet and a magic ring, you can make this hat. The natural undyed cream yarn gives it a soft, earthy feel, while a single olive green stripe adds just the right amount of interest. Light enough for summer evenings and cozy enough for cool mornings, this slouchy beanie is the kind of project you'll want to make again and again.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton or cotton-blend yarn — approximately 150 yards natural undyed (Color A) and 30 yards olive green (Color B)
• Hook: 5 mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape
• Finished size: Unstretched, 19 inches circumference at the brim and 10 inches from brim to crown

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops
• sc — single crochet: insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook
• MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop used to begin working in the round
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• inc — increase: work 2 stitches into the same stitch

Gauge

12 double crochet and 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check, crochet a small swatch in double crochet, measure a 4-inch section, and adjust your hook size if your stitches are too tight or too loose.

Tips Before You Start

• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place at the join.
• Keep your tension relaxed and even — a slouchy hat should drape, not stand up stiffly.
• Count your stitches at the end of every increase round; the crown only works out evenly if each round hits its target count.
• When changing colors, complete the final yarn over of the last stitch with the new color for a clean transition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The hat is worked in joined rounds from crown to brim. Begin with Color A.

Crown (Color A)

Rnd 1: MR, 12 dc. Join with sl st to first dc. (12 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 2, [dc in next st, 2 dc in next st] around. Join. (36 sts)

Rnd 4: Ch 2, [dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join. (48 sts)

Rnd 5: Ch 2, [dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join. (60 sts)

Rnd 6: Ch 2, [dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join. (72 sts)

Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (72 sts)

Rnd 8: Ch 2, [dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st] around. Join. (84 sts)

Rnds 9-10: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (84 sts)

Body

Rnds 11-13: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (84 sts)

Change to Color B.

Rnds 14-15: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (84 sts)

Change to Color A.

Rnds 16-22: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (84 sts)

Brim

Rnd 23: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (84 sts)

Rnd 24: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (84 sts)

Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the inside of the hat with your tapestry needle, working each end through several stitches in a couple of directions so it stays secure. Gently block the hat by misting it lightly with water and smoothing it into shape over a bowl or hat form; let it dry completely. No seaming is needed — the hat is worked in one piece from crown to brim.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make the stripe wider by working 3-4 rounds in Color B instead of 2.
• Add a second stripe in a warm terracotta or sand tone for a layered Mediterranean look.
• For a snugger fit, stop the crown increases at Round 7 (72 sts) and work the body and brim at 72 sts.