12. The Waffle Stitch Slouch with Faux-Brim

Introduction

The Waffle Stitch Slouch combines deep, three-dimensional texture with a clean, contemporary profile. Structural square recesses trap air for lightweight warmth, while a faux rolled brim adds a neat casual finish.

What This Idea Means

Waffle stitch uses simple combinations of knits, purls, and slipped stitches to create an architectural grid. It adds visual depth to solid-color yarns without requiring complex cabling techniques.

How to Make It

  • Yarn: 100% Organic Wool Worsted (approx. 180m / 100g).
  • Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles.
  • Gauge: 19 stitches and 26 rounds = 4 inches in Waffle Pattern.
  • Construction:
    1. Cast on 88 stitches using a standard long-tail cast on.
    2. Knit 6 rounds of plain stockinette to create a naturally curling raw edge (the faux-brim).
    3. Work 1 round of purl stitches to create a clean decorative break.
    4. Begin 4-round Waffle Stitch cycle:
      • Round 1: Knit all stitches.
      • Round 2: Knit all stitches.
      • Round 3: *K1, P3; rep from *.
      • Round 4: *K1, P3; rep from *.
    5. Work pattern straight until the hat measures 10 inches from the purl ridge.
    6. Decrease on Round 1 repeats by working K2tog evenly across the knit columns.
    7. Cinch the remaining 11 stitches and secure the tail.

Tips and Variations

  • Need to Make: Ensure your purl-to-knit tension is consistent to keep the waffle squares symmetrical.
  • Variation: Add thin vertical pinstripes by slip-stitching a contrasting color through the single knit columns.