This romantic slouch hat uses the star stitch (turned sideways) to give the illusion of rows of tiny hearts running up the sides of it. Since it is such an understated design, the Heartstrings slouch hat is one you’ll be able to wear all winter long–not just on Valentine’s Day. Find the free crochet pattern instructions below, or purchase a print-optimized, ad-free PDF by clicking here.
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I’m not the kind of person to wear things blatantly covered in hearts on Valentines, however, small subtle heart shapes are another story! I used Red Heart’s beautiful “Soft” yarn in “Berry” to crochet this slouch hat project. It is indeed so soft and cozy, I know you’ll fall in love with it right away like I did! It works perfectly with the star stitches and gives them a nice texture while still maintaining all that squishy softness a warm winter hat needs.
Instructions for child and adult are included, but it is able to be customized to a variety of head shapes because the main part is worked in rows instead of rounds. The Star Stitch or Marguerite Stitch is crocheted across two different rows. It may seem a little tricky at first, but I’ve included detailed written instructions to help you. The ridges of the hat are made by working in the 3rd loop of a half-double stitch. I especially love this stitch because it looks knit, and brings a certain classiness to the design.
Complete the set with the matching Heartstrings Fingerless Gloves pattern!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase something using these links a small amount of the sales price goes to me. You do not pay any extra for the item you purchase.
Difficulty:
Easy/Intermediate
Materials Needed:
5mm Hook (or hook needed to obtain gauge)
Approximately 225-250 yards of Red Heart Soft in “Berry” <–Click here to purchase some of your own if you’re out
Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Scissors
1” Button (I used Antique Silver Nordic Metal buttons by Belle Buttons by Dritz which appear to be discontinued now)
Stitches Used:
ch= chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
sl st = slip stitch
BPhdc = back post half double crochet
FPhdc = front post half double crochet
Additional terms:
st/sts = stitch/stitches
Stitching in the “3rd loop” of hdc. After turning, work all stitches for that row in the 3rd loop of the hdc from previous row (it will be facing you).
This pattern uses the Star Stitch for rows 3 and 4. I’ve included written instructions on both rows.
Gauge:
14 hdc stitches to 4″, each row 2-5 repeat should give 1 3/4″ of height.
Measurements:
10″ by 10″ for adult hat
Additional Notes:
-ch-1 at beginning of row or round does not count as st
-This hat works best when using very soft, worsted weight yarn with plenty of drape. Use of another yarn besides Red Heart Soft may give you different results.
Heartstrings Slouch Hat Crochet Pattern (US Terms):
Click here to purchase an ad-free, print-optimized PDF of this pattern on LoveCrafts
Row 1: For child size slouch hat ch 30, for adult size slouch hat, ch 36, hdc in second ch from hook (counts as first hdc of row), hdc in each st across, ch 1, turn. (29, 35)
Row 2: working in 3rd loop of hdc, hdc in each st across, ch 2, turn. (29, 35)
Row 3: pull up a loop in the back of the second chain, pull up another loop in the side of the chain, there should be 3 loops on your hook, pull up a loop in next 3 sts so that you have 6 loops on your hook, yo, and pull through all 6 loops, begin next star: *ch 1, pull up a loop in the center/eye of the star just completed, pull up a loop in the front loop of the star you just made, pull up a loop right at the base of the stitch you pulled a loop through, pull up loops in the next 2 sts so that there are 6 loops on your hook, yo, and pull through all 6 loops; repeat from * across, note: be careful not to chain 1 after pulling a loop through all 6 loops or you’ll have an extra stitch, when you end the final star hdc in same stitch as the last stitch you drew up the last of your 6 loops in, ch 2 (does NOT count as a stitch), turn. (14, 17 stars)
Row 4: 2 hdc in the center of each star across, hdc in final st of row, note: this is separate from the center of the star, ch 2 (counts as first hdc), turn. (29, 35)
Row 5: hdc in each st across, remembering to avoid stitching into the ch-2 at the beginning of row 4, ch 1, turn. (29, 35)
Repeat rows 2-5 until your hat measures 17″ long for a child, and 19” long for adult, then repeat rows 2-4 one more time.
Your hat should measure about 18″ long for a child, and 20″ long for an adult, by 7 1/2″ tall for a child, and 8 1/2″ tall for an adult at this point.
Pull up a 24″ tail, cut yarn, fold hat in half and use the tail to whip-stitch the two ends of the hat together, forming a tube. If you use this method your seam should be invisible.
Brim:
Attach yarn to the end that is the smoothest, this should make your “hearts” go the right direction. Double check that this is the case before you move on with the next step!
Round 1: ch 1, work 64 (child), 72 (adult) sc evenly around the end, join with sl st to first sc. (64, 72)
Round 2: ch 1, FPhdc around first st, FPhdc around next st, BPhdc around next 2 sts, *FPhdc around next 2 sts, BPhdc around next 2 sts; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first FPhdc (64, 72)
Rounds 3-5: ch 1, *FPhdc around next 2 FPhdc sts, hdc in next two sts; repeat from * around, join with sl st to first FPhdc. (64, 72)
Round 6: ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (64, 72)
Fasten off, and weave in ends
Turn hat inside out.
Cut a strand of yarn at least 24” long, thread on to your yarn needle (a double strand makes it easier to cinch the top of the hat without breaking the yarn), and do a running stitch around the top opening, and cinch it together snugly.
Tie off, and weave in the ends.
Turn hat right side out again.
Button Tab:
Row 1: ch 6, sc in second ch from hook, and in each st across, ch 1, turn (5)
Rows 2-16: sc in each stitch across, ch 1, turn. (5)
To finish, sc evenly around the edge of the rectangle, fasten off leaving an 18″ tail for sewing the tab to the hat.
Wrap button tab around the brim, over the seam, and sew it on, then sew on button.
I would love to see a picture when you’re done, so please feel free to come by my Facebook group and show off your project! Be sure to tag @kirstenhollowaydesigns when you share pictures of your finished slouch hat on Instagram, and use #heartstringsslouchhat
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Pattern Terms and Conditions:
You are welcome to share the link to this pattern, using one image of your choice, on your site, but please do not share the written patterns themselves, or use additional images. You do not have permission to use my images by themselves to create pinnable graphics for Pinterest, however they may be included in a roundup pin if there are 4 or more other patterns. If you sell finished items online, please do not use my pictures for your listings. I’m positive that your work is of high enough quality for you to sell the finished piece. Have confidence in your abilities! <3 Thank you!
This pattern was made to be used by individuals, and small business crocheters alike. Selling your finished pieces in boutiques, at farmer’s markets, craft shows, and other local events is encouraged! The only thing I require is that this pattern not be used commercially to produce hundreds of thousands of copies.
Jane Richman says
I made the ear flap hat for my granddaughter and love it. Now working on this heart/star one. I just don’t understand how the 35 sts across will fit across anyone’s head. What am I missing?
Kirsten says
The body of the pattern is worked vertically, so one end becomes the top of the hat, and will be cinched tight, and the other is closer to the ears, and then a band will be added. I hope that helps!
Laci says
What is the multiple doe the pattern?
I’m using a slightly heavier worsted yarn and a 6mm hook, so I don’t think I will need to chain 36. What can I drop down to?
Kirsten says
Hi Laci,
You could try working the child size (beginning ch of 30) to see if it comes up about right. 🙂
Pat says
I’m going to use the stitch pattern to make a bolero shrug for s friend.
Kirsten says
Ok! Good luck in your project!
Janice Chrostoski says
I love your patterns. Thanks. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Kirsten says
Thank you, Janice! Merry Christmas to you too!
Reni C says
Very pretty and feminine hat. I plan on making a few for Christmas 2017 gifts. I know the ladies will love them. Thank you for your generosity with the pattern.
🙂
Kirsten says
You’re very welcome, Reni! 🙂
Kristen says
Lovely pattern! I was wondering though, if you meant for the first stitch on row 2 of the brim to be FPDC instead of FPHDC. Just wanted to double check. I love the textural qualities of this hat. Unlike any others I’ve seen so far!
Kirsten says
Thank you! The stitch is supposed to be a FPhdc on both rounds 1 and 2. I’ve updated the instructions!
carol says
oh so pretty…adding it to my to make list
Kirsten says
Thank you! Have fun crocheting it! 🙂
Anna says
Hi. I would really love to learn this new pattern but having trouble with row three ” pull up loop in back of second chain, pull up another loop in the side of chain”. Could you help me with this by describing which chain and where it’s back and side are. Thank you!
Kirsten says
This is describing the beginning of the row, right after you ch 2. You’ll pull up a loop in each of the designated spots on the second chain from your hook. YouTube has some great videos that show how to do the star stitch, so if you’ve never worked it before, it might be helpful to watch how the stitch is done. 🙂 It’s really easy once you get the hang of it! Good luck!
Brittany says
I am having the same trouble. After the initial first star stitch the rest I understand, but it’s the very first one that makes me confused. Are you talking about the 2 chains you just made, or the chains in your row? I’m assuming the back of the chain means the back bar, but what is the side of the chain? I tried finding youtube videos but they all start like how the pattern says to do the second star.
Kirsten says
You will work the first 2 loops into the first chain at the back and side of the first ch stitch. If you are having trouble there are some helpful videos on YouTube that show how to work that part. 🙂
Tawny Trusty says
Help!! When I do the pattern as written my raised row, from working in the 3rd loop, is not on the same side as my star stitch. Am I missing something?
Kirsten says
Work in the 3rd other side of the stitch.:)
Hopefully that helps!
Kim says
Do you have a newsletter you send out. Your designs a Beautiful!
Thank you!
Kirsten says
I don’t yet, Kim, but hope to get that set up sometime in the next few months! I’m glad you are enjoying the patterns!
Alexandra says
Beautiful hat pattern! I did not notice before, but I love the idea of the sideways stars to be rows of hearts. Great idea!
Kirsten says
Thank you so much, Alexandra! It’s fun to play with stitches from a different perspective. 😀
Danielle Hughes says
Helloo Kristen…im in love with this hat …however I cant figure out how to do the star stitch…im stuck on the first row…do u have a tutorial at all?…if so please send to my email…[email protected]…thanks Danielle
Kirsten says
Hi Danielle,
This video may help you out, but it does start in the middle of a round. It’s to a different pattern of mine, but the stitch is the same. https://www.facebook.com/kirstenhollowaydesigns/videos/217132302545755/
If you’re still struggling with how to work this stitch there are some good tutorials on how to work the Star Stitch on YouTube if you do a search. 🙂