The Carousel Skye Slouch Hat: A Whimsical Granny Square Crochet Pattern

Imagine a hat that captures the nostalgic joy of a summer fair, the gentle spin of a ferris wheel, and the free-spirited elegance of boho style. That's exactly what you'll create with the Carousel Skye Slouch Hat. This pattern combines a classic granny square motif—reimagined as a vibrant ferris wheel—with a soft, textured slouchy body and a ribbed brim. It's a playful yet sophisticated accessory that's perfect for festival wear, cozy autumn days, or adding a handmade touch to any outfit. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a fun challenge, this pattern is designed to guide you through every step with clarity and ease.

This isn't just a hat; it's a statement piece. The crown features a stunning, multi-colored granny square that radiates outward like the spokes of a wheel, while the body falls into a relaxed, slouchy silhouette. The result is a hat that's as comfortable to wear as it is beautiful to behold. Let's get started on this delightful crochet adventure!

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the stitches, let's gather our supplies. Having everything ready will make your crafting experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or acrylic blend (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in 4 colors:
  • MC (Main Color): Cream (approx. 200 yards)
  • CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Dusty Rose (approx. 50 yards)
  • CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Sage Green (approx. 50 yards)
  • CC3 (Contrast Color 3): Mustard Yellow (approx. 50 yards)
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional but helpful), scissors.

Gauge: 4" x 4" = 16 sc x 18 rows; one granny square motif = 4" diameter. Checking your gauge is crucial to ensure your hat fits perfectly. If your gauge is off, adjust your hook size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Using stitch markers at the beginning of each round will help you keep track of your place, especially when working the repetitive body of the hat. Let's begin with the star of the show: the ferris wheel granny square.

Part 1: The Ferris Wheel Granny Square Motif (Make 1)

This square is worked from the center out, with each round adding a new "spoke" to our wheel. We'll start with our main color (MC) and then switch colors for the final rounds to create the vibrant wheel effect.

Round 1 (MC): Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as your first double crochet, dc). Work 2 dc into the ring. Ch 2. *Work 3 dc into the ring, ch 2.* Repeat from * to * two more times. You should now have 4 groups of 3 dc, separated by ch-2 spaces. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the initial ch-3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)

Round 2 (MC): Slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in the same ch-2 space, ch 1. *In the next ch-2 space (the corner), work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * two more times. In the last corner space, work 3 dc, ch 2, and then sl st to the top of the initial ch-3 to close the round. (24 dc, 4 corners, 4 ch-1 spaces)

Round 3 (MC): Slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the ch-1 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same ch-1 space, ch 1. *In the next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, and sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. (36 dc, 4 corners, 8 ch-1 spaces)

Round 4 (MC): Slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the ch-1 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same ch-1 space, ch 1. *In the next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, and sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. (48 dc, 4 corners, 12 ch-1 spaces)

Round 5 (MC): Slip stitch into the next 2 dc and into the ch-1 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same ch-1 space, ch 1. *In the next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, and sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. (60 dc, 4 corners, 16 ch-1 spaces). Fasten off MC and weave in the end.

Round 6 (CC1 - Dusty Rose): Join CC1 in any corner ch-2 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same space, ch 1. *In the next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, and sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. (72 dc, 4 corners, 20 ch-1 spaces). Fasten off CC1 and weave in the end.

Round 7 (CC2 - Sage Green): Join CC2 in any corner ch-2 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same space, ch 1. *In the next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, and sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. (84 dc, 4 corners, 24 ch-1 spaces). Fasten off CC2 and weave in the end.

Round 8 (CC3 - Mustard Yellow): Join CC3 in any corner ch-2 space. Ch 3, 2 dc in the same space, ch 1. *In the next corner ch-2 space, work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc). Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1. Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space. Ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around, ending with 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, and sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. (96 dc, 4 corners, 28 ch-1 spaces). Fasten off CC3 and weave in the end. Your beautiful ferris wheel motif is complete!

Part 2: The Slouchy Hat Body

Now we'll transform our flat square into a three-dimensional hat. We'll be working in the round, starting from the edge of the motif and working downwards to create the slouchy body.

Round 1 (MC): With the right side of the motif facing you, join MC with a sl st in any corner ch-2 space. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in the same space, ch 1. *Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1.* Repeat from * to * across the side until you reach the next corner. In the corner ch-2 space, work 3 dc, ch 1. Continue in this manner around the entire square, working 3 dc in each ch-1 space and 3 dc in each corner, with a ch 1 between each group. At the end of the round, join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. You will have a total of 32 groups of 3 dc, each separated by a ch-1 space.

Rounds 2-10 (MC): Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in the same ch-1 space, ch 1. *Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1.* Repeat from * to * around the entire hat. Join with a sl st to the top of the initial ch-3. Repeat this round until the hat measures approximately 8 inches from the center of the motif. This will be about 10 rounds total. The hat will naturally begin to take on a slouchy, cylindrical shape.

Part 3: Crown Shaping (Decreases)

Now we'll shape the top of the hat by decreasing the number of stitches. This will create a rounded crown that fits comfortably.

Round 11: Ch 3, 2 dc in the same ch-1 space, ch 1. *Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1.* Repeat from * to * 6 times. In the next ch-1 space, work 2 dc instead of 3. Ch 1. *Work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1.* Repeat from * to * 7 times. In the next ch-1 space, work 2 dc. Ch 1. Continue around the hat, working 2 dc in every 8th ch-1 space to decrease. Join with a sl st. You should now have 30 groups of dc.

Round 12: Repeat Round 11, working 2 dc in every 8th ch-1 space again. You will have 28 groups of dc.

Round 13: Repeat Round 11, working 2 dc in every 8th ch-1 space again. You will have 26 groups of dc.

Round 14: Ch 2 (counts as a half double crochet, hdc). Work 1 hdc in each dc and in each ch-1 space around. At 4 evenly spaced points, work 2 hdc together (hdc2tog) to decrease. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-2. (22 hdc)

Round 15: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each hdc around, working hdc2tog at 4 evenly spaced points. Join. (18 hdc)

Round 16: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each hdc around, working hdc2tog at 4 evenly spaced points. Join. (14 hdc)

Round 17: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each hdc around, working hdc2tog at 4 evenly spaced points. Join. (10 hdc)

Round 18: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each hdc around, working hdc2tog at 4 evenly spaced points. Join. (6 hdc)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 12 inches). Thread the tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the remaining 6 hdc stitches. Pull tight to close the hole at the top of the crown, and secure the yarn with a knot. Weave in the end.

Part 4: The Ribbed Brim

Finally, we'll add a comfortable, textured brim to finish our hat. This brim is worked in rows, not rounds, and then folded up.

Row 1 (MC): With the right side of the hat facing you, join MC with a sl st at the bottom edge of the hat, in any stitch. Ch 1, work 1 single crochet (sc) in each stitch around the entire bottom edge. This should be approximately 56 sc. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Note: The number of sc may vary slightly depending on your tension; just make sure it's an even number for the next rows.

Row 2: Ch 1, turn your work. Work 1 sc in the back loop only (blo) of each sc across. Turn.

Rows 3-7: Repeat Row 2 until the brim measures approximately 2 inches from the edge. This will be about 6 rows total. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Finishing Touches

Your Carousel Skye Slouch Hat is almost complete! Here are the final steps to make it perfect.

• Fold the Brim: Fold the ribbed brim up over the body of the hat. The back-loop-only stitches will create a lovely, stretchy ribbed texture.
• Add a Pom Pom (Optional): For an extra touch of whimsy, you can create a pom pom using CC3 (Mustard Yellow) and attach it securely to the top of the crown.
• Weave in Ends: Use your yarn needle to weave in any remaining loose ends from color changes and joins. Make sure they are secure and hidden.
• Blocking (Optional): To give your hat a professional finish, lightly block it. Mist it with water and gently shape it, then let it dry flat. This will help even out the stitches and define the slouchy shape.

And there you have it—a stunning, handmade Carousel Skye Slouch Hat that's as unique as you are. This pattern is a wonderful way to practice your granny square skills while creating a wearable piece of art. The combination of the colorful ferris wheel motif and the soft, slouchy body is sure to turn heads and spark conversations. Enjoy wearing your new favorite hat, and happy crocheting!