Timber Wolf Slouch Hat Free Pattern – A Cozy Brioche Knit with Faux Fur Pom

Embrace the wild with this luxuriously thick brioche knit slouch hat, featuring a faux fur pom that mimics a timber wolf's tail. The two-tone gradient effect creates a modern, forest-inspired look that's both warm and stylish. This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills, but with our detailed step-by-step instructions, even confident beginners can tackle this stunning project. The result is a squishy, reversible, and incredibly cozy hat that will become your go-to accessory all winter long.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Color A (MC): Charcoal Grey – approx 200 yards
  • Color B (CC): Silver Grey – approx 200 yards
• Needles: US 8 (5mm) 16-inch circular needle and US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge).
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a faux fur pom (optional but recommended for that wolf-tail look).
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in brioche stitch (unstretched, after blocking). Always knit a swatch to ensure your gauge matches!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before starting:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Yo: Yarn over
• Sl1yo: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip stitch, bring yarn over needle to back)
• Brk: Brioche knit (knit the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• Brp: Brioche purl (purl the slipped stitch together with its yarn over)
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• P2tog: Purl two stitches together
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• Rnd(s): Round(s)

Pattern Notes

• This hat is worked in the round from the bottom up.
• Brioche stitch creates a reversible, squishy fabric that is incredibly warm.
• The two-color brioche is worked with a main color (MC) and a contrasting color (CC) in alternating rounds. Pay close attention to which color you are using for each round.

Ribbing (Worked in the Round)

Step 1: With MC, CO 80 sts. Place a stitch marker and join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches.

Step 2: Rnds 1-10: *K2, P2; repeat from * to end of round. (80 sts) This creates a classic, stretchy ribbed brim that will fold up nicely.

Brioche Body

Step 3: Switch to CC for the first brioche round. This begins the two-tone brioche pattern that gives the hat its beautiful gradient effect.

Rnd 1 (CC): *Sl1yo, K1; repeat from * to end of round. Remember: Sl1yo means to bring the yarn to the front, slip the next stitch purlwise, then bring the yarn over the needle to the back, ready to knit the next stitch.

Rnd 2 (MC): *Brp, Sl1yo; repeat from * to end of round. For Brp, you will purl the slipped stitch together with its yarn over from the previous round.

Rnd 3 (CC): *Sl1yo, Brk; repeat from * to end of round. For Brk, you will knit the slipped stitch together with its yarn over.

Rnd 4 (MC): *Brp, Sl1yo; repeat from * to end of round.

Step 4: Repeat Rnds 3-4 until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a MC round. This will give you the perfect slouchy length. The fabric should look like a honeycomb with alternating charcoal and silver columns.

Crown Decreases

Step 5: Switch to working in the round with DPNs when stitches become too few for the circular needle. This typically happens after the first or second decrease round.

Rnd 1 (CC): *Sl1yo, Brk, K2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (60 sts) This decrease round removes 20 stitches evenly.

Rnd 2 (MC): *Brp, Sl1yo, Brp; repeat from * to end of round. (60 sts) Note: This round has no decreases, just maintains the brioche pattern.

Rnd 3 (CC): *Sl1yo, Brk, K2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (40 sts) Another 20 stitches decreased.

Rnd 4 (MC): *Brp, Sl1yo; repeat from * to end of round. (40 sts) Maintenance round.

Rnd 5 (CC): *Sl1yo, Brk, K2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (20 sts) Down to 20 stitches.

Rnd 6 (MC): *Brp, Sl1yo; repeat from * to end of round. (20 sts) Maintenance round.

Rnd 7 (CC): *Sl1yo, Brk, K2tog; repeat from * to end of round. (10 sts) Final decrease round.

Step 6: Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 10 sts. Pull tight to close the top of the hat, and secure with a knot.

Finishing

Step 7: Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle. Be sure to weave them in securely on the inside of the hat so they don't show on the outside.

Step 8: Attach the faux fur pom to the top of the hat. You can sew it on securely using the yarn tail or a matching thread.

Step 9: Block gently to shape. Wet block by soaking the hat in lukewarm water with a drop of wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay flat to dry on a towel, shaping it to your desired slouch. This will help even out the brioche stitches and give the hat a professional finish.

Your Timber Wolf Slouch Hat is complete! The two-tone brioche creates a stunning, dimensional fabric that's as warm as it is beautiful. The faux fur pom adds that playful, wild touch that makes this hat truly special. Wear it with pride and enjoy the cozy, forest-inspired luxury you've created with your own hands. Happy knitting!