Posy Slouchy Hat and Cowl

Keep your family cozy and stylish all winter long with the beautiful, textured Posy Slouchy Hat and Cowl set, designed for sizes from baby to adult.

There is nothing quite like the crisp bite of winter air to make you crave a thick, comforting layer of handmade warmth.

I love this season.

Yet, walking into a department store often feels incredibly uninspiring when every winter accessory looks exactly the same.

You want something that stands out in a crowd, but finding a pattern that balances gorgeous texture with a simple, relaxing rhythm can be surprisingly tough.

That is exactly why I designed the Posy Slouchy Hat and Cowl set, a matching pair featuring a rich, eye-catching stitch pattern that looks highly intricate but is wonderfully soothing to crochet.

Your friends won't believe you actually made this yourself.

With sizes ranging from tiny babies to grown adults, you can easily whip up a coordinated set for everyone on your holiday gift list this year.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Stunning Texture: The unique stitch combination creates a deep, luxurious fabric that looks far more complex than it actually is.
• Perfect for Gifting: With sizes spanning from 3 months up to adult, you can make matching sets for the whole family.
• Relaxing Project: Once you establish the stitch repeat, you can easily watch your favorite show while crocheting.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Big Twist in Cinnamon (or any worsted weight, size 4 yarn)
• Hook: G (4.25mm) and 7 (4.5mm) for the hats, and I (5.5mm) for the cowl
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, tape measure, and optional pom-pom maker
• Yardage: Approximately 150–300 yards depending on the size selected

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 14 sts and 10 rows = 4 inches in main stitch pattern using the 4.5mm hook
• Sizes included: Hats: 3 months to Adult Woman; Cowl: Toddler, Child, Teen, and Adult
• Finished measurements: Hat circumferences range from 14 inches (baby) to 21 inches (adult); Cowl sizes are tailored to drape comfortably around the neck for each age group.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain - Yarn over, pull through loop.
• sc: Single Crochet - Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc: Double Crochet - Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through two loops] twice.
• sl st: Slip Stitch - Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
• fpdc: Front Post Double Crochet - Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the indicated stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, [yarn over, pull through two loops] twice. Learn more about post stitches in our How to Crochet a Hat tutorial.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round.
• Keep your post stitches loose and relaxed to ensure the hat retains its cozy, slouchy drape.
• You can easily adjust the slouchiness of the hat by adding or subtracting rounds before starting the crown decreases.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Crafting the Ribbed Brim

To begin your hat, use the smaller G (4.25mm) hook to create a snug, stretchy band. Chain 8, then work single crochets in the back loops only for each row until your band matches the head circumference for your chosen size. Join the short ends with slip stitches to form a ring, making sure not to twist your work.

Step 2: Setting Up the Hat Body

Switch to your size 7 (4.5mm) hook to start the main body of the hat. Work a round of single crochets evenly around the edge of your ribbed band to establish your base stitch count. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.

Step 3: Working the Textured Pattern Rounds

Now, begin the beautiful textured repeat. Alternate between standard double crochets and front post double crochets to build the rich, woven look of the Posy design. Continue repeating these rounds until your hat reaches the recommended height before the crown decreases.

Step 4: Shaping the Crown

To close the top of the hat, work decrease rounds by crocheting two stitches together. Once the opening is small, cut your yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through your yarn needle, weave it through the remaining stitches, pull tight to close, and secure your knot.

Step 5: Crocheting the Matching Cowl

Grab your larger I (5.5mm) hook and make a loose foundation chain to start the cowl. Join into a large ring, being careful not to twist. Work the textured stitch pattern in continuous rounds until the cowl reaches your desired height, then finish with a clean slip stitch round.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Faux Fur Pom-Pom: Add a trendy, removable faux fur pom-pom to the top of the hat for a modern boutique look.
• Messy Bun Style: Leave the crown partially open with an elastic band to transform this into a Skye Messy Bun Beanie style.
• Button Details: Sew decorative wooden buttons onto the cowl for a rustic touch, similar to the Clove Button Cowl.
• Striped Texture: Change colors every few rounds to highlight the gorgeous post stitches. Learn how to do this cleanly with our guide on Seamless Round Color Changes.
• Extra Slouch: Add three to four extra rounds to the body of the hat for an ultra-relaxed, bohemian fit like the Faye Slouchy Beanie.
• Colour ideas: Deep mustard yellow, forest green, or classic cream work beautifully to showcase the stitch definition.
• Yarn substitutions: Lion Brand Heartland or Caron Simply Soft are excellent alternatives that offer great drape.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The brim of my hat is too tight and doesn't stretch comfortably.
  Fix: Ensure you are crocheting your single crochets loosely in the back loops only, or switch to a slightly larger hook for the brim.
• Problem: The hat looks stiff instead of slouchy.
  Fix: Your tension might be too tight. Try switching to a larger hook size for the body of the hat to improve the drape.
• Problem: My cowl is twisting as I work the first few rounds.
  Fix: Be very careful when joining your foundation chain into a ring. Lay it flat on a table to ensure there are no twists before slip stitching.
• Problem: The post stitches are pulling the fabric inward too much.
  Fix: Pull up your loops slightly higher when working front post stitches to match the height of your regular double crochets.

Care Instructions

To keep your handmade set looking brand new, hand wash it gently in cold water with a mild wool wash. Lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry, shaping it gently while damp. Avoid wringing or hanging the wet items, as this can stretch out the stitches.

Final Thoughts

Creating something beautiful with your own two hands is a quiet form of magic. I hope this cozy set keeps you warm and brings a smile to your face every time you wear it. Happy crocheting, my friends!