The Orchard Harvest Slouch: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Apple-Inspired Beanie

Embrace the Season with the Orchard Harvest Slouch

There's something magical about the crisp air of autumn—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the scent of ripe apples, and the cozy comfort of a hand-knit hat. The Orchard Harvest Slouch captures all of that in a single, textured beanie. This free knitting pattern features a unique stitch pattern reminiscent of a crisp apple orchard, with a subtle leaf motif at the crown. Knit in a warm, earthy palette of deep red (like a Honeycrisp apple) and butterscotch yellow, this slouchy hat is the perfect accessory for your fall wardrobe. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner, this pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, wearable piece of art.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. The sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Apple' (MC) and 'Butterscotch' (CC), but any worsted weight yarn will work beautifully.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 200 yards). Sample uses Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Apple' (MC) and 'Butterscotch' (CC).
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) 16-inch circular needle and double-pointed needles (or size needed to obtain gauge).
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Always check your gauge for best fit.
• Other: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes and Abbreviations

Sizes: Adult S/M (M/L). Finished circumference: 19 (21) inches.

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together
• p2tog: purl two together
• yo: yarn over
• sl: slip stitch purlwise
• dpn: double-pointed needles

Brim

With MC (Apple), CO 96 (108) stitches. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.

Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 1.5 inches. This creates a stretchy, snug brim that will keep the hat in place.

Body

Switch to CC (Butterscotch) and work the following stitch pattern. This pattern creates a beautiful, all-over textured look reminiscent of tiny apple seeds or basketweave. Repeat the pattern for the entire body of the hat.

Stitch Pattern (repeat around):

• Round 1: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 2: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 3: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 4: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 5: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 6: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 7: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 8: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 9: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 10: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 11: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 12: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 13: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 14: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 15: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 16: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 17: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 18: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 19: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 20: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 21: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 22: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 23: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 24: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 25: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 26: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 27: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 28: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 29: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 30: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 31: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 32: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 33: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 34: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 35: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 36: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 37: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 38: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 39: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 40: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 41: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 42: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 43: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 44: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 45: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 46: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 47: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 48: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 49: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 50: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 51: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 52: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 53: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 54: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 55: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 56: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 57: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 58: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 59: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 60: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 61: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 62: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 63: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 64: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 65: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 66: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 67: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 68: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 69: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 70: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 71: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 72: *k2, p2* repeat around.
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• Round 74: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 75: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 76: *k2, p2* repeat around.
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• Round 78: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 79: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 80: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 81: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 82: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 83: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 84: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 85: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 86: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 87: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 88: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 89: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 90: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 91: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 92: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 93: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 94: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 95: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 96: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 97: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 98: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 99: *k2, p2* repeat around.
• Round 100: *k2, p2* repeat around.

Note: This pattern creates a tall, slouchy hat. For a shorter hat, you can stop after fewer rounds (e.g., 60-70 rounds) and proceed to the crown decreases.

Crown Decreases

Switch to dpn when stitches become too few for circular needle.

• Round 1: *k2, p2tog* repeat around. (72, 81 stitches)
• Round 2: *k2, p1* repeat around.
• Round 3: *k2tog, p1* repeat around. (48, 54 stitches)
• Round 4: *k1, p1* repeat around.
• Round 5: *k2tog* repeat around. (24, 27 stitches)
• Round 6: *k2tog* repeat around. (12, 14 stitches)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired to even out stitches and give the hat a polished look. Your Orchard Harvest Slouch is now ready to wear—perfect for crisp autumn walks, apple picking, or cozying up by the fire.