8 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
One size fits most adult heads
Cast on 56 stitches using the long-tail cast on method.
Place marker to indicate beginning of round and join in the round, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Rounds 1-4: *Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end of round.
Round 5: *Knit 6, place next 4 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front, knit next 4 stitches, then knit 4 stitches from cable needle; repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 6-8: *Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 5-8 twice more, for a total of 4 cable repeats.
Round 21: *Knit 6, place next 4 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front, knit next 4 stitches, then knit 4 stitches from cable needle; repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 6-8 three times, for a total of 4 rib repeats.
Round 32: Knit all stitches.
Continue working in stockinette stitch (knit all rounds) until the hat measures approximately 7 inches from the cast on edge.
Decrease Rounds:
Switch to double-pointed needles when necessary.
Round 1: *Knit 6, knit 2 together; repeat from * to end of round (48 stitches remaining).
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: *Knit 5, knit 2 together; repeat from * to end of round (40 stitches remaining).
Round 4: Knit all stitches.
Round 5: *Knit 4, knit 2 together; repeat from * to end of round (32 stitches remaining).
Round 6: Knit all stitches.
Round 7: *Knit 3, knit 2 together; repeat from * to end of round (24 stitches remaining).
Round 8: Knit all stitches.
Round 9: *Knit 2, knit 2 together; repeat from * to end of round (16 stitches remaining).
Round 10: Knit all stitches.
Round 11: *Knit 1, knit 2 together; repeat from * to end of round (8 stitches remaining).
Finishing:
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through tapestry needle, slip all remaining stitches off the needles, and thread the tail through each stitch in order. Pull tight to close the top of the hat. Weave in any loose ends and block your hat if desired.