This is a very easy hat that is suitable for beginners. The surface pattern comes from rows of reverse stocking stitch (purl of the right side and knit on the wrong side). It works in multiples of ten rows and I am giving patterns for the 2 versions. But once you see how easy the pattern is to work, you’ll also see that it can be adapted quite freely to have different numbers and variations of stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch.
And if you want to add a pom-pom to the crown of your finished hat, then do so. Do not be put off by teenagers who say it’s too uncool. What do they know?