Both of the hats in this section are based on the same basic principle: Adult human heads are about the same size (give or take a little), and the hats —knitted in the round with some decreases at the top — will fit no matter what yarn you use. A simple way to make sure a hat will fit you is to try it on after you knit 1 or 2 inches; rip out the existing stitches and move up or down a needle size if it’s a little too small or big.

Plain Hat with Rolled Brim
This most basic of hats is nicely shaped for just about every head size. Add any stitch pattern you like after knitting the first 5 rounds. If you stop the stitch pattern just before the decreases, you don’t have to worry about adjusting the decreases to the pattern.

Materials and vital statistics
✓ Measurements: 21 inches in diameter x 71⁄2 inches
✓ Yarn: Universal Yarn “Deluxe Worsted” (100% wool; CYC #4, 220 yards,
3.5 ounces 100 grams): Gold Spice, 1 skein
✓ Needles: One 16-inch size US 7 (41⁄2 mm) and size US 8 (5 mm) circular
needle; four or five size US 8 (5 mm) dpns, or size needed to obtain gauge
✓ Other materials: Stitch marker, tapestry needle
✓ Gauge: 20 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch pattern

Ribbed Watchman’s Cap
This classically masculine hat looks great on women, too — just choose a bright color or trim it with a knitted flower (see Chapter 20). Patterned yarn such as a handpainted, multishade colorway will be broken up by the 3-stitch rib, which is an interesting visual effect.

Materials and other vital statistics
✓ Measurements: 21 inches in diameter x 71⁄2 inches
✓ Yarn: Universal Yarn “Deluxe Worsted” (100% wool; CYC #4, 220 yards,
3.5 ounces 100 grams): Flintstone, 1 skein
✓ Needles: One 16-inch size US 9 (51⁄2 mm) circular needle; four or five size
US 9 dpns, or size needed to obtain gauge
✓ Other materials: Stitch marker, tapestry needle
✓ Gauge: 20 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in ribbed stitch pattern for hat slightly stretched