This hat is worked in two parts. First the headband is worked flat and stitched together. Stitches are then picked up and knit in the round to form the crown. The purl side is the right side of the hat. Gauge is not important. You will make the headband to fit your head (a measurement for an average size is given in the pattern) and then you can make the crown as tall or short as you like.

It appears a small part of the instructions are missing from the pattern. After the instructions for the pattern rows, it should say:

Repeat rows 1 - 12, 8 more times for a total of 9 cables. Or until headband piece is about 23”-24” long. Bind off leaving 12” tail. Overlap beginning of band over the end 3”-4” and sew together using tail. Weave in ends.