I’ve knit several of these. I’m going with my normal mods.

I’m going down in needle size & stitch count.

Pattern repeat is a multiple of 11 so I will be reducing my count based on that. (132 121 110 99 88 77 etc). Then take into account the decreases at the top… a even number of repeats is needed so that makes cast on options: 132 110 88 66 44 22.

Based on my head size (20”) I’m going to start with CO 110 stitches. I’ll be doing the rib with size US#1 needles & the body in US#2

CO 110 with US#2
Switched to US#1 for the rib.

Knit 12 rounds of rib before starting the body (10 was a bit too skimpy).

Switched to US#2 for the body.

Body…
1-10 of chart 4 times
1-8 of chart once
Rounds 9-16 of decreases

Round 17: k3, (ssk, k2tog, k2) around to last 3 stitches. ssk, slip 1 stitch, remove marker, slip the slipped stitch back & k2tog (20 stitches)

Round 18: (k2tog, ssk) around (10 stitches)

Threaded yarn thru last 10 stitches to close.