This pattern was up on my blog a couple of years ago and I took it down but decided to revive it here on Ravelry as I plan to do more pattern writing. :) This design has stripes but you could choose to make this a solid color hat or it looks nice with color blocking too. For a color block option I usually like to change colors after about 4 inches of knitting.

Needles required: 16” US size 10.5, 16” US size 11 and double pointed US 11 needles.

Finished measurements: 8.25 inches wide by 8 inches high
Please note that your gauge may vary slightly. This gauge is: 4 inches= 9.25 stitches wide and 13.5 stitches high in stockinette stitch
With smaller needle cast on 40 stitches with your main color.
Place marker and join to work in the round.
Knit 4 courses of 1x1 rib.
Change to size 11 needles and with your contrast color knit one course. (from now on all courses will be knit stitches only).
Knit 3 courses with your main color.
Knit one course with your accent color.
Continue knitting 3 courses of your main color followed by one course of the contrast color until work measures about 5.75-6 inches from the cast on edge. If you like a little extra slouch in your hats begin decreases after 6 inches.
Please note that for the decreasing I still switch to the accent color until the hat is completed.
Decrease:
Knit 6, K2tog Repeat until you get to the marker
Next round: Knit
Knit 5, K2tog Repeat
Next round: Knit
Knit 4, K2tog Repeat
Next round: Knit
Knit 3, K2tog Repeat
Knit 2, K2tog Repeat
Knit 1, K2tog Repeat
K2tog Repeat

I like to speed up the decreasing towards the top of these hats knit with bulky yarn because I find that otherwise they are a little too pointy!

Cut yarn and draw through remaining live stitches. Sew in ends, block and enjoy! Tip: When I block my hats knit with Burly Spun I like to turn them inside out and on a wool setting hit them with a lot of steam. You can then place it on your head to help shape it a little and let dry completely. Enjoy!!