Knitting! A Northern Autumn Hat

This hat is a quick knit and is perfect for beginners and those who are too intimidated to knit in the round. It is knit on straight needles and can be embellished in any number of ways to express your unique personality.

Northern Autumn Hat

Yarn: Lion Brand WoolEase Thick&Quick in Barley (chunky sized wool)
Needles: 6mm Straight needles
Measurements: This hat has a circumference of 22 inches
Gauge: 5st and 8 rows = 2inches in stockinette stitch

Notions: a large button and a pom pom (both optional)

Abbreviations:

k-knit

k2tog-knit two together

p-purl

p2tog-purl two together

st-stitches

Cast on 56st on your 6mm straight needles.

First row: k1, p1, repeat to end
second row: k1, p1, repeat to end

Repeat these two rows 7 more times, ending on a wrong side row.
Next row: Begin to knit in stockinette stitch. Continue in stockinette stitch until hat measures 8 inches from the beginning.
Decreasing:
First row: k6, k2tog, repeat to end
Second row: purl
Third row: k5, k2tog, repeat to end
Fourth row: purl
Fifth row: k4, k2tog, repeat to end
Sixth row: purl
Seventh row: k3, k2tog, repeat to end
Eight row: purl
Ninth row: k2, k2tog, repeat to end
Tenth row: p2tog, p1, repeat to end
Eleventh row: k2tog, repeat to end
Twelfth row: p2tog, p2tog, p2tog, p1

Cut yarn leaving a 6 inch tail. Weave end of yarn through the remaining four loops on your needle, pull  loops off needle, pulling them tightly together and secure the end of your yarn. Sew up the sides of the hat, making sure that the first 2 inches or so of the ribbing is sewn with the right sides together, so that any seam will be hidden when the ribbing is folded over. Add a button and/or pom pom if desired. And have fun wearing this cozy hat!