Size 11 straight or 16" circular needles (matching double points if using the circular)  Gauge is: 2 sts. to 1" , 3 rows to 1"

2 skeins worsted weight yarn

darning needle

For an adult hat using two strands of yarn , cast on 48 for large adult , 42 stitches for small adult, 36 for a small child.

If using a circular needle knit all rows until piece measures 7" adult, 6" child

With straight needles Knit one row then purl one row.  Repeat for 6" adult, 5" child size.

Begin to decrease:

Row 1: Knit  4 , K 2 together, repeat across row

Row 2 and all even rows: for circular needles knit, for straight needles purl

Row 3:  Knit 3, K 2 tog, repeat across row

Row 5: Knit 2, K 2 tog, repeat across row

Row 7: K 1, K 2 tog, repeat across row

Row 9: K 2 tog.

Cut off yarn leaving a tail long enough to sew through top stitches (and side if hat was made on straight needles ) Run thread through remaining stitches and sew up side if on straights.  Fasten in all ends and add an I-cord bow, pom-pom or yarn braids.

You can make the hat more masculine by doing away with the roll brim at the beginning.  K2 , P 2 for five row, or K one row, Purl one row on the circulars for six rows.  On straight needles just knit 6 rows.