The Dead Easy Hat Pattern (flat version)
You can knit this in the round too and I do but the top will be slightly different.
Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches - the hat in the photo is 96 stitches in Aran weight yarn (slightly thinner than worsted) and I think a number 6 needle (I knit loosely) so you might want anything from a 5 to a 7.
Basic Adult Hat
Cast on 96 stitches (or any multiple of 4)
Work in K2 P2 Rib (I slip the first stitch of each row but that is optional)
Work for as long as you want - 5 inches for a "Beenie" type cap, 11 to 12 inches for very wide brim (this hat is 11.5 inches before decreases)
Decrease Rows (REVISED from the other thread) Flat Hat
Row 1: K2 P2 Tog
Row 2: K1 p2
Row 3 K2 P1
Row 4 K1 P1
Row 5 K2 tog
Row 6 K2 tog - you can stop here and have 12 stitches
Row 7 K2 tog - 6 stitches remain (I did this on this hat).
Cut your yarn at about 12 inches (it isn't exact don't worry)
Thread the yarn back through the 6 (or 12) stitches and then pin the hat together with what will be the inside out (this only matters if you have other yarns to thread back i
Sew the seam (yes it will show a bit but not too much)
Thread in any other lose bit of yarn and your starting yarn, be careful at the bottom if you are using a brim because the "wrong" side will show as the "right side" when folded.
Turn the hat right side out and fold brim as much as you like and put on the head of the intended victim er all recipient.
Possibly easy variations of this hat are any simple cable (including mock cable) you like to use - but if you want to do the classic stockinette version you may need to increase your stitches after the ribbing to at least 2 inches (in this yarn I'd go to about 110 stitches) because the fabric won't stretch and knit flat you would K one row, P one row (that one is easier knit in the round).
Turn hat right side out, fold brim to as much as you like, place on the head of the intended victim er...a recipient
Here's Mine (or what it looks like on a human head)