About this pattern:
I designed this pattern around my favorite needle size: US #9’s. They’re just the perfect size; they make quick work of whatever project they’re on but they’re not so large as to make your hands ache afterwords. Of course, you may need a larger or smaller needle to obtain gauge on this hat but don’t pass up the chance to knit on the elusive #9’s if you haven’t yet. This pattern could easily be accomodated to another cast-on number (should you choose to add more or less stitches to make those #9’s work!) by adding or subtracting multiples of four and dividing those stitches evenly in your stockinette sections between decreases at the top of your hat.

Another, less toque-y, version of this hat is available here.