Banza – one of the several early names for the banjo. Other include banjar, bangie, bangoe, and banshaw.

“The banjo is a very unique musical instrument. A drum with strings on it, as much a percussion instrument as it is a string instrument, especially when played in the old time two finger clawhammer style. The various names given to describe this style of playing attest to the duplicitous nature of the instrument; frailing, thumping, banging, clawhammer, rapping.” -- Rick Jackofsky, excerpt from Ragged but Right: The Ungentle Art of Clawhammer Banjo

Pattern One from Knit Pickin’ Hats (Fiddle Knits 2016 hat collection)

Banza is written in two sizes. The smaller size will fit most older teens and adult women. The larger size is appropriate for a mens 24” head. Because the ribbing is worked in a 4x2 rib it does not hat the same elasticity as a 2x2 rib would have. Thus it does not pull in as snuggly when worn. This accounts for why the relaxed 16.5” fits a 19-22.5” head.
If the idea of a 4x2 ribbing makes you uncertain about fit, you can alter the hat and cast on 140 (160) and work in a classic 2x2 (knit 2, purl 2) ribbing for 2” and then begin the pattern with rnd 2 of the written (and charted) instruction. However, be aware that the stitch pattern will not flow from the ribbing as it does in the pattern photos.

Hat shown in the larger size used 78 grams of Jig DK yarn (about 180 yards).