My husband wanted a hat that would actually fit around his 23 1/4” head. Most men’s hat patterns I found on the internet were too small even in the largest size. So I made my own.

EDIT: There were some mistakes in the decrease rounds. Corrected and simplified with the use of markers.

EDIT 2018: This is called a big man hat because I designed it for a specific big man. I never dreamed anyone else would ever make it. At this point, I don’t want to change the name because it might create confusion. But I also feel a need to state it’s a totally gender neutral hat and anyone can wear it. If I was naming it today, I’d probably call it something else.

Gauge: IF I’m doing this correctly, my gauge is 21 stitches and 27 rows is 4” in stockinette before washing, and 21st and 26 rows after washing. It’s possible I miscounted before I washed it and they’re identical. I don’t know. I think anything close to that will get you a good size. This isn’t a precision project.