The Holly Berry Smash Hat uses a two-color thorn stitch with strategically placed beads (which are entirely optional). Only one color is used per row - no stranding, just slipped stitches. Please note that there are two places in the eight row stitch repeat where you will need to move the position of the beginning of round marker by slipping a stitch from either the left or right hand needle and then replacing the marker. Also please note that video links for two different methods of adding beads are provided, a crochet hook method and a pre-stringing method. If you are unfamiliar with adding beads to your knitting I recommend viewing these videos before beginning your hat.