I frogged the first few rounds after my first try because I really struggled to get consistent stitches when trying to work “behind” the FPDCs. It was much, much easier when I worked the HDC first and then worked the FPDC around the same stitch. This eliminated the awkwardness and difficulty of working into the stitches from the previous round.

I used the adult pattern but adjusted it for a pre-teen by using various hooks. This was a great tip from the pattern that I’ll definitely use again! After the K hook rounds in the pattern, I used an I hook for 4 rounds, then an H hook for the rest of the hat till it measured 8.5 inches. I switched to a G hook for the brim.