CO 96 sts in red using German Twisted CO. Work 2x2 rib for 6 inches. Drop red and knit 4 inches in gray. With red begin decreases as follows, switching to DPs when necessary:

R1: K6, k2tog around (88 sts)
R2: And all even rows, knit
R3: K5, k2tog around (80 sts)
R5: K4, k2tog around (72 sts)
R7: K3, k2tog around (64 sts)
R9: K2, k2tog around (56 sts)
R11: K1, k2tog around (48 sts)
R13: K2tog around (24 sts)
R14: K2tog around (12 sts)

Cut yarn and run tail through remaining 12 sts. Attach pompom.

To date, I’ve made college beanies for three grandkids (OSU, UC, Baldwin Wallace) and one boyfriend (UNCC). So easy to make!!