Very excited about this design.
Beautiful stitch pattern.

Gauge, gauge, gauge.
It’s kind of everything.
I worked several gauge swatches in dc.
Made the ribbing and a few rows with a smaller hook, but the CSC pulls in a bit, smaller gauge and the fabric was smaller than I wanted.
Started over with same size hook as pattern and stitches are just right. Row gauge is a little under (13 r / 4” vs 11 r patt gauge) so added a few more rows.

Worked crown area in dc vs sc as written because I needed the height.

The ribbing and patt stitches aren’t the easiest to execute, but the result is worth the time. It’s easier to work the stitches with the 3.75 mm hook.

If I make this pattern again, I’ll work the cross over st as a triple crochet instead of double as written.

The fabric is very stretchy, as is stated in the directions.
The hat is worked in the round, but there is a turn after every row to get the zigzag. The place where the turn occurs is invisible.
Companion shawl:
I’m Keeping This Shawl