Cast on 56 and did K1, P1 ribbing for 8 rows. I had enough yarn, could have done 10. Also, I do plan to use a furry pom on this hat.

After ribbing, K2tg, k around to marker.
Start pattern. I started with P2, K4. The swirls move from lower left to upper right, or counter-clockwise. Once hat total height reached 7”, started crown decreases.

The first three rounds of decreases, I alternated with K rounds.

Once I had 5 sts remaining, pulled tail through and wove the ends.

I used 8mm needles (US 11). I wanted a denser fabric and a gauge swatch of Rasta from a past make tells me 11’s would suit. They did, but next time…. For me, I would have started decreases after 6.5”. Then this hat would fit ME better. Additionally, as I fell in between a L and a M, I chose the L. Next time, I’ll do a medium and cast on few stitches, keeping in mind the amount needs to be divisible by 6 then, plus 1 stitch to create the staggered pairs of purl sts.

I would suggest using another beanie as a judge for measurements when you make your own.