I made this hat based on a pattern in Boutique Knits. I made several for Gina when she lost her hair and she loved them -- said they felt like wearing a pillow! Even though it results in a super thick fabric, it’s cotton so it’s not too hot. The density of the fabric makes it like a hug for your head! :)

The pattern is heavily modified, since the cotton knits up quite differently than the Alpaca called for in the pattern.

I double stranded the cotton and got 3 stitches/inch on size 10’s in k1, p1 rib pattern.

Cast on 23 stitches using size 10 needles and worked in a k1, p1 rib for about 16 inches (slipping the first stitch of each row). Then switch to 9’s for about an inch, 8’s for about and inch, and 7’s for about an inch -- Bind off when the piece measures 20 inches. Yes, I know 16 inches plus 3 inches does not equal 20 inches -- that’s why I write “about an inch” for each.

Then I seamed the ends together. I like to put the seam on the outside. Since this is going to be a chemo-cap, I want the inside to be as smooth as possible. The braid covers the seam, so it still looks great. Next time, if I remember, I’m going to use a provisional cast on and Kitchener the seam together. I’ll probably forget again…

Then pick up 42 stitches around the top. I did this buy picking up one stitch in each of the slipped edge stitches, plus two extra. You want a multiple of 6.

The decreases are as follows:
Rounds 1, 3, 5, and 7: knit
Round 2: knit 4, k2tog; repeat to end. (35 stitches)
Round 4: knit 3, k2tog; repeat to end (28 sts)
Round 6: knit 2, k2tog; repeat to end (21 sts)
Round 8: k1; K 2 tog; repeat to end (14 sts)
Round 9: k2tog around (7sts)

Cut yarn and draw yarn through stitches, weave in ends.

Pick up 6 stitches to the right of the seam and knit in k1,p1 ribbing for 7 1/2 inches. BO

Pick up 6 stitches to the left of the seam and knit in k1,p1 ribbing for 7 1/1 inches. BO

Twist the straps around each other 3 times and sew to the top edge of hat. Anchor the strap to the seam in a couple of places.