1. With US size 8 straight needles and TWO of your favorite knitting worsted yarns, cast on 84 stitches with main color.
2. Work in rib pattern (k2, p2) across for 2-1/2" from bottom edge.
3. With right side facing you, tie on contrasting color and continue pattern for next two rows.
4. Continue to alternate main and contrasting colors ever 2 rows until at least 6-1/2" from bottom edge.
5. With right side facing you, begin shaping top of hat as follows:
    Row 1: (k2, k2tog) across; 63 stitches remain on needle.
    Row 2: p across.
    Row 3: (k1. k2tog) across; 42 stitches remain on needle.
    Row 4: p across.
    Row 5: (k1, k2tog) across; 28 stitches remain on needle.
    Row 6: p across.
    Row 7: k2tog across; 14 stitches remain on needle.
    Row 8: p across.
6. Cut yarn, leaving about 14" tail, and thread onto bodkin needle.
7. Run threaded bodkin needle through remaining 14 stitches, slipping them off knitting needle.
8. Pull yarn snug to gather top of hat together.
9. Tack seams at top of hat to hold in place, then continue to weave seam together.

NOTE 1: Depending on how you cast-on, there may be a tail remaining. If som thread it onto bodkin needle and work through seam from bottom up to hide loose end.
NOTE 2: Increase pattern up to 9" from bottom edge, if a cuff is desired.