This is a very simple hat just about everyone can make and wear (it's good as a second hat project). The 1 x 1 rib (K1P1, called “one by one”) is very elastic and gives the hat extra density. For added warmth knit the brim longer and wear it folded up.

To make your SSKs look prettier, be sure to slip the first stitch KNITWISE (like a knit stitch), then the second stitch PURLWISE (like a purl stitch). To make your SSKs lay even fatter, on the non-decrease rows, knit the SSK stitch from the previous row through the BACK LOOP.