Needles:  Size 9 16" Circular and set of size 9 double points

One marker, tapestry needle, scissors

 

With Red cast on 70, place marker and join without twisting.

Row 1-4: Purl

add White and carry both yarns on inside of hat

Row 5-8: Knit with white

Repeat 1-8 until you have 4 red stripes and three white.  Fasten off white and red and add blue

Knit with blue until piece measures 6 inches.

Decrease Rows:  (use double points when stitches no longer fit comfortably on the circular)

Row 1: Knit 8, K 2 together , repeat around

Row 2: Knit 7, K2 tog, repeat around

Row 3: Knit 6, K2 tog, repeat

Row 4: Knit 5, K2 tog, repeat

Row 5: Knit 4. K2 tog, repeat

Row 6: Knit 3, K2 tog, repeat

Row 7: Knit 2, K2 tog, repeat

Row 8: Knit 1, K2 tog, Repeat

Row 9: Knit 2 together until there are 4 stitches on the needles

Make I-cord loop on top by

Knit the 4 stitches, slid the stitches to the opposite end of the needle (do not turn)  and knit them again .  Repeat until loop in 2 1/2 long.  Knit 2 together , K 2tog again and fasten off leaving a 6" tail.  Pull through to unside forming a loop on the outside and weave ends in  on the inside.

Finish your hat by adding white star buttons to the front.  Wouldn't this be great to donate to our military guys and gals?