Mickey Hat

This is a simple hat pattern that was inspired by two characters in the two separate geekdoms. One is the hat worn by Mickey Smith in the "Christmas Invasion" episode of Doctor Who. The other is the one worn by Nigel during the Second Task in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I couldn't resist combining the two for a pattern for a hat drive for cancer patients in Maine.  It will stretch/shrink to fit most teen and adult size heads. If you want to adapt it, the pattern is done in multiples of 12. 

Gauge: 18 stitches/ 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch
Yarn: Berroco Comfort (50% Nylon, 50% Acrylic; 210yd/100g): Smokestack, 1/2 skein (100 yd)
Needles: US Size 8 (5.0mm) circular needles, or size to obtain gauge, and 1 size smaller
Notions: yarn needle, 1 stitch marker

Abbreviations

k: knit
k2tog: knit two stitches together
p: purl
ssk: slip as in knit, slip as in purl, knit the slipped stitches together through the back loop
**: repeat the directions between the asterisks as directed

Instructions 

Body

Using the smaller needles, cast on 84 stitches. Place marker and join in the round. 

*k2, p2* around for 6 rounds. 

Switch to larger needles. 

*p1, k1* around for 10 rounds. 

*k3, p3* around for 18 rounds. 

Crown Decreases

 Round 1: *k2tog, k1, (p3, k3) x 2, p3, k1, ssk, k2tog, p1, (k3, p3) x 2, k3, p1, ssk* around, (76 stitches)
Rounds 2 & 3: *k2, (p3, k3) x 3, p1, (k3, p3) x 2, k3, p1, k1* around.
Round 4: *k2tog, (p3, k3) x 2, p3, ssk, k2tog, (k3, p3) x 2, k3, ssk* around. (68 stitches)
Rounds 5 &6: *k1, (p3, k3) x 2, p3, k2, (k3, p3) x 2, k3, k1* around.
Round 7: *k2tog, p2, k3, p3, k3, p2, ssk, k2tog, k2, p3, k3, p3, k2, ssk* around. (60 stitches)
Round 8: *k1, p2, k3, p3, k3, p2, k4, (p3, k3) x 2* around.
Round 9: *k2tog, p1, k3, p3, k3, p1, ssk, k2tog, k1, p3, k3, p3, k1, ssk* around. (52 stitches)
Round 10: *k1, p1, k3, p3, k3, p1, (k3, p3) x 2, k2* around.
Round 11: *k2tog, k3, p3, k3, ssk, k2tog, p3, k3, p3, ssk* around. (44 stitches)
Round 12: * k4, p3, k5, p3, k3, p3, k1* around
Round 13: *k2tog, k2, p3, k2, ssk, k2tog, p2, k3, p2, ssk* around. (36 stitches)
Round 14: *k3, p3, k4, p2, k3, p2, k1* around.
Round 15: *k2tog, k1, p3, k1, ssk, k2tog, p1, k3, p1, ssk* around.(28 stitches)
Round 16: *k2tog, p3, ssk, k2tog, k3, ssk* around. (20 stitches)
Round 17: *k2tog, p1, ssk, k2tog, k1, ssk* around. (12 stitches)
Round 18: *k2tog* around (6 stitches)

Finishing

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-8" tail.

Using a yarn needle, thread the tail through the remaining stitches. Pull tight.

Weave in ends.

Pull Tight.

Block as desired (I merely ran mine through the wash).

Enjoy!