Hi, the “Work in 2×2 rib to 2 sts before marker” part applies for the whole round. We are decreasing the crown stitches, but we are trying to maintain the 2×2 rib pattern in between markers. It goes like this: work in in 2×2 rib (=work stitches as they appear, yes, sometimes there will be just 1 purl or knit st left before or after the marker, since we are decreasing the sts) to 2sts before marker, K2tog, slip marker, K1, P2, K1, slip marker, Ssk* repeat everything between ** 4 times, and work sts as they appear to end.
The first round goes like this:
1. P1, K2, P2, K2, P1 (this is the 2×2 rib part, at this point you have 2 sts before marker left), K2tog, slip marker, K1, P2, K1, slip marker, Ssk.
2. Now you continue working in the established 2×2 rib pattern (=work stitches as they appear) to 2 sts before the next marker: P1, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P1, K2tog, slip marker, K1, P2, K1, slip marker, Ssk. Repeat this part two more times.
3. Work sts in 2x2rib (as they appear) to end of the round.
I hope this helps!

Thank you so much for this pattern. I am stuck on the first row in the crown,

[ Round 1: *Work in 2×2 rib to 2 sts before marker, K2tog, K1, P2, K1, Ssk* 4 times, work in 2×2 rib until end.]

Is this part only for the first marker? “Work in 2×2 rib to 2 sts before marker-”

Is there another way to describe the this row it’s a little confusing. Specifically the instructions to complete K2tog, K1, P2, K1, ssk when there isn’t enough space to if 2 x 2 rib is supposed to be worked and 2 stitches are left before each marker. Am I supposed to ignore the markers after the first?

Thank you!

Hi,

The first round is just 2×2 rib that is repeated throughout the pattern. It goes like this: purl1, knit 2, purl1. You will repeat this to the end of the round. The round starts with a purl stitch for symmetry – this way the back of the hat will be exactly in between the crown decreases.

I am new to knitting for the first round we end with a knit stitch? I have counted so many times I have a total of 96 and have done the pattern but elsewhere tells me I should end on a purl stitch which kinda doesn’t make sense but does mathematically.