Brioche Hat

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn (color A)
Contrasting color worsted weight yarn (color B)
Crochet hook suitable for the yarn weight
Stitch marker
Yarn needle
Scissors
Abbreviations:

ch: chain
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
sl st: slip stitch
blo: back loop only
Instructions:

Ribbing:
Using color A, make a foundation chain of multiples of 4 stitches that fits comfortably around the head circumference. Join the last chain to the first with a slip stitch to form a circle. Be careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each chain around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (Total number of stitches should be a multiple of 4)

Round 2: Ch 1, hdc in blo of each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first hdc.

Repeat Round 2 until the ribbing measures approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in length. Fasten off color A.

Main Body:
Join color A at the last stitch of the ribbing.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, work a brioche stitch in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Note: To work a brioche stitch, insert your hook into the stitch as if to work a single crochet but don’t yarn over. Instead, yarn over with color B and pull it through the stitch. Drop color A to the front of your work. Yarn over with color B again and pull through both loops on your hook. This completes one brioche stitch.

Rounds 3-4: Repeat Round 2.

Switch to color A.

Rounds 5-8: Repeat Round 2.

Repeat Rounds 2-8 until the hat reaches the desired length, ending with a color A round. Remember to switch colors according to the brioche stitch pattern.

Decreasing:
Switch to color A.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, skip the next stitch, work a brioche stitch in the next stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the first stitch, work a brioche stitch in the next brioche stitch. Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc.

Repeat Rounds 1-2 until only a few stitches remain.

Finishing:
Fasten off color A, leaving a long tail. Thread the tail through the yarn needle and weave it through the remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the top of the hat. Weave in any loose ends using the yarn needle.