Ribbed Cap for gifts

RIBBED CAP
The free PDF file can be found at: http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/ribbed_cap.aspx

One ball of hand dyed yarn plays out beautifully in a symphony of stripes in this uniquely colored cap.
Size: one size fits all. This cap is a standard fitting style.
Head Circumference (slightly stretched) 21" / 53 cm, depth 7" / 18 cm
Materials: 1 3/4 to 2 oz of any scrap yarn in worsted weight, and one pair # 8 (5mm) straight needles or size to obtain gauge.
Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows to 4" / 10 cm over k4, p4 rib. Take time to check gauge.

Pattern: k4, p4 rib on RS. All WS rows k the knit and p the purls.

Cast on 106 sts.
Row 1: (RS) k1 (selvage st), work in k4, p4 rib pat to last st, k1 (selvage st). Work in patt with one selvage st in each side of row until piece measures 6" / 15 cm from beg, end with WS row.
Shape Top: Row 1: (RS) k3, *p1, p2 tog, p1, k1, k2tog, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, end k3 - 81 sts.
Row 2: k the knit and p the purl sts.
Row 3: k3, *p2tog, p1, k2tog, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k3 - 56 sts.
Row 5: k3, *p2tog, k2; rep form * to last 3 sts, k3 - 43 sts.
Row 6: k the knits and p the purls sts.
Row 7: k1, *k2tog, p1; rep from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 - 29 sts.
Row 8: k1, *p1, p2tog, rep from *, end k1 - 20 sts.
Row 9: [k2tog] 10 times - 10 sts.
If plan hat without top knot is desired move to Finishing.
Next row: p3 tog, [p2tog] twice, p3tog - 4 sts. Using dpn, work I-cord as foll: *k3, slide sts to beg of needle to work sts from same position. Bring yarn around from back and rep from * until I-Cord measures 6" / 15 cm. Bind off. Knot twice...
FINISHING: Do not block or flatten rib.
For plain hat, cut yarn leaving a long end for sewing back seam. Pull through rem 10 sts and draw up tightly to secure. For both styles, sew back seam.
Abbreviation:
k = knit
p = purl
k2 tog = k 2 sts together (dec)
dec = decrease
dpn = double pointed needles