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The Wizard's Cap can be made in two sizes, adult and kid's. For either one, you'll need about 190 yards of yarn, a size 6 16-inches circular needles, 4 or 5 size 6 double-pointed needles, and 6 stitch markers, with 1 a different color from the others. For the adult cap size, you'll need to cast on 108 stitches instead of 102. Also, when it's time to decrease for the crown, start with knit 16 knit 2 together rather than knit 15 knit 2 together. To make the body of the hat, cast on 102 stitches onto circular needles (size 6-16 inches), or use double-pointed needles. Work back and forth (as you would on straight needles, rather than the rounds) and knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 2 rows. Then, join the first and last stitches so that you are knitting in the round. Be sure not to twist the work-the knitted fabric should be on the inside of the circle. Knit 1 round, then place a different-colored stitch markerbetween the first and last stitches of the round. Knit 18 more rounds. Purl 3 rounds (this will create a narrow ridge like the one at the bottom of the cap). Knit 1 round. At this point, you will have worked 23 rounds. Don't count the bottom ridge, which you have knit flat, when counting the rounds. To decrease for the crown, do the following. ROUND 24: *Knit 15 stitches, decrease by knitting 2 together, then place a marker on the right needle.* Repeat the instructions between the asterisks 5 more times, which will bring you to the end of the round (where the different-colored marker is). You will now have 96 stitches on your needles. Keep all the markers on the needles. ROUND 25: Knit all the way around, slipping the markers as you come to them. ROUND 26: *Knit 14 stitches, then decrease by knitting 2 together, then slip the marker to the right needle.* Repeat the instruction betwen the asterisks 5 more times, which will bring you to the end of the round. You will now have 90 stitches on your needles. ROUND 27: Knit all the way around. ROUND 28: *Knit 13 stitches, then decrease by knitting 2 stitches together.* Repeat the instruction between the asterisks 5 more times, bringing you to the end of the round. You will now have 84 stitches on your needles. Continue to work, decreasing every other row, knitting 1 stitch less before knitting 2 together until 12 stitches remain. When the stitches will no longer reach around the circular needles, switch to double-pointed needles. To do this, simply knit off the circular needles onto 1 double-pointed needle at a time, dividing the stitches evenly among 3 or 4 needles. Remember that you need to leave 1 needle (a 4th or 5th needle) empty. For the i-cord stem, the instructions are as follows. ROUND 1: At this point, you will have 12 stitches divided evenly on 3 or 4 double-pointed needles. To continue, decrease by knitting 2 stitches together 6 times, which will bring you to the end of the round. You will have 6 stitches on your needles when you finish the round. ROUND 2: Knit 1 round. ROW 3 AND ALL REMAINING ROWS: Put all the stitches on 1 double-pointed needle, making sure that the working yarn is at the tip of the needle (not in the middle). With a second double-pointed needle, knit 1, knit 2 stitches together, knit 1, knit 2 stitches together. You will have 4 stitches on your needle when you have finished the row. One side of the stitches is flat, and the other side is bumpy. With the flat side of the stitches facing you, knit 4. Don't turn the work to the wrong (bumpy) side. Work the i-cord on the double-pointed needles until it measures 4 inches. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 4 inches. With the yarn needle, draw the tail throught the 4 stitches. Insert the tip of the yarn needle (with the tail of yarn) a few inches down into the center of the i-cord so that most of the yarn is hidden inside it, then pull the yarn needle out the side. Remove the needle and snip any leftover tail. Tie the i-cord in a knot close to the crown of the hat. Stitch together the seam at the bottom of the cap.
