Christmas Cracker II

Inspired by my original Christmas Cracker hat pattern, this version is more of a traditional beanie shape using finer weight yarn. However, it incorporates the same type of holiday motifs that made the original so popular.
 
The finished hat is 18¼ (20½, 22¾, 25¼)”/ 46.5 (52, 58, 64)cm around and 6.25 (7, 8, 9)”/ 16 (18, 20.5, 23)cm deep. Choose a size with approximately 1”/2.5cm positive ease.
 
Materials:
Knit Picks Twill Fingering, 100% Superwash Merino Wool, 183y/167m; 50g/1.75 oz. 1 skein each of Crabapple (MC), Heather Horchata (C1), Rose Water Heather (C2), and Voyage Heather (C3).
 
Tools:
US 3 (3.25mm) 16”/40cm circular and double pointed needles or needle size necessary to obtain gauge. US 2 (2.75mm) 16”/40cm circular, or size smaller than gauge needle; stitch marker; tapestry needle.
 
Gauge:
28 sts/32 rounds over 4”/10cm in stranded stockinette in the round using larger needle, blocked.
 
Abbreviations:
Beg – Beginning
C1 (2,3) – Contrast Colour 1 (2,3)
Inc1 – Increase 1 stitch by backwards loop cast on
K – Knitv
K2tog – Knit 2 together (right-leaning single decrease)
MC – Main Colour
P – Purl
Rep – Repeat
Rnd(s) – Round(s)
St(s) – Stitch(es)
SSK – Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning single decrease)