Too Early Birthday Preemie Hat

This hat - knit in the round with occasional purl ridges and a flat top - reminded me of a layer cake... which I last had at a birthday party... and preemies are babies who are born too soon... which means they get an "early birthday"... and thus the name of this hat was "born": the Too Early Birthday hat.

It's a simple but eye-catching design, just the thing to make for wee babes needing some love.

Finished Dimensions: 10in circumference by 3.5in height (25cm by 9cm)
Gauge: 18 stitches and 30 rows per 4in (10cm) in stockinette stitch in the round

Materials:
1 (partial) skein worsted weight yarn (sample is knit in Peaches N Creme 100% cotton)
US7 (4.5mm) needles - whatever you use for knitting in the round
Stitch marker
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
K: Knit
K2tog: Knit two stitches together
P: Purl

Instructions:
Cast on 42 stitches.
Join for knitting in the round, being careful not to twist, and place marker.
Rounds 1-5: Knit all stitches.
Round 6: Purl all stitches.
Repeat rounds 1-6 two more times (3 times total).

Begin crown shaping:
Round 1: (K5, k2tog) six times (36 stitches remain).
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: (K4, k2tog) six times (30 stitches remain).
Round 4: Knit all stitches.
Round 5: (K1, k2tog) 10 times (20 stitches remain).
Round 6: Purl all stitches.
Round 7: K2tog 10 times (10 stitches remain).
Cut yarn, leaving long tail, and thread through remaining stitches.
Slip stitches from needles and pull tail tight to cinch hole shut.
Sew ends to inside.