I used 6.5mm circular needle, 24". Larger would be ok if that's what you have. The word is LOOSE!!!
Pattern:
Cast on 100sts, join, and work in the round as follows:
Round 1: Purl
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: Purl
Round 4: Knit
Round 5: Purl
Continue in ALL KNIT in rounds until piece measures about 12" from cast on.
Work Face Opening
Round 1: Purl
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: Purl
Round 4: Knit
Round 5: Purl 27, bind off 46, Purl to end
Change color
Round 6: Knit 27, cast on 46, knit to end
Round 7: Purl
Round 8: Knit
Round 9: Purl
Round 10: Knit
Round 11: Purl
Continue in ALL KNIT in rounds until piece measures 7 inches above opening.
(I changed back to original color here, but that's an option)
Begin Shaping for Crown
*Knit 8, SSK* Repeat to end (90 sts)
Knit one round
*Knit 7, SSK* Repeat to end (80 sts)
Knit one round
*Knit 6, SSK* Repeat to end (70 sts)
Knit one round
*Knit 5, SSK* Repeat to end (60 sts)
Knit one round
*Knit 4, SSK* Repeat to end (50 sts)
Knit one round
*Knit 3, SSK* Repeat to end (40 sts)
Knit one round
*Knit 2, SSK* Repeat to end (30 sts)
Knit one round
*Knit 1, SSK* Repeat to end (20 sts)
*K2tog* all round (10 sts)
Break yarn, thread through all stitches tightly, & finish off on inside.
Work in all ends.
The Fun Part!
Wash in machine (you can do it in the sink, but it takes longer and muscles too) with soap and hot-ish water. Throw in a towel or a pair of jeans for increased agitation.
Check after 5 minutes and keep checking till it's nice and thick. Don't panic if it seems too small; stretching works wonders. I bought a couple of glass heads for $15 each from Pier One... (after hand carrying one home from New Zealand earlier this year, a KLister informed me they are available at Pier One. Anybody who knits hats should put this item at the top of their gift list ASAP (IMHO)!
Anyhow... pull and stretch and shape your head cozy till it feels right to you. I tried mine on my own head first so I could decide how long it needed to be to cover the whole neck area, and pull it out to the width I wanted. You have a lot of control at this point. And if it's still too big you can throw it back in the washer for another session.