My go-to knitted hat pattern (free!)

I actually created this pattern myself, combining several concepts from other knitted patterns I've come across. I've made about 20 of these tuques in various colours for my students. This hat knits up in about 2.5 - 3 hours. I've also included how I make pompoms (optional). This tuque fits the average 10 year old.

Use bulky (5) or chunky yarn (6) and size 9.0 mm (US 13) needles
Cast on 40 stitches (sts)

Knit 3 inches of ribbing in Knit 2, Purl 2 (K2, P2)

Knit 5 inches in stockinette stitch (knit one entire row, purl the next row, repeat - this will create a right side (RS) and a wrong side (WS) of your tuque.

Begin decreasing to create the top of the hat:

Row 1: Knit 5, Knit 2 together until the end of the row
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit 4, Knit 2 together until the end of the row
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Knit 3,Knit 2 together until the end of the row
Row 6: Purl
Row 7: Knit 2, Knit 2 together until the end of the row
Row 8: Purl
Row 9: Knit 2 together across the row (9 stitches)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Using a darning needle, sew through the 9 stitches remaining on the needle. Draw up and cinch it tight. With the wrong side facing out, sew the two sides together. Use the cast on tail to sew through the ribbing. Turn the hat right side out and turn up the cuff.

To make pompom (optional)
Wrap your yarn around a coaster or small book. I chose a small Beatrix Potter book. I loosely wrapped the yarn 100 times. Cut the yarn

Cut a piece of yarn approximately 12 inches long. Carefully slide the wrapped yarn off the book/coaster and set it in the centre of the 12 inch piece.

With the two ends of the 12 inch piece, cinch and knot it tightly around the middle of the wrapped piece. I tend to double knot it on both sides.

With a darning needle and the ends of the 12 inch piece, sew through the middle of the pompom, back and forth a couple of times. This secures it better and prevents it from coming unraveled.

Hold both ends of the 12 inch piece, use scissors and cut all the loops you have created. 

Starting small, trim the pompom into a more circular shape, rounding it off until you achieve the size you want.

Using the two long tails on the pompom and a darning needle, attach the pompom to the top of the hat, securing it firmly.

Wear your new tuque with pride :)