Assuming that you knit the hat from the bottom or brim to the crown, I would just shorten the hat to allow for the decreasing section to fit the length you will want. If you can look at similar style hat patterns online, you might get a better idea of the point at which you would need to start decreasing for a better fit. Did you get gauge in a test swatch before starting this pattern? That has a lot to do with fit too.

Sheila, I was wondering if I could just sew it on the machine and whack it off, then knit and shoten. I did not knit it myself. How can I get a pattern. I asked for that quite a while ago and got no replies although Donna said she thought she could help me. She has probably been tied up with the holidays. Barb

Barb, I mailed a few patterns to you last week. I thought you would have them by now. Sorry. I also asked at another place you posted if you could give me your email address (I lost it), and you may not have seen it. But since I found your street address, I just mailed them to you.

Since the hat you bought has a bill, you certainly don't want to mess with that end. You most certainly CAN take it from the top. It's called steeking. You should be able to find a video at youtube. It's usually done for setting sleeves in sweaters, not at all what you're doing. But I would think you could use a zigzag stitch with a matching or coordinating thread in a circle near the top and then cut above the zigzag. Then hand stitch through the zigzag to gather it together. Of course, then you'll need to deal with the top. Maybe add a decorative button or flower to cover it.

I suggest you NOT cut the hat until you've done the gathering stitches and with right-side out, pull the excess to the inside, tighten the stitching and see if you're satisfied. If so, feel free to snip the excess.

Dear Donna: That is my thinking and, of course I would not do anything without sewing and securing the knitting area first. Have not gotten the patterns. I live out in the country . I will make some inquiries from my mail man. Thank you for taking the time to help me. Barb