Need help with a pattern

[Katie T]

I am using this pattern http://knitting.about.com/od/hatpatt...l-brim-hat.htm and my head measures 22 inches. I have about 1 1/2 inches done on the hat and I tried it on and it is too big for my head. Is this normal or is it going to end up too big for me.

[Knittin' in the Shade]

did you measure your gauge? Does the pattern have negative ease built in, or is it sized to be exactly 22"? If so, then it'll most likely be too big; you want some negative ease so tha it will stretch to fit and stay snug on your head.

[Katie T]

I don't know what negative ease is, but it is suppose to be 21 inches when done. The more I knit on it the better it is fitting and the gauge is right on.

[Knittin' in the Shade]

that's negative ease If the finished circumference of the person's head is 22", and the hat is 21" then you've got 1" of "negative ease" (meaning, the hat is 1" smaller than the head, so that the hat will need to stretch a bit to fit; making it hug the head)