Checked Knit Hat

When I started the hat, I had over estimated the size of the person's head. 88st is an extra large hat, 68 still knitted a little long for my small head, so I hope it fits the intended head better.
Materials:
Size 9 US (5.5 mm)16" circular kneedles
Size 9 US double points
1 ball Medium-Worsted Weight Yarn(Loops & Thread: Impeccable)
Crochet hook for finishing

Gauge:
16 sts = 4 inches

Size
Adult Med (adjust for size)

Instructions
CO 68 stitches (add multiples of 4 for sizing).
Join, mark beg of round.<I used a small piece of contrasting yarn since it was around and my stitch markers were not>
*k2, p2* around for 6 rows


Checker Pattern
Set A: *p2, k2* for 3 rows
Set B: *k2, p2* for 3 rows
Work pattern until about 5 inches, or 5.25-5.5" for larger head sizes before you begin the decreasing.
End after completing either set.

Dec #1
*k2,p2* for set-up row placing markers after 18, 16, 18, 16
Decrease at the beginning of each grouping by either k2tog or p2tog
K the  K and P the P
complete alternating set


Dec #2
Begin alternating set. Decrease on 2 & 3 st together either k2tog or p2tog
K the k and P the p for 1 row


Continual decs
Maintaining 3 row pattern Dec the following groupings st together
complete an pattern row
Repeat last 2 rows 4 times
The 5th repeat decrease the extra set as well making all singular K or P sets (34 remaining)
<in my pattern I will knit the 2nd row in pattern set B>
*k2tog, k1, p2tog, p1* until last 4 st, k2tog, p2tog
*k2tog, p2* until last 2 st, k2tog
*k2tog, p2tog*


Using crochet hook, pull yarn through remaining 8st and BO.
Tie in ends.