Crochet Hat Pattern - Organic Cotton

Simple Crochet Hat from me, LazyT. Happy Holidays!
1 skein Nature's Choice Organic Cotton from Lion Brand Yarn (walnut color shown)
J (6 mm) hook
Fits adults/teens.

Ch 3, work 7 hdc in first st. Join. (8 hdc)
Ch 2, hdc in same. 2 hdc in each. Join. (16 hdc)
Ch 2, hdc in same, hdc in next. *2 hdc in next, 1 hdc in next* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (24 hdc)
Ch 2, hdc in same, hdc in next 2 sts. *2 hdc in next, hdc in next 2 sts.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (32 hdc)
Ch 2, hdc in same, hdc in next 3 sts. *2 hdc in next, hdc in next 3 sts.* Repeat from * to * around.
Join. (40 hdc)
Ch 2, hdc in same, hdc in next 4 sts. *2 hdc in next, hdc in next 4 sts.* Repeat from * to * around. Join. (48 hdc)
Ch 2, hdc in next and each st. around. Join. (48 hdc)
Repeat until out of yarn, or until hat is desired length. Fasten off.

*Optional - Fold up brim and sew on a button.©2011 LazyTcrochet

**My approximate gauge was 10 stitches X 9 rows = 4 inches. I ended up with 16 rounds of hdc, after the increases. When I increased to the 48 stitches, my circle measured approximately 6 1/4" (slightly stretchy). And this hat fits ladies/teens.
If your gauge is tighter, you could either add one more increase row (to 56 sts.) but that might be too loose, or you could try working with a larger hook (K).**