The loop is hollow and seamless, by the way. As I pointed out to
CO 6 stitches onto waste yarn. Knit i-cord for approx 3". Transfer the 6 stitches, plus the 6 from the waste yarn, onto 3 DPNs, and join into circle.
Increase 6 times per round til crown complete (22" circumference, my gauge is 5.5 st/inch). Stop increases and knit round in stockinette until hat reaches mid-ear, then knit 2x2 ribbing until you're sick of it and bind off.
And that's what I did today.