Help with knitting

[bridesmom]

Am knitting a slouch hat on round needles size 3 1/2. (mm) I have 100 stitches on the needle . I am supposed to switch down 1 size and rib for 1 1/2 inches. Easy least But I don't have size 3 in the round or double pointed and don't want to go buy them

1. Can I just decrease a few stitches and knit the ribbing on less stitches?
2. If I can how many stitches do I decrease?

[Magot]

Have you got 2 3/4 and knit loosely? Personally, I wouldn't cut down the number of stitches , you still want it stretchy and it may no longer fit your head. You could use the same size needles and use knit in elastic to give it some body perhaps?

I thought the next size was 3 1/4?!

[lendube]

What type of ribbing, Laura? If you're doing 2x2 for instance you could go down to 1x1. Do you know the circumference of the intended head? Isn't that all you need it to do? Snuggly fit the head?

[bridesmom]

Jan, my booboo, I meant 3 1/4. And I don't have those either.
Lennie, my ribbing is already 1x1. I have a few baby patterns that use the same needles for both ribbing and body, they just increase when the ribbing is done. I may stop at the thrift store and see if they happen to have some there. MIL would, but she's still not speaking to us. Sigh!