The brim is ribbed (it looks funny on mine but I think it's just stretched out k1p1) -- about 4 rows. The checkerboard squares are 3x3 with the yarn carried behind of course (as you can see). From the perspective of the outside of the brim (which becomes the inside of the hat) you have the checkerboard section, then a row of black purling, then about 8 rows black stockinette, then it switches to 6 rows of the back of stockinette still black (ie right side of stockinette from the outside) before the pattern starts.