u/Lopsided-Leave-6066

I'm trying to recreate the black beanie for fun, but the perfectionist in me wants to make sure that I'm getting every single detail right. I've tried single and half double crochet already but it doesn't look right and I keep frogging the project. I'm also suspecting that it might be the yarn or hook that I'm using. The second image is for reference since I don't think the stitches are that visible on the black beanie. Thank you in advance !!