Last Updated on February 6, 2022 by Cyprianne Nolan
CLICK HERE For new updated pattern with four sizes
This crochet messy bun hat pattern is great for a beginner and even comes with a video tutorial to help! Follow along with the video to ensure success if you are crocheting a hat for the first time. Made from all single crochet stitches it looks great in any colour and wonderful in variegated yarns too!
I love these ‘Messy Bun’ hats! Every day my hair gets tossed up and then when it is time for a hat it comes down and the ends look all messy and straggly 🙁 This hat is the answer. I chose to design mine using a hair elastic because with medium length hair my ‘bun’ is not large enough to cover a big hole at the top. The elastic is perfect because it can be stretched over the bun and then fits nice and neatly around the base of it.
This pattern and tutorial is perfect for beginners. Use the video tutorial especially if you are just starting out. I show you step-by-step all the stitches to get this done. Once you have finished be sure to tag me on Instagram @prettydarnadorable hashtag #pdamaker I would love to see them all!
SKILL LEVEL Beginner
ABBREVIATION
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
st – stitch
sts – stitches
sl st – slip stitch
rpt – repeat
MATERIALS (affiliate links)
6.50 mm hook
8.00 mm hook
Tapestry Needle
Stitch Marker
1 Skien Loops and Threads Charisma Yarn (NOTE! Beside to do a gauge check as not all bulky yarns have the same gauge)
Small amount of Cream and Red Charisma Yarn for band
GAUGE
3sc = 1 inch
MEASUREMENTS
Preteen to Adult – 20” x 8”
*Hat is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of round for easier counting.
Using 8 mm hook work 30 sc around hair elastic
Rnd 1: 1 sc in 1st 4 sts *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 4 sts* rpt from * to * till end of rnd (36)
Rnd 2: 1 sc in 1st 5 sts *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 5 sts* rpt from * to * till end of rnd (42)
Rnd 3: 1 sc in 1st 6 sts *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 6 sts* rpt from * to * till end of rnd (48)
Rnd 4: Sc in 1st and each st around (48)
Repeat Round 4 until hat measures 6” Note: This hat stops at mid ear – if you would like it longer just add a few more rounds before continuing to band.
BAND
Change to 6.50 mm hook and cream yarn.
Rnds 1-2: Sc in 1st and each stitch around. Drop cream yarn and change to red yarn. (48)
Rnd 3: Sc in 1st and each stitch around. Cut red yarn and change to cream yarn. (48)
Rnd 4: Sc in 1st and each stitch around. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Video Tutorial
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Loved this so easy to make , I made 2 one longer than the other for 2 young girls(7 yrs & 9yrs) , they have very thick hair, so the hats were too small, Do i use the same 30sc on the elastic and just do more increases to get hats big enough for them I will be making new ones next week and want to know for sure what I need to make them approximately 2 -2.5 inches bigger around. Thank you for any help with this I’m still a beginner at hat making ( I make blankets and scarfs ),so this sizing and increasing is NEW TO ME !
Yes for sure! You will want to increase the total stitch count by about 8 stitches this will work out to about 2 inches.
Hope this helps 🙂
Planning on making this for my sister and will be my first crochet project. Just wondering if there’s anything else I can add with the elastic band in case it snaps or breaks? Will the top unravel if the band breaks? Thanks!
Doing the pattern but using the hook size 8 and using yarn medium red heart super saver looking way to small do I need to double the yarn will that help or go to different yarn please help
Does this hat end up being stretchy at all? I’m not totally comfortable yet with being able to measure someone’s head and make something that fits it 🙂
It will always stretched about an inch 🙂
This is only the second pattern that I have used and I am over the top happy!! I did use a bigger yarn and hook and loved the end result. Thank you so much I am looking forward to following you and your patterns. I wish I could post a pic of the beanie, that’s how proud I am!!!!
Thanx again and again
This makes me so happy thank you for sharing!!! If there is anything in particular you haven’t been able to find let me know 🙂 XO
You can post a picture on Instagram and tag me! @prettydarnadorable
The video tutorial and the written pattern are different. In the tutorial You do an additional round of sc after the foundation round that attaches the yarn to the pony O, then start the increase in the next round, which would be round 3. Should I follow the video tutorial or go by the written pattern??? I’m enthusiastic about making this hat. The finished project looks awesome. Thanks in advance for getting back to Me.
Sharon
Thanks Sharon – follow the tutorial I will double check the pattern xo
This was such an easy pattern to follow since i am just starting out. I do have one question, i only have a 5.5 mm hook right now and i am using a thinner yarn, would doubling the beginning 30 stitches on the hair tie make it bigger? I need it to fit a large adult head.
I used a 5.5 with red heart worsted weight using double crochet. I did 10 rows of increase before switching to regular rows. You will want to still drop to a smaller hook for the band part. It helps the hat stay snug on the head after wear/wash. Hope this helps!
Thanks for helping out 🙂 XO
My rows come out uneven
Great Hat and fun to make. Although I was disappointed when I went to try it on. It was small. Would be great for a teen so this one will go to my niece!
How do I make it larger for a woman with thick hair? Maybe my stitches were too tight.
I would do one more increase round I’m not sure how small it was but this will give you about an extra 1.5 inches in size.
You could try going up one hook size which will make the hat bigger w/o needing to alter the pattern. If it’s still too small, go up another hook size. 🙂
This method definitely works but remember for every hook size you go up the weave won’t be as tight so the hat won’t be as warm – but this is for sure the easiest way to do it XO
I made a few of these beautiful hats this winter for myself and family…I must say the pattern and the instructions were so easy to follow! Thank you for the putting this on Pintrest for all to enjoy! Great job can’t wait to see what other patterns you have coming.y
Thank you Alana I am planning to do a really cute easter hat 🙂
I don’t have an 8mm hook, I have 6.5 and 10….I’m trying to figure out how I would need to adjust the pattern to use the 6.5. Would adding stitches to the rounds using 8mm hook work?
Yes add stitches if you are using a 6.5 mm )
I love this hat!! I do have one question. How do I make it a little smaller. I have GF that would like one but she has a small head
One less increase round or you could use a 6.5 mm hook 🙂
Just finished my first hat, and it’s adorable! Thanks so much for the tutorial.
My pleasure so happy you enjoyed it!
Thank you for stopping by! I love this hat, the colors remind me of a sock monkey (all good I promise! :D). I’m happy to see your video tutorials, I still wouldn’t be able to crochet today if it weren’t for videos, lol.
Yes me too! My mom make sock monkeys and I just love them – the colours are so classic too! 🙂 So happy you enjoyed it!
Hello! I was wondering if you would be okay with me selling a hat that I made using this pattern (I wouldn’t be selling large scale, most likely no more than one). Someone I know wants me to make her one like yours, but I can’t currently justify spending time on this without getting paid for it. I would, of course, credit you. Thanks!
Reblogged this on suitecrochet and commented:
Quick and easy beginners crochet ponytail or messy bun hat pattern. Tutorial video included.
I never crochet before ….what is the thickness of the yarn your using or the ply.
The printed pattern and the video tutorial don’t match! The printed pattern starts the increase in the first row and the video does 2 rows on the 30 stitches before increasing on the 3rd row. What did everyone follow?
Found the hat easy to make. Great instructions! I found the hat to be quite small, friends that tried it on found it to small! Not sure why! Any idea?
Keep increasing. And do a straight round in between each increase row. Worked perfect for me. Good luck
You are awesome! I’m gonna try it!
Thank you! Have fun 🙂
How can i do one for a baby?
What an awesome video! I’m a beginner and am going to try this! Thank you for taking the time, I learn from watching….you have a great teaching voice by the way! ?
Thank you so much 🙂
Can you please tell me.what weight yarn you used? 8mm hook is large so I’m assuming bulky?
I just purchased the same brand yarn she used and it is a 5 bulky weight.
Yes Charisma is bulky yarn – if you can’t find this brand check out http://www.yarnsub.com for an equivelant 🙂
Great tutorial, easy to follow for a beginner like me. I was wondering how You would start for a regular hat, not a messy bun type. I love the hat but I do not have the hair for it. Thanks for sharing.
Start with 6 sc and increase by 6 each round until you get to the same stitch count as this pattern 🙂
Thank you! I will give this hat a try, it looks so cozy and warm 🙂
Can you post a short video on how to do this? I’ve just made the messy bun hat , first crochet pattern I’ve attempted 🙂 love it but want to make it with no hole!
You can start this hat with the magic circle if you don’t want the hole at the top
Please, what does the abbreviation FPDC and BPDC? Have seen it before but can not find a definition for it. Thank you
Front post double crochet and back post double crochet. You can look up how to tutorials on Youtube!
Is that the same as ‘front loop’ and ‘back loop’?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kYJs42RUfuc
See if this helps you. FPDC and BPDC are different from a front loop and back loop crochet.
Thank you so much now I can see it. 😉 and understand it.
FPDC= Front post double crochet BPDC= Back post double crochet
Front post double crochet and back post double crochet…
Would like to have this pattern in knitting
Thanks for sharing your easy to follow pattern!!
I love hats that are done in a spiral so that there is no ugly seam in the back. Is that how this one is done?
Yes but you will see the colour changes near the end because it is worked in continuous rounds 🙂
Thankyou so much love this pattern really easy to do
Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I loved the tutorial very easy to follow. I look forward to seeing get more videos from you. Happy crafting!
Thanks Liz 🙂
Just read that it is found at Michael’s. We do not have a Michael’s close. Can you, or anyone, suggest a comparable alternative?
Thanks! 🙂
You could order it online and have it sent to you. That yarn is amazing
Yes check out http://www.yarnsub.com – it is a great site for finding equivalent yarns.
If you have a Joann fabrics, the Deborah Norville Serenity Chunky is a good equivalent.
Where can this yarn be found? Love the hat, but don’t know where to purchase Loops n Threads.
Michaels 🙂
is that supposed to be a sock monkey hat?
LOVE THIS! I tried I lot of other patterns but they were so hard to understand. Your voice was so nice and clear!
Where do you get the yarn from?
Michaels it is Loops and Threads Charisma 🙂
I’ve made three hats from other patterns and they were very confusing, especially when joining. This is so much easier, just use the stitch marker. Your instructions were perfect, love listening to your soft clear voice, and your little one is a cutie! Thank you for sharing!
Aww thanks so much Pam 🙂 It is nice to hear about my voice because when I hear myself I don’t like it lol 🙂
Is it possible to print out the written instructions??
Unfortunately not 🙁 I think the best bet would be to take a screen shot and then print.
This is the best Messy Bun Hat pattern on YouTube.
Love how easy This has been to make
Thanks Emily I am so glad you found it easy 🙂
I’m working on my red hat since making the first one
I can’t get the “rows” to line up…are all of your rows even? Did I miss that we were to slip stitch? only noticeble when I have changed colors.
If you mean the back seam mine don’t either 🙁 I think if you join then chain 1 this might help 🙂
Thank you that’s exactly what I meant. I will try to do that. I absolutely love this pattern and the way it fits… thank you for sharing and the video tutorial really helps!!!!
You are very welcome!
This hat is done in a spiral so it’s not going to match up. If you watch her video carefully, you will see that hers don’t match up either. But you will only notice it where you change colors.
Can’t get the cream rows to match up nicely. Please help
Thank you so much for sharing the directions. My three granddaughters were so excited that I will make them.
Cant wait to try this!! I needed a new hobby while recovering from major surgery!! I haven’t crocheted in many yrs (25+) but this looks like a fun project!! Thanks for going into detail & keeping it simple!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful work, I’m new and really appreciate the tutorial. How would you work this pattern for a child’s hat? 🙂
Do one less increase round 🙂
I am excited and ready to start making these. Thank you for the tutorial
love this hat. how can i make it with out a hair band , i have seen some that you chain so meny and join,
Try chaining 30 then join and work a sc into each and go from there. I haven’t done it before so not sure if the hole will be big enough.
I love this hat…it’s done in bulky yarn. can it be done in DC and FPDC and BPDC for ribbing?
Yes for sure! That is how originally did it but I wanted to keep it really easy for beginners ?
What would the pattern portion be if we wanted to do a ribbing style for the band?