Primrose Messy Bun or Ponytail Hat | Free Crochet Pattern

Easy Messy Bun or Ponytail Hat: The Primrose Hat is a stylish and functional crochet design perfect for anyone who loves to wear their hair up. Whether you’re heading out for a chilly walk or just want a cute, cozy accessory, this hat keeps your head warm while leaving room for a bun or ponytail.

Worked from the top down, the pattern begins with simple stitches around a hairband or elastic, then flows into a beautiful, textured lace pattern that looks intricate but is easy to memorize. The stretchy stitchwork ensures a comfortable fit that keeps its shape wear after wear.

Crochet yours in a soft, #4 medium-weight yarn for cozy comfort and to let the texture really shine. This quick-to-make project also makes a thoughtful gift for friends who live in their messy buns!

What you will need:

• 160 (176, 194, 213) yds or  146.3 (161, 177.4, 194.8)m #4 worsted weight yarn
• H/8 (5mm) crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Yarn needle
• Hairband ponytail holder, medium
• Scissors

Best #4 Worsted-Weight Yarns for Crochet and Knitting

Finished Sizes:

18 (20, 22, 24) in or 45.7 (50.8, 55.9, 61)cm circumference.

9 (9 ,10, 10) in or 22.9 (22.9, 25.4, 25.4)cm tall.

Size shown is 22 in (55.9cm) circumference.

Gauge: 

16 sts = 4 in (10cm) in stitch pattern.

Stitch Guide: 

See glossary for chain (ch), double crochet (dc), single crochet (sc), chain 3, 2 double crochet cluster (ch3, 2dc-cl), 3 double crochet  cluster (3dc-cl), double crochet 3 together (dc3tog), and slip stitch (slst).

Instructions:

Hat:

Round 1: Join yarn with slst around pony tail holder, work all the following stitches around the ponytail holder: ch3 (counts as dc), 35 (39, 43, 47) dc, slst to top of ch3 at beg of round to join. — 36 (40, 44, 48) dcs

Round 2: Ch3, 2dc-cluster in same st, ch3, 2dc-cluster in back bump of 3rd ch from hook. *skip next st, 3dc-cluster in next st, ch3, 2dc-cluster in back bump of 3rd ch from hook. Rep from * around, slst to top of ch3 at beg of round to join. — 18 (20, 22, 24) horizontal clusters, 18 (20, 22, 24)vertical clusters

Round 3: Ch3 (counts as dc), 2dc in same st, *ch1, skip next horizontal cluster, 3dc in next vertical cluster. 

Rep from * around, ch1, slst to top of ch3 at beg of round to join. — 18 (20, 22, 24) ch1 sps

Round 4: Ch3, 2dc-tog over next 2 sts, ch3, 2dc-cluster back bump of 3rd ch from hook, *dc3tog over next 3 dcs, ch3, 2dc-cluster in back bump of 3rd ch from hook. Rep from * around, slst to top of ch3 at beg of round to join. — 18 (20, 22, 24) horizontal clusters, 18 (20, 22, 24) dc3togs

Rounds 5 – 13 (13, 15, 15): Rep rounds 3 – 4 four (four, five, five) times, then rep round 3 once more.

Edging:

Round 14 (14, 16, 16): Ch1, sc in ch1 sp, *ch3, 2dc-cluster in side of sc just made, sc in next ch1 sp. Rep from * around, on last repeat replace sc with slst to first st at beg of round to join. — 18 (20, 22, 24) clusters

Fasten off.

Note: If you prefer a hat without the hole, that is a simple modification. Start with a ch5 ring and make a circular medallion that increases to the number of stitches of the first round of a messy bun hat and continue as instructed.

Set up round 1 would have 9 (10, 11, 12) sts. For set up rounds 2 – 3,  increase in each stitch around (working 2 sts in ea st around), for a total of 36 (40, 44, 48) sts. Then proceed to round 2 of hat.

Note: The set up rounds could be worked in half double crochet or double crochet.

Finishing:

Weave in loose ends. Hand wash, block to finished measurements and allow to dry.