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

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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: 

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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

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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.

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Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are for your personal use only; additional, up to 10 items can be made to sell from one design. Commercially produced products made from my instructions are prohibited. All Kristin Omdahl patterns, books, handouts and videos are licensed for single use and remain the intellectual property of Kristin Omdahl. This pattern may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise.

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About Kristin Omdahl
Kristin Omdahl headshotKristin Omdahl is a bestselling author, designer, and creative entrepreneur known for her “sensory storytelling” — weaving food, craft, and nature into unforgettable fiction and non-fiction. Her debut novel, The Sea Glass Journal, is a love letter to Florida’s Gulf Coast, exploring themes of healing, connection, and creative legacy.

When she’s not writing, Kristin shares crochet and knitting designs, recipes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process with her global community on Patreon.

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