• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

love. life. yarn.

  • About
    • About Amanda
    • Follow on Instagram
    • Join Facebook Group
    • Follow on Pinterest
    • Press
  • Free Patterns
    • Free Crochet Patterns
    • Free Knitting Patterns
  • Tutorials
    • Crochet Tutorials
    • Knitting Tutorials
    • Design Your Own
  • Love.Life.Yarn Library
  • Shop

Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat – Free Crochet Pattern

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

December 17, 2016 By amanda 44 Comments

Help support free patterns - click to share!

432 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Free Crochet Pattern - Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat from Amanda Saladin

I’m sure you have seen these hats everywhere – they are really taking over!  The first time I saw a picture of one I thought “who would want their hair hanging out of their hat like that?!”

But then friends started asking me to make them one.  I started seeing patterns for them creep up everywhere.  I don’t usually follow trends but a friend begged me to make her a messy bun hat and so this pattern was born.   I’ve also seen them called ponytail hats and of course you could wear this with either a ponytail or bun.

I’ve been designing a series of hats using this Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.  I’ve made three hats from this skein alone!  I love the color changes and the feel of this yarn.

It’s also really easy to work with and you can use a large hook to create a quick project.  I’ll be releasing the rest of the hat patterns I’m working on in the coming weeks – I’m getting them ready for Christmas gifts.

Who doesn’t need a warm hat this time of year?  Especially when it’s made from such a wonderful yarn!

Like messy bun hats?  Be sure to check out the Ripple Lace Messy Bun Hat and the Simple Textured Messy Bun Hat.

Hope you enjoy!

Free Crochet Pattern - Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat from Amanda Saladin

Buy the ad-free pdf or favorite on Ravelry here

Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat

What You’ll Need

Yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie (Acrylic/Wool, each 5.3oz/150g and 312 yds/285 meters): 1 ball #209 Charcoal/Aqua

Hooks: K (6.5mm) and L (8.0mm)

Notions: yarn needle

Gauge: 11 sts and 12 rows = 4″ in mbs with larger hook

Finished Size: Approximately 20″ circumference and 7 1/2″ long

Special Stitches:
Modified Bean Stitch (mbs):
insert hook into st and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into same st and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yo, pull through all loops on hook.

Modified Bean Stitch 2 Together (mbs2tog): insert hook into first mbs, pull up loop, yo, insert hook into next mbs, pull up loop (4 loops on hook), yo, draw through all loops on hook.

How to Crochet: Quick & Easy Messy Bun Hat

PATTERN

Ribbing:
With smaller hook, ch 9.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch; turn – 8 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc back loop only in each st; turn.
Repeat row 2 until piece measures 20″ from beginning.  Join with slip st to first row, making a circle.  Be careful not to twist ribbing.

Change to larger hook. Ch 1,  sc 54 sts evenly around edge of ribbing.
Round 1: Ch 2, mbs in first st, *ch 1, sk next sc, mbs in next sc; repeat from * to last st, ch 1, skip last sc, join to first mbs with slip st; turn – 27 mbs.
Round 2: Ch 2, mbs in first mbs, *ch 1, mbs in next mbs; repeat from * to end, ch 1; join to first mbs with slip st; turn.
Rounds 3-12: Repeat round 2.
Round 13: Ch 2, mbs in first mbs, (ch 1, mbs in next mbs) 6 times, *ch 1, mbs2tog, (ch 1, mbs in next mbs) 7 times, repeat from * two times, mbs2tog, ch 1, join to first mbs with slip st; turn – 24 mbs.
Round 14: Ch 2, mbs in first mbs, ch 1, mbs in next mbs, *ch 1, mbs2tog, (ch 1, mbs in next mbs) 2 times; repeat from * four times, ch1, mbs2tog, ch 1, join to first mbs with slip st; turn – 18 mbs.
Round 15: Ch 2, mbs in first mbs, ch 1, mbs2tog, *ch 1, mbs in next mbs, ch 1, mbs2tog; repeat from * to end, ch 1, join to first mbs with slip st; turn – 12 mbs.
Round 16: Ch 2, *mbs2tog, ch 1; repeat from *, join to first mbs with slip st – 6 sts.  Fasten off.

Use beginning tail to sew up seam in ribbing.  Weave in ends.

Purchase a large print, ad-free printable pdf of this pattern on Etsy

Free Crochet Pattern - Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat from Amanda Saladin

That’s it!  Just leaving that opening at the top makes room for a ponytail or bun.  I hope you’ve enjoyed this free pattern for the Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat.  Happy crocheting!

Free Crochet Pattern - Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat from Amanda Saladin

Filed Under: Free Patterns Tagged With: crochet hats

Previous Post: « 10 Free Knit Penguin Patterns
Next Post: 30 Minute Crochet Baby Hat – Free Pattern »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ann

    January 4, 2017 at 11:26 am

    What color/brand was used on the green and white hat that is pictured above?

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 4, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      Hi Ann,

      That is also Lion Brand Scarfie yarn, just in a different color way. ?

      Reply
      • Ann

        January 4, 2017 at 5:52 pm

        Thanks! Do you happen to remember the color? The closest at the store I could find was cream/teal.

        Reply
        • amanda

          January 5, 2017 at 1:46 am

          Just looked at my skein and it is the cream/teal. It’s a really dark teal so it shows up as a green online. It works out really nice!

          Reply
  2. Melanie Rogne

    January 8, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    I like this hat so much better than the patterns for little girls that I’m finding. Do you have instructions for sizing this for an 8 year old with a small head?

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 8, 2017 at 9:20 pm

      I have not sized it for any other size but give me some time to do the math and you could test it out for me. I have a seven year old with a smaller head so I will use him as my guide for how big around it needs to be and I will email you. ?

      Reply
      • tracy

        December 6, 2018 at 2:42 am

        do you have the size for a 10 year old?

        Reply
        • amanda

          December 8, 2018 at 6:47 pm

          So far this pattern is only adult sized but you could try making it with a smaller hook in about a 16-18″ diameter for a child.

          Reply
  3. Adell Wendt

    January 9, 2017 at 3:55 pm

    I thought this was a Free pattern. I’m not finding a Download button.

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 9, 2017 at 6:09 pm

      It is a free pattern but there is not a download option. The pattern is listed above.

      Reply
  4. Jamie Easky

    January 13, 2017 at 1:07 am

    been looking everywhere for this.

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 13, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      Glad you found it. 🙂

      Reply
  5. barbara

    January 13, 2017 at 4:02 am

    i have just now run across the messy bun hat or ponytail hat. they are really cool and different . i enjoy knifty knitter loom knitting. i would to have a free pattern of some of the hats on this site. you do a wonderful job in your work. thanks for sharing with us.

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 13, 2017 at 2:54 pm

      I love loom knitting! I teach my high school fashion classes how to loom knit and even just taught my oldest son (he’s 7). I love how easy and relaxing it is – and much easier to teach to a group than regular knitting or crochet! I’m not sure how many patterns are out there for loom knitting because I’ve only ever done the basics. I hope you find a great loom knit messy bun hat pattern 🙂

      Reply
  6. Edbna

    January 18, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    Where can you buy Scarfie yarn in the Dedham, Ma area………ACMOORE doesn’t have uit

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 18, 2017 at 4:43 pm

      Hi Edbna, I got mine from a local Joann. Do you have a Joann, Hobby Lobby, or Michael’s? If not you may have to order it online. I’m not familiar with Dedham, Ma but we did live outside of Springfield, Ma for a while.

      Reply
  7. Martha

    January 27, 2017 at 3:42 am

    I just so happen to have some Scarfie Yarn and want to use it. So happy to come across a messy bun hat pattern that calls for it. My only question is does this pattern cover the ears ?

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 27, 2017 at 1:59 pm

      Hi Martha, it did cover my ears when I wore it for these pictures. You can see from the photos that it covers almost all the ear and if you want it a little longer you can add a couple of chains to the ribbing to make it longer or a couple of rounds where you work even.

      Reply
  8. Kerry

    January 29, 2017 at 3:26 am

    Hi Amanda,
    This is a great looking pattern, but I need it larger for both my head and for my son who has a lot of hair 🙂 are you able to help out with the modifications on the above pattern to accommodate that please?
    Thanks heaps.

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 29, 2017 at 3:35 am

      Sure! Give me some time to work the math on that and I will get back to you. I have had requests for 23″ circumference so I will work out the numbers for that size.

      Reply
      • Debbie Eckstein

        January 29, 2017 at 4:24 am

        oh this is a good question!, i was just going to ask about modifications. a brim that is 60 st around fits me, and was wondering if i would make a difference if i made it that way.

        Reply
        • amanda

          January 30, 2017 at 2:44 am

          The only difference with 60 sts around would be the decreases. As long as you can shape the crown it works. 🙂

          Reply
        • amanda

          January 30, 2017 at 4:11 pm

          Hi Debbie – check out the response I just wrote to Kerry for working the 60 sts. 🙂

          Reply
    • amanda

      January 30, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      Hi Kerry – I looked at the math for this pattern and after working the ribbing to 23″ you would sc 60 sts around (the math was actually 62 but that made for a more difficult decrease pattern.) That gives you 30 mbs. Work to round 12 on 30 mbs, then change round 13 to this:
      Round 13: Ch 2, mbs in first mbs, ch 1, mbs in next 2 mbs, *ch 1, mbs2tog, (ch 1, mbs in next mbs) 3 times; repeat from * four times, ch1, mbs2tog, ch 1, join to first mbs with slip st; turn – 24 mbs.
      Then you can work the rest of the decreases just like the smaller size and it should turn out fine! If you want it a little longer (mine came to the bottom of the ears) just keep working even until you are ready to work round 13.
      Let me know how it turns out! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Tammy

    February 16, 2017 at 6:45 pm

    Hello Amanda, I just love this pattern thank you so much!!!! I have all ready made many of them, but I would like to make one for my granddaughter and wanted to know if you had a pattern for a child size? Again thank you for the awesome pattern 🙂

    Reply
    • amanda

      February 16, 2017 at 8:57 pm

      Hi Tammy! So glad you like the pattern. I just made a third one for the video tutorial and I still love this yarn and stitch pattern together. I might have to make something else with the combination. I don’t have a pattern for a child size but others have had success using a smaller hook and making the ribbing 18″ long to fit a smaller head. Try using 1-2 sizes smaller hook after the ribbing. Hope this helps! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Amy

    October 29, 2017 at 3:16 am

    thank you so much for doing a pattern AND a video!! i have the hardest time reading patterns, but once i get the hang of it all i need is a pattern to remind me, but I’ve never had both video and pattern before…SO much easier!!

    Reply
    • amanda

      October 30, 2017 at 3:01 am

      You are so welcome! I am working on adding videos to all the patterns on this site but it is definitely a work in progress. 🙂

      Reply
      • Amy

        October 30, 2017 at 2:43 pm

        that would be awesome! btw, cracked up when you had to change locations…as a mom of two little boys, i can completely relate!!!

        Reply
        • amanda

          November 1, 2017 at 2:48 am

          Yes! It is so hard to make any videos at home with my little guys! We are about to have our fourth boy so it is crazy around here. Our oldest is almost 8.

          Reply
          • Mary Haiar

            November 11, 2017 at 7:03 pm

            I purchased the downloaded pattern for this and a baby blanket and my credit card was charged, but there is no download in my email.

          • amanda

            November 11, 2017 at 9:48 pm

            Hi Mary,

            If you purchased on Etsy there should be a link to download them there. Click on your profile and check out purchases. Thanks! 🙂

  11. Nancy

    January 6, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    Thank you so much for the lovely pattern.
    I do have a question about the yarn. It is listed as bulky, but having used it on another hat, if
    it is a bulky, it is a very thin bulky. Did you find the same or is it just me.

    Reply
    • amanda

      January 7, 2018 at 3:03 am

      Hi Nancy,
      I do agree with you. This is a thinner bulky yarn than others I have used.

      Reply
  12. Kathleen

    February 2, 2018 at 8:27 pm

    Ok I’m working this pattern rt now and I’m on row and it shows that when your done with this it would be 18 mbs but when I do by it I’m only coming up with 17. Is there something I’m doing wrong?

    Reply
    • amanda

      February 3, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      Hi Kathleen,
      Have you checked out the video tutorial for this pattern? It might help out 🙂

      Reply
  13. Rebecca

    November 6, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    Why is the ch 2 at the beginning of a row necessary?

    Reply
    • amanda

      November 7, 2018 at 7:33 pm

      Hi Rebecca,
      I found that I needed a ch 2 at the beginning of a round to get the right height for the mbs. I haven’t tried just working it in rounds – if you try that and like it, please let me know! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Rebecca Fisher

    November 8, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    Thank you Dear. I made it as you instructed and it’s so pretty. Took me about an hour and a half. I appreciate your prompt response.

    Reply
    • amanda

      November 10, 2018 at 7:44 pm

      Yay!! So glad to hear it turned out well 🙂

      Reply
  15. Jen Lange

    November 30, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    i made this for a friend and it was cute – how do I convert this to a full hat (no hole) my hair isn’t as long and I love this pattern

    Reply
    • amanda

      November 30, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      Hi Jen! I’ve already done this for you! Check out The Beth Hat (made for a friend named Beth!) – it’s the same hat that is just closed at the top. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jen Lange

        November 30, 2018 at 9:00 pm

        Thank you so much! That hat is amazing 🙂

        Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Free Crochet Patterns Collection of Messy Bun or Ponytail Hat says:
    December 21, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    […] Quick and Easy Messy Bun Hat- Amanda Saladin […]

    Reply

Bloggers: Seeking designs for your upcoming roundup? I’d love for you to feature my work! You have my permission to use one photo in your roundup post as long as a link is provided back to the associated pattern page. Please let me know when your post is published so I can share it on my social media, too. Thank you!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe for Video Tutorials!

Here at love. life. yarn. we specialize in creating modern knit & crochet patterns for the whole family. Read More about Amanda here

Footer

Privacy Policy

Web Stories

Recent Posts

  • Ultimate List of Free Crochet Bookmark Patterns
  • Single Crochet Ribbing (Easy Tutorial)
  • 25 Free Reversible Scarf Knitting Patterns
  • 25 Free Crochet Toddler Dress Patterns
  • 25+ Fast & Free Knitting Machine Patterns

Amazon Affiliates Disclosure

Amanda Saladin is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Copyright Amanda Saladin© 2023 ·

432 shares