Messy bun hat crochet pattern
This messy bun hat crochet pattern keeps your hair up while adding warmth on cold days. The open top leaves room for a bun or ponytail, while rainbow stripes add a bright, playful finish for everyday winter wear or handmade gifts.
Quick answer
This beginner messy bun hat crochet pattern is worked from the top down in joined rounds using worsted weight (#4) yarn and an I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. An open chain ring creates the bun or ponytail opening, double crochet increases shape the hat, and a final round of single crochet finishes the edge. The pattern includes toddler, child, and adult sizes, plus a step-by-step video tutorial.
Messy bun hat crochet pattern details
Skill level
Beginner — This pattern uses double crochet and single crochet stitches, simple increases, joined rounds, and basic color changes.
Materials needed
- I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook
- Worsted weight yarn (#4) in white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Size chart
| Size | Fits head circumference | Hat height |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler | 18–19 inches (45.5–48 cm) | 7 inches (18 cm) |
| Child | 19–20 inches (48–51 cm) | 7.5 inches (19 cm) |
| Adult | 20–23 inches (51–58.5 cm) | 8 inches (20.5 cm) |
If you need help choosing the right fit, visit my crochet hat sizing guide for head circumference tips and size charts.
Gauge
14 dc stitches and 9 dc rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)
Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.
Crochet abbreviations
- dc = double crochet
- sc = single crochet stitch
- ch/chs = chain/chains
- st/sts = stitch/stitches
- sl st = slip stitch
- rnd/rnds = round/rounds
Pattern notes
- The hat is worked from the open top down in joined rounds.
- The ch 2 at the beginning of the double crochet rounds and the ch 1 at the beginning of the final single crochet round do not count as stitches.
- Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made.
- Repeat instructions between the asterisks (*) as indicated.
- Change yarn colors where indicated.
- The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
Messy bun hat video tutorial
Prefer YouTube? Watch the crochet messy bun hat tutorial on YouTube.
Messy bun hat crochet pattern instructions
Rounds 1–5 are the same for all sizes.
Rounds 1–5
Begin with white yarn.
Rnd 1: Ch 22, join with a sl st to the first ch to form a ring. (22 chs)
Rnd 2: ch 2, 2 dc in each ch, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 3: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 4: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 5: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)
Toddler size
Rnds 6–9: ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Purple yarn
Rnd 10: ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Blue yarn
Rnd 11: ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Green yarn
Rnd 12: ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Yellow yarn
Rnd 13: ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Orange yarn
Rnd 14: ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Red yarn
Rnd 15: ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Rnd 16: ch 1, sc in each st, join (56 stitches)
Child size
Rnd 6: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnds 7–10: ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Purple yarn
Rnd 11: ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Blue yarn
Rnd 12: ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Green yarn
Rnd 13: ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Yellow yarn
Rnd 14: ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Orange yarn
Rnd 15: ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Red yarn
Rnd 16: ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 17: ch 1, sc in each st, join (60 stitches)
Adult size
Rnd 6: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 7: ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnds 8–11: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (64 stitches)
Purple yarn
Rnd 12: ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Blue yarn
Rnd 13: ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Green yarn
Rnd 14: ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Yellow yarn
Rnd 15: ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Orange yarn
Rnd 16: ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Red yarn
Rnd 17: ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Rnd 18: ch 1, sc in each st, join (64 stitches)
Finishing
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
More free crochet hat patterns
Looking for another style that works with your hair up? Try my crochet ponytail hat pattern, which includes toddler, child, and adult sizes with a ponytail opening and attached ribbed brim.
You can also browse my full collection of free crochet hat patterns for more beanies, winter hats, animal hats, and seasonal designs for babies, kids, and adults.
Let’s connect!
I’d love to see what you’re making! Share your finished project and follow along for more free crochet patterns and tutorials.
📌 Don’t forget to pin this pattern for later!
Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa
