What is a crochet ponytail hat?

A crochet ponytail hat is a hat with an opening at the top (or back) so you can wear a ponytail or bun while still keeping your head warm.

What yarn works best for this crochet ponytail hat pattern?

Worsted weight yarn (#4) is a great choice because it’s easy to work with, easy to find, and makes a warm, sturdy hat.

Do I have to use the exact hook size listed?

No. Start with an I-9 (5.5 mm), then adjust hook size if needed to match the gauge so your hat fits correctly.

How do I choose the right size?

Pick your size by head circumference first. If you’re between sizes, sizing up usually feels more comfortable (you can snug it up with the ribbed brim).

Can I make the hat longer or shorter?

Yes. Add or remove rounds in the hat body before you start the brim to adjust the height.

Why doesn’t the beginning chain count as a stitch?

Keeping the chain from counting as a stitch helps your stitch counts stay consistent and makes the seam look cleaner.

Crochet Ponytail Hat Pattern

Keep your ponytail up while staying warm with this cozy crochet ponytail hat. The opening at the top leaves room for a ponytail or bun, while the ribbed brim gives the finished hat a classic beanie look.

It’s a practical cold-weather accessory for anyone who likes wearing their hair up.

Quick answer

This beginner crochet ponytail hat is worked from the top down in joined rounds using worsted weight (#4) yarn and an I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. The starting chain forms the ponytail opening, double crochet rounds shape the hat, and a single crochet back-loop-only ribbed brim finishes the bottom edge. The pattern includes toddler, child, and adult sizes.

Crochet ponytail hat pattern details

Here’s a quick overview of the materials, sizing, gauge, and pattern notes before you begin.

Skill level

Beginner — This pattern uses double crochet, single crochet, simple increases, joined rounds, and back-loop-only ribbing.

Avoid frustration by learning the most common crochet mistakes beginners make and how to fix them.

Materials needed

Crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm)
Worsted weight yarn (#4)
Yarn needle
Scissors
Tape measure

Finished size

This crochet ponytail hat pattern includes three sizes.

Toddler — 18–19 inches (46–48 cm) head circumference, 7 inches (18 cm) tall
Child — 19–20 inches (48–51 cm) head circumference, 7.5 inches (19 cm) tall
Adult — 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) head circumference, 8 inches (20 cm) tall

Need help with sizing? Check out my crochet hat sizing guide to measure head circumference, use negative ease, and adjust crown diameter and hat height for the best fit.

Gauge

15 dc stitches and 10 dc rounds = 4 inches (10 cm) using the I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook.

Too small? Try going up a hook size
Too big? Try going down a hook size

Learn how to check crochet gauge before you begin so you can adjust your hook size if needed.

Crochet abbreviations

dc = double crochet stitch
sc = single crochet stitch
blo = back loop only
ch/chs = chain/chains
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sl st = slip stitch
rnd/rnds = round/rounds
rem = remaining

Pattern notes

The pattern is written in US crochet terms.
The hat is worked from the top down and in the round.
Rounds 1-4 are the same for all sizes.
Add or remove double crochet rounds from the body before starting the ribbed brim to adjust the finished height.
Repeat the instructions between the asterisks (*) for the rest of the round.
Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch made in that round.
The ch 2 at the beginning of each round does not count as a stitch.

Pinterest pin featuring a smiling girl wearing a light pink crochet ponytail hat with a ribbed brim and ponytail opening beneath bold text reading “Free Crochet Ponytail Hat,” “Cute Pattern for Girls,” “Cozy and Easy,” and “Perfect for Ponytails.”

Crochet ponytail hat pattern instructions

Rounds 1-4 are the same for all sizes.

Rounds 1-4

Rnd 1: Ch 22, join in the round (this creates the ponytail opening), ch 2, 2 dc in each ch, join (44 stitches)
Rnd 2: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 10 sts*, join (48 stitches)
Rnd 3: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 11 sts*, join (52 stitches)
Rnd 4: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 12 sts*, join (56 stitches)

Toddler size

Rnds 5–12: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (56 stitches)

Child size

Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnds 6–13: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (60 stitches)

Adult size

Rnd 5: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 13 sts*, join (60 stitches)
Rnd 6: Ch 2, *2 dc, dc in next 14 sts*, join (64 stitches)
Rnds 7–14: Ch 2, dc in each st, join (64 stitches)

Adding the ribbed brim

Begin the brim where you left off for the hat.

Step 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch, (6 stitches)
Step 2: Slip stitch in the next 2 stitches of the hat.
Step 3: Turn your work clockwise
↑ Step 4: Do not chain, sc blo in each st, (6 stitches)
↓ Step 5: Ch 1, sc blo in each st, (6 stitches)

Repeat steps 2-5 all the way around.

Finally, use a yarn needle to sew the seam where the two ends of the brim meet.

Finishing

Fasten off and then weave in the ends.

Free crochet ponytail hat pattern showing three hats stacked with a ponytail opening and ribbed brim for a snug fit

More free crochet hat patterns

Looking for more crochet hat ideas? Browse my full collection of free crochet hat patterns for babies, kids, and adults. You’ll find everything from classic crochet beanies and cozy winter hats to playful animal hats and seasonal designs — all written with clear instructions and helpful sizing details.