Crochet ponytail hat pattern
This crochet ponytail hat pattern is a beginner-friendly hat worked from the top down in the round using worsted weight yarn. With toddler, child, and adult sizes, it features a built-in ponytail opening and a stretchy ribbed brim for a practical, comfortable fit.
Quick answer
This crochet ponytail hat pattern is a beginner-friendly hat worked from the top down in the round using worsted weight yarn (#4) and an I-9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook. It includes toddler, child, and adult sizes and features a built-in ponytail opening with a stretchy ribbed brim for a snug, comfortable fit.
Best for: Beginners
Style: Top-down ponytail hat with ribbed brim
Includes: 3 sizes, written instructions, gauge, and fit tips
Why you’ll love this pattern
- Ponytail-friendly opening — keeps your hair up without pressure or bulk
- Beginner-friendly — simple stitches and repeatable rounds
- Ribbed brim — stretchy fit that stays put
- Three sizes included — toddler, child, and adult
- Quick make — a practical hat you’ll want to crochet more than once
How this crochet hat is made
This crochet ponytail hat is worked from the top down in the round. You’ll begin by chaining to form the ponytail opening, then crochet rounds to shape the hat. Once the hat reaches the right height, the ribbed brim is added using single crochet worked in the back loop only..
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 crochet hat pattern uses basic stitches in basic form and in simple repeats in rounds.
Materials needed
- Crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm)
- Worsted weight yarn (#4)
- Yarn needle — for weaving in ends
- Scissors — to fasten off your yarn
- Stitch marker — optional, for tracking rounds
- Tape measure — to check fit
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 stitches and 10 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm)
Too small? Try going up a hook size
Too big? Try going down a hook size
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.
- 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 beginning chain does not count as a stitch.
Quick links
Rounds 1-4
Toddler size
Child size
Adult size
Adding the ribbed brim
Finishing
FAQs
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 two stitches.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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Happy crocheting! 🧶
— Melissa