The Messy Bun Hat Crochet Pattern is a versatile and stylish accessory that combines functionality with flair. Designed with an open top for buns or ponytails, this pattern comes in four sizes, ranging from child small to adult small, making it a great choice for matching sets or personalized gifts. Crafted with worsted weight yarn and basic crochet stitches, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediate crocheters alike.
Get the Bonfire Babe Messy Bun Hat Pattern
Get the complete PDF to access all four sizes—perfect for creating hats for everyone on your list!
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I’m super excited to be part of the Head Over Heels Blog Hop (Feb. 10-24)! This fun 15-day event is all about crochet designs for your head (think hats, ear warmers, and headbands) and feet (socks, slippers, boot cuffs).
Each day, you’ll get 1 or 2 free PDF downloads featuring that day’s designs—so don’t miss out! You can find all the details by clicking the button below.
You can find more of my crochet hats over HERE
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What makes this pattern truly unique is the optional bow detail at the back. The bow adds an extra touch of charm and elegance, elevating the design into something both playful and sophisticated. Whether you prefer a simple hat or want to add the bow for a statement look, this pattern gives you the flexibility to customize it to your style.
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, my Bonfire Babe Messy Bun will be in the spotlight! That means you can grab the PDF completely free until 8 AM Eastern on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
You’ll need a coupon code—just click the button below and follow the instructions to grab your copy!
Heads up! The free PDF includes only the child’s large size. If you want all four sizes, they’re available in the bundle!
There are two ways to join in on the fun:
1️⃣ Collect the free PDF each day when it’s featured by clicking the special download button.
2️⃣ Grab the bundle and skip the stress of remembering to check in daily! You’ll get all 24 designs in one easy download for just $13.99—that’s a little over $1 per pattern!
The bundle is only available during the blog hop (Feb. 10-24). After Monday, Feb. 24, it’s gone forever!
Bonus! If you purchase the bundle through my link, I’ll send you a little thank-you gift on Tuesday, Feb. 25—$2 off my Radiant Stars Messy Bun Hat! Just my way of saying thank you for your support. 💛
Bonfire Babe Messy Bun
REQUIREMENTS
Terminology
- US Terms
Level of Difficulty
Beginner/Intermediate
Yarn
#4 weight; Red Heart Super Saver
Hook and Notions
- Hook Size: G (4mm)
- Hooks Size: I (5.5mm)
- Yarn needle (to weave in ends & for the bow)
- Stitch markers (optional)
- Measuring tape
Sizes
To fit Head Circumferences:
- Child’s Small: 18–19 inches
- Child’s Med: 19–20.5 inches
- Child’s Large: 21–22 inches (9 ½” wide by 6″ tall)
- Adult: 22–23 inches
Bow Measures
- 4 1/2″ wide by 2 1/2″ tall
Gauge
- 13 hdc = 4″ using an 5.5mm hook
How to Crochet A Gauge Swatch
Creating a gauge swatch helps ensure that your project will turn out with the intended size and fit. It’s also a great way to get comfortable with the stitches used in this pattern, allowing you to refine your technique for a polished finish.
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(s)
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sc2tog = single crochet two together
- sc in the 3rd loop
Messy Bun Pattern Notes
- Worked in the round from the bottom up.
- This is the updated version. You can still get the original version of the messy bun hat along with the beanie by purchasing the Complete PDF.
- I have also crocheted this messy bun hat using Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek
- This messy bun is made in 4 different sizes. Image is displaying the Child’s Large and the Adult Small
- Ch 1 at beginning of the round does not count as a stitch.
- Ch 3 at beginning of the round counts as a dc.
- Small Shells = 4 dc
- Large Shells = 5 dc
- Dress it up by adding a bow!
Special Stitches
- Reverse Single Crochet (rsc) aka Crab Stitch: – worked from left to right
- sc in the 3rd loop: With the front of the stitch facing you, look at the top of the stitch, and find the sideways “V”. Next, bend the stitch to look at the back, and you should see another “V”. You’ll be working into the back loop of that “V”, this is called the 3rd loop. When working in the round, the 3rd loop will be on the backside of your work.
Get the Bonfire Babe Messy Bun Hat Pattern
Get the complete PDF to access all four sizes—perfect for creating hats for everyone on your list!
Bonfire Babe Messy Bun Instructions
CHILD’S LARGE MESSY BUN:
With I hook
Ch 66, join with a sl st to first ch.
Careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1: Ch 1, hdc in each st around, join with sl st to first hdc. (66) hdc
Round 2: (working in 3rd loop of hdc) Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc.
(66) sc
Round 3: Ch 3, *sk 2 sts, work large shell in next st, sk 2 sts, dc in next st;* repeat from *to* around, join with sl st to ch-3. (11 shells, 11) dc
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in same st as join, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next st (3rd dc of large shell), ch 2, sk 2 sts, *sc into next dc, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next st (3rd dc of large shell), ch 2, sk 2 sts;* repeat from *to* around, join with sl st to first sc. (22 ch-2 sps, 22) sc
Round 5: Ch 3, *sk 2 chs, work large shell in next st, sk 2 chs, dc in next st;* repeat from *to* around, join with sl st to ch-3. (11 shells, 11) dc
Round 6: Ch 1, sc in same st as join, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next st (3rd dc of large shell), ch 2, sk 2 sts, *sc into next dc, ch 2, sk 2 sts, sc in next st (3rd dc of large shell), ch 2, sk 2 sts;* repeat from *to* around, join with sl st to first sc. (22 ch-2 sps, 22) sc
Repeats
Repeat Rounds 5-6 until your hat is 2″ shorter than you would like it to be. Each set of repeats add approximately 1 1/4″ of height.
Messy Bun Hat Ending
Round 1: Ch 3, *sk 2 chs, work small shell in next st, sk 2 chs, dc in next st;* repeat from *to* around, join with sl st to ch-3. (11 small shells, 11) dc
Round 2: Ch 1, sc into same st as join, ch 1, sk 2 sts, sc between 2nd and 3rd st of shell from previous round, ch 1, sk 2 sts, *sc into next dc, ch 1, sk 2 sts, sc between 2nd and 3rd st of shell from previous round, ch 1, sk 2 sts;* repeat from *to* around, join with sl st to first sc. (22 ch-1 sps, 22) sc
Round 3: Ch 1, hdc in each ch and sc around, join with sl st to first hdc. (44) hdc
Now you will reduce your stitch counts by (11) depending on the size hat you are making.
Round 4: (working in 3rd loop of hdc) Ch 1, *sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts;* repeat from *to* around, join with sl st to first sc2tog. (33) sc
With G Hook
Round 5: Rsc in each st around, join with a sl st in the first rsc.
Fasten off, attach yarn to beginning of round 1
Round 6: Rsc in each st around, join with a sl st in the first rsc.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
Making the Bow
With I Hook
Ch 30, join with a sl st to first ch.
Careful not to twist the chain.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st in the first sc. (30) sc
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, sk 2 sts, large shell in next st, sk 2 sts, *sc in next st, sk 2 sts, large shell in next st, sk 2 sts;* repeat from *to* around, join with a sl st in the first sc. (5 shells, 5 sc)
Round 3: Sl st into the next 3 sts, ch 1, sc in same st, sk 2 sts, large shell in sc from previous round, sk 2 sts, *sc in next st at top of large shell, sk 2 sts, work large shell in sc from previous round, sk 2 sts;* repeat from *to* around, join with a sl st in the first sc. (5 large shells, 5 sc)
Round 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st in the first sc. (30) sc
With G Hook
Round 5: Rsc in each st around, join with a sl st in the first rsc.
Round 6: Loosely sl st around the circle between Rounds 4 and 5.
Fasten off, attach yarn to beginning of Round 1.
Round 7: Rsc in each st around, join with a sl st in the first rsc.
Round 8: Loosely sl st around the circle between Rounds 7 and 1.
Fasten off, leaving 18″ tail.
Lay the circle flat so that it looks like a rectangle. Wrap the tail tightly around the center of the rectangle several times so that it pulls inward. Tie it off securely, then use the remaining tail to sew the bow to the back of the hat.
Have you crocheted the Bonfire Babe Messy Bun Hat? Share your projects and tag us with #BonfireBabeMessyBun to be featured!
Happy Hookin!
XO, Mistie
