Lennox Messy Bun Hat

Keep your hair up and your ears warm with this textured, button-embellished ponytail hat that makes the perfect quick handmade gift.

We have all been there.

You want to wear your favorite cozy winter hat, but your high ponytail or messy bun simply refuses to cooperate. Shoving your hair inside ruins your style, while leaving it out ruins the fit of your beanie.

That is exactly why I fell in love with ponytail hats. They offer the perfect compromise by keeping your head warm while letting your updo shine. This design features a clever opening at the top and a stylish side seam decorated with buttons.

It looks like a complex, button-up accessory, but here is a little secret: those buttons are purely decorative!

Working this piece flat means you do not have to worry about complicated shaping in the round. We will create a simple textured rectangle, seam it up, and finish it with a gorgeous shell stitch border.

Let's grab our hooks and get started!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Updo Friendly: The top opening lets you wear high buns or ponytails comfortably.
• No-Fuss Construction: Working flat and seaming makes this project incredibly beginner-friendly.
• Faux-Button Charm: Get the sophisticated look of a button-up cowl-style hat without the hassle of making buttonholes.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Tansy Yarns Wash worsted (Size 4 / Worsted weight) in the colorway Celestial.
• Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8) crochet hook (or size needed to meet gauge).
• Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, and 4 (5 for Adult Medium/Large) metal buttons measuring 1/2 inch for embellishment.
• Yardage: Approximately 120 to 180 yards of worsted weight yarn.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 14 half double crochet (hdc) stitches = 4 inches.
• Sizes included: Child, Teen/Adult Small, and Adult Medium/Large.
• Finished measurements:
  • Child: 17-inch circumference and 7.5 inches tall.
  • Teen/Adult Small: 18-inch circumference and 8 inches tall.
  • Adult Medium/Large: 20-inch circumference and 9 inches tall.
  Note: This design is highly elastic, so the finished circumference is intentionally smaller than standard hats to ensure a snug fit.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• sk: Skip
• st(s): Stitch(es)
• BLO (Back Loop Only): Work your stitches by inserting your hook only under the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops.
• V-st (V-Stitch): Work (1 hdc, ch 1, 1 hdc) into the designated stitch.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked flat as a flat panel and then seamed along the side.
• Tension Tip: Keep your single crochets in the ribbing relaxed so the band stretches comfortably around the head.
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the height of the hat by repeating the main body rows more or fewer times before starting the decrease section.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Note on sizes: Instructions are written for Child (with Teen/Adult Small, Adult Medium/Large in parentheses).

The Ribbed Band

Row 1: Chain 9 (10, 12). Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from your hook and in each chain across. Turn. [8 (9, 11) sc]

Row 2: Ch 1, work 1 sc in the back loop of the very first stitch, then work 1 sc in the back loop of each remaining stitch across. Turn. [8 (9, 11) sc]

Repeat Row 2 until your ribbed band measures 16 (17, 18) inches when laid flat without stretching.

The Hat Body

Note: The starting chain 1 counts as a single crochet, and a starting chain 2 counts as a half double crochet.

Row 1 (Right Side): Working along the long edge of your ribbed band, chain 1 at the corner. Evenly distribute and work 60 (63, 69) sc stitches across the entire length of the band. (Tip: Divide your band into four equal sections using stitch markers, and work 15 (15.75, 17.25) stitches in each quarter to keep things even). Turn. [61 (64, 70) sc]

Row 2: Ch 2, *skip the next 2 stitches, work 3 hdc in the next stitch. Repeat from * until you have 3 stitches left. Skip the next 2 stitches, work 1 hdc in the final stitch. Turn. [19 (20, 22) groups of 3 hdc]

Row 3: Ch 2, skip the next stitch, work a V-st into the middle hdc of the next 3-hdc group. *Skip the next 2 stitches, work a V-st into the middle hdc of the next group. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Skip 1 stitch, work 1 hdc into the top of the turning chain-2. Turn. [19 (20, 22) V-sts]

Row 4: Ch 2, work 3 hdc in the first V-st and in each V-st across the row. Work 1 hdc in the final stitch. Turn. [19 (20, 22) groups of 3 hdc]

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until your entire piece (including the ribbed band) measures 5.5 (6, 7) inches tall.

Shaping and Decreasing

Note: Choose the appropriate Decrease Row 1 depending on which row you just finished.

Decrease Row 1 (If your last row was a 3-hdc group row): Ch 2, skip the next stitch, work 2 hdc into the middle hdc of the next group. *Skip the next 2 stitches, work 2 hdc into the middle hdc of the next group. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Skip 1 stitch, work 1 hdc in the top of the turning chain-2. Turn. [19 (20, 22) groups of 2 hdc]

Decrease Row 1 (If your last row was a V-stitch row): Ch 2, skip the next stitch, work 2 hdc into the next V-st. *Skip the next 2 stitches, work 2 hdc into the next V-st. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Skip 1 stitch, work 1 hdc in the top of the turning chain-2. Turn. [19 (20, 22) groups of 2 hdc]

Decrease Row 2: Ch 2, skip the next stitch, work 2 hdc into the space between the next 2-hdc group. *Skip the next 2 stitches, work 2 hdc into the space between the next 2-hdc group. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Skip 1 stitch, work 1 hdc in the top of the turning chain-2. Turn. [19 (20, 22) groups of 2 hdc]

Decrease Row 3: Ch 2, skip the next stitch, work 1 hdc into the space between the next 2-hdc group. *Skip the next 2 stitches, work 1 hdc into the space between the next 2-hdc group. Repeat from * until 2 stitches remain. Skip 1 stitch, work 1 hdc in the top of the turning chain-2. Turn. [19 (20, 22) hdc]

Decrease Row 4: Ch 2, work 1 hdc in each hdc stitch across the row. Turn. [19 (20, 22) hdc]

Decrease Row 5: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch across the row. Do not fasten off.

Seaming and Shell Border

Fold your hat so the sides meet. Working on the right side, seam the sides together using 25 (25, 31) slip stitches.

Now, let's add the decorative shell trim: Ch 1 (counts as your first sc), *skip 2 stitches, work 5 dc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, work 1 sc in the next stitch. Repeat from * across, ending with a single crochet in the very last stitch. Fasten off. [4 (4, 5) shells]

Weave in all remaining yarn tails securely.

Sew your metal buttons onto the shell stitches running down the side of your hat to complete the look.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Slouchy Style: If you prefer a looser fit, check out my Skye Messy Bun Beanie which includes a slouchy option.
• Classic Beanie: Close the top hole completely to turn this into a standard hat. You can find similar closed-top designs like the Zoe Beanie Pattern.
• Wooden Buttons: Swap the metal buttons for rustic coconut or wooden buttons to give the hat an earthy, outdoorsy vibe.
• Striped Fun: Change colors every two rows in the body section to create a beautiful textured stripe pattern.
• Sparkle Yarn: Use a worsted weight yarn with metallic thread woven through for a festive holiday version.
• Colour ideas: Try deep jewel tones like emerald green, rich burgundy, or mustard yellow to make the texture pop.
• Yarn substitutions: Any standard worsted weight yarn will work beautifully, such as Red Heart Soft, Caron Simply Soft, or Lion Brand Vanna's Choice.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: The ribbed band is too tight or doesn't stretch enough.
  Fix: You might be crocheting your single crochets too tightly. Try switching to a half-millimeter larger hook just for the ribbing section.
• Problem: My stitch count is off on Row 1 of the body.
  Fix: It can be tricky to work into the sides of rows. Use stitch markers to divide the band into four equal parts and make sure you are placing the exact same number of single crochets in each section.
• Problem: The top opening is too large for my ponytail.
  Fix: You can work an extra row of single crochet decreases around the top opening, or weave a matching strand of yarn through the top stitches to draw it slightly tighter.
• Problem: The side seam looks bulky.
  Fix: Make sure you are seaming with a light tension. If slip stitching feels too thick, use a yarn needle to whip stitch the seam together instead.

Care Instructions

To keep your hat looking its best, hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent. Gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing or twisting. Lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. If you used machine-washable acrylic yarn, you can wash it on a delicate cycle, but air drying is always recommended to preserve the buttons and stitch definition.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like a quick, satisfying project that solves a real-world hair dilemma! This hat makes an incredible last-minute holiday gift or a quick weekend treat for yourself. Once you master the simple flat construction, you will want to make one in every color. Happy crocheting, and keep those buns held high!