This bun hat is nothing short of sassy and feisty. In just one pattern, you can customize up to three styles of your liking. Better yet, make all of them and switch them depending on your mood! Scroll down for the free pattern or get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here.
What exactly do I mean by a 3-in-1 crochet messy bun hat pattern? Well, this pattern makes 3 styles of beanie for those of us with every-changing styles. I’m constantly chopping my hair off and letting it grow out again so this hat allows me to work with all of my crazy styles from long hair to short hair or full on bed head days. (Video coming soon! I did include some helpful videos.)
Not ready to take on a hat pattern like this? Let me help you start learning to basics so you will feel confident to crochet this (or any other) hat pattern. My Crochet Fundamentals class teaches you the basics of making a hat (as well as a scarf and shawl) so you will be an expert in no time! Try out the class free here.

Crochet Messy Bun Hat pattern 3-in-1
Let me preface this by saying how much I am loving this new pattern! I don’t have the hairstyle to pull off the messy bun hat, but I certainly have worn my hair that long and up; it’s just been a long, long time since that happened. SO… without further ado, I present the most awesomeness for those with short n sassy hair, long hair, and even those with no hair. I will be adding this pattern to my list to make and donate to those who are battling the effects of cancer and chemotherapy and you should, too. It’s loose and super comfy! This hat is made from the bottom up. As you move through the pattern, you will find finishing options for each fit.
What I love about this pattern too is you can switch up the stitches in this hat and make it a little more customized with your favorite stitches. This pattern uses the bobble stitch but I personally would love to make it with an Iris or Primrose Stitch. You can learn these and 43 other crochet stitches in my Crochet Stitch Library video classes. Check them out free here.

Skill Level: Intermediate
Materials:
Hook: US size J/10 (6.00mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn
200 yds
Notions:
Yarn needle
Scissors
Size: 20 inch circumference at opening; 8.5 inches long for full beanie
Gauge: 6 hdc x 4 rows = 2 inches

Pattern uses US crochet terms.
ABBREVIATIONS | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|
ch | Chain |
hdc | Half double crochet |
hdc2tog | Half double crochet 2 together |
Rnd(s) | Round(s) |
sc | Single crochet |
sl st | Slip stitch |
st(s) | Stitch(es) |
yo | Yarn over |
Special Stitches:
Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here
Foundation half double crochet (fhdc): Ch 1, yo, insert hook into the ch, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull up through the first loop on the hook (this is the base ch loop), yo, pull through all 3 loops (first fhdc completed). *Yo, insert hook into the base ch loop of the previous st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 1 loop (base ch loop made), yo, pull through 3 loops (fhdc completed). Repeat from * for desired number of sts.
Half double crochet 2 together (hdc2tog): Yo, insert hook into the next st, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, insert hook into the next st, yo, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
Beginning bobble (beg bobble): Ch 3, [yo, insert hook into the first st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] 4 times (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
Bobble: Yo, insert hook into the next st, yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2 loops (2 loops on hook), [yo, insert hook into the same st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops] 4 times (6 loops on hook), yo, pull through all 6 loops on hook.
Notes:
The 3rd loop is the loop behind the stitch immediately behind/below the back loop.
Hat is worked from the bottom up in rounds.
Chain 1 counts as the first sc or hdc unless otherwise stated.
Instruction for Short n Sassy, Messy Bun, and full beanie are included.
Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here
Rnd 1: Make 60 fhdc, join with a sl st in first st to form a loop, being careful not to twist.
Rnds 2-4: Ch 1, working in the 3rd loop, hdc in each st around, join with a sl st in the space between the ch and the first hdc. 60 hdc
NOTE: Work in both loops for the remainder of the pattern.
Rnd 5: Beg bobble in the first st, sc in the next st, [bobble in the next st, sc in the next st] around, join with a sl st in top of first st, turn. 30 bobbles
Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st in top of ch, turn. 60 sc
Rnds 7-15: Repeat Rnds 5 and 6, ending with a repeat of Rnd 5.
Fasten off here if you want a fabulous Short n Sassy hat or earwarmer.
Rnd 16: Repeat Rnd 6.
Rnd 17: Repeat Rnd 5.
Rnd 18: Ch 1, skip 1 st, [sc in the next st, skip 1 st] around, join with a sl st in top of ch, turn. 30 sc
Rnd 19: Repeat Rnd 5. 15 bobbles
Rnd 20: Repeat Rnd 18. 15 sc
NOTE: You should have an opening that is 3” in diameter. Fasten off here for a messy bun hat. Continue for a complete beanie.
Rnd 21: Beg bobble in the first st, sc in the next st, [bobble in the next st, sc in the next st] around to last st, skip last st, join with a sl st in top of first st, turn. 7 bobbles
Rnd 22: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with a sl st in top of ch. 14 sc
Rnd 23: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), hdc2tog 7 times, join with a sl st in top of first st. Cinch the top together using the yarn tail and needle. Pick up the front loop of each stitch around and then gently pull it closed and weave your ends. It should be perfect! I tried it out and I’ve been meaning to make a video. As soon as I find the time, it will be up.
Weave in all ends.
Get the ad-free printable PDF pattern here

Diane joyner
Friday 2nd of November 2018
Red heart classic only 190 yards will that work or do I need to by 2 for extra 10 yards. Please reply
Billie
Thursday 16th of February 2017
I do not wear hats ever, but I am going to wear this one. Thank you for sharing!
Thea Lewis
Saturday 4th of February 2017
Amazing! I bought this exact yarn awhile back when it's beauty jumped out at me at Michaels. Now the perfect pattern with a stitch I've been wanting to try, divine serendipity. Thanks!
Celina
Sunday 5th of February 2017
Perfect, Thea! Love it when that happens, which is very rare. :)
Connie Ebinger
Sunday 29th of January 2017
Very cool pattern, can't wait to try it!
Celina
Wednesday 1st of February 2017
Thanks!