Back and Forth Messy Bun Hat Crochet Pattern

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of messy bun hats! I have plenty of patterns as proof.

So, why add another pattern, you ask?

I’m pretty proud of this pattern because of its versatility. What makes it different from the other cute messy bun hats is that it can be made into a beanie as well.

One pattern, two finishing options. That’s basically a two for one, right?

This hat pattern has a really retro vibe to me due to its more rounded shape. Plus, mustard always has me feeling vintage.

This messy bun hat can be turned into a beanie by simply pulling the tail to cinch it closed. Or, keep it as a messy bun hat by sewing in your ends.
It uses alternating stitches for a simple texture, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves a little retro in their lives.

Back and Forth Messy Bun Hat Crochet Pattern

Yarn – Cascade 220 Worsted Weight – 2423 Montmartre

Materials – J/10 6.00mm hook, scissors, yarn needle

Difficulty – Easy

Size – 24” circumference

Measurements in Pattern – 3” inch diameter, 26” at the widest point (round 14)

Gauge – 4” = 9 rows, 11 stitches

Stitch Guide in American Terms:
SC – Single Crochet
HDC – Half double crochet
DC – Double Crochet
HDC2TOG – Half Double Crochet 2 together

Special Stitches:
HDC in the 3rd loop – Yarn over, insert your hook in the loop behind the back loop, yarn over, pull up a loop, 3 loops on hook, yarn over, pull through all 3. (See video for 3rd loop.)

Notes – Worked from the top down in rounds. Slip stitch counts as a stitch. Do not chain. Do not turn your work.

Instructions:
Chain 16, slip stitch to form a loop, do not chain, do not turn.
Round 1: HDC in each chain around, slip stitch – 16 HDCs total.
Round 2: DC in the same as the slip stitch, [SC, DC] in each stitch around (15 times), slip stitch – 32 stitches.
Round 3: * DC, SC, work from * 15 times around, DC in the last, slip stitch – 32 stitches.
Round 4: DC in the same as the slip stitch, [SC, DC] in each stitch around (31 times), slip stitch – 64 stitches.
Round 5 – 14: * DC, SC, work from * 31 times around, DC in the last, slip stitch – 64 stitches
Round 15: Chain 1, HDC in next 5 stitches, * HDC2TOG, HDC in next 6 stitches, work from * 7 times around, HDC2TOG, slip stitch – 56 stitches.
Round 16-19: Chain 1, using the 3rd loop only (behind the stitch) HDC in each around, slip stitch – 56 HDC.

Finishing: Fasten off, sew in the ends.

Make it a beanie: Turn your hat inside out and grab the tail on the top of your hat. Thread it through your yarn needle sewing your top stitches together by moving back and forth between the stitches. (See the next image.)

Work the needle through the stitches all the way around and gently pull the tail to cinch the top closed. (See the next image.) Weave the tail in to finish off.