Would you believe this free crochet bun beanie pattern (AKA ponytail hat) uses only single crochet and chain stitches? Despite it’s simple construction, the “cabled” look of this beanie is sure to dress up even the messiest of messy buns. As always, the free pattern is below or you can purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
Oh the crochet bun beanie. Outside of our little pocket of the internet, I’m sure no one has any idea what I’m talking about. But inside this warm, wooly corner of craft blogs and internet crocheters, bun beanies are hot. Hot. Hot.
I can see why too. They say, “Hey look, I’m a woman. Yup, see? I have a lot of hair pretty back there. But I don’t care to wash it or style it, so I put this cute hat on and called it a day.” This is my kind of trend.
I wanted to design a free crochet bun beanie pattern that didn’t necessarily have to be pulled over your bun to be put on. Let’s face it, the perfectly imperfect messy bun is sometimes hard to achieve and yanking a hat over it has the potential to create a little too much mess in your messy bun. (Unless you’re my sister, pictured in this post, who has the hair of an equestrian mermaid. So thick. So soft. So shiny.)
A while back, I came across this pillow and I became really intrigued by how single crochet plus a bunch of chain loops could create such an elegant, cabled texture. I pinned the technique and knew I’d use it one of these days. Today is the day! (PS. Are we Pinterest buddies yet? Let’s be!)
This crochet bun beanie pattern literally requires one skein of Lion Brand Lion’s Pride Woolspun yarn, single crochet, periodic sets of 10 chains to create the loops and some decreases thrown in for good measure.
I put together this brief video tutorial so you could see how easy it is to turn your swatch of squiggly chain loops into a stylish “cabled” hat. Check it out below to see the entire bun beanie come together in less than two minutes. (Unfortunately, I’m not this fast in real life!)
Note: The video shows four rows of chain loops because I shot it all at my house before Christmas, only to decide after the hat was finished that I wanted to adjust it a bit. So I tore it all out and recreated it when I was at my parents’ (away from my video recording set up.) #bloggerproblems Anyhow, don’t be concerned when you end up with only three rows of loops or when your row of tacking the loops down (row 14) happens on the back side of the hat instead of the front like in the video. 🙂
Feel free to share and pin this blog post! Please do not publish this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this post. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos. You can read my policies here. Now let’s make something awesome!
Related: 35+ Easy Chunky Beanies to Crochet
Faux Cabled Bun Beanie – Free Crochet Pattern
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here.
Pin it for later here.
Sizes:
One size fits most teen and adult women’s heads
Supplies:
• (1) Lion Brand Lion’s Pride Woolspun in “Honey” approx. 127 yards (100 g) (Note that the any variegated version of this yarn contains slightly less yardage, so you will likely have to eliminate the last row or two of the pattern if you use multicolored Woolspun. The pattern will work, the hat will just be slightly shorter.)
• Tapestry needle
• Size J [6.0 mm] crochet hook (I really like this affordable set!)
• (4) ¾” buttons
• Sewing needle and thread to match buttons
• Scissors
Gauge:
• 5.5 sc stitches = 2”
• 8 sc rows = 2”
Abbreviations (US Terms):
sc – single crochet
approx. – approximately
ch – chain
sk – skip
scblo – single crochet back loop only (Insert hook in back loop of the crochet stitch you’re working, then complete a normal single crochet.)
sc2tog – decrease one stitch by single crocheting two stitches together (Insert hook in first stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop (2 loops are now on hook). Insert hook in next single crochet, yarn over, draw up a loop (3 loops are now on hook). Yarn over, draw a yarn through all three loops on hook.)
Notes:
• The ribbing of this beanie is worked first and the hat is built on top.
• The entire hat is worked in a rows back and forth and becomes round when buttoned at the end.
Ribbing Band
To begin ribbing, ch 6.
Row 1: In the second ch from hook, sc, sc in each of next 4 ch; turn. (5 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, scblo in each of next 5 sc; turn.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 23”.
Row 3: Ch 1, scblo in next 2 sc, sk next sc, ch 1, scblo in next 2 sc; turn. (Buttonhole created.)
Row 4-5: Repeat row 2.
Do not fasten off. Turn ribbing and continue with the beanie section working along the long edge of ribbing that is closest to your hook. (See photo A.)
Related: 27+ Free Crochet Hats and Beanies for Adults
Beanie
Notes:
• This pattern is intended to use one entire skein of Lion Brand Woolspun. Since yarn is measured by weight, yardage can vary slightly. If you come up short, simply do not work row 17.
• When each chain loop is created in row 1, work the next single crochet in the very next stitch of the previous row. (Therefore you will have single crocheted in each single crochet from the previous round and you’ll have 14 chain loops popping up from the row of single crochet. See photo above for reference.)
Foundation Row: Ch 1, sc 60 along long edge of ribbing; turn. (60)
Row 1: Ch 1, sc 4, ch 10, sc 4, [ch 10, sc 4] 14 times; turn. (14 ch loops created)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc 2, sk 1 sc, ch 1, sc 2, sc in each sc; turn. (Buttonhole created.) (60)
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Row 16: Ch 1, sc 5, [sc2tog, sc 9] 3 times, sc2tog, sc 4; turn. (40)
Row 17: Ch 1, sc 4, [sc2tog, sc 8] 3 times, sc2tog, sc 4; turn. (36)
Fasten off.
Finishing
Sew buttons onto hat to coordinate with buttonhole placement. Weave in any remaining yarn ends.
Throw your hair in a bun, pop on your crochet bun beanie and walk out the door—messy hair, don’t care!
I love to see your finished projects! Use #MakeAndDoCrew and tag me Instagram (@MakeAndDoCrew) to show off your stitches and have a chance to be featured.
Are you one of those rad chics who makes your own accessories? Good for you! You might like these free patterns too:
“Cabin Boots” with Flip Flop Soles
“Desert Winds” Free Crochet Triangle Scarf
Sarah says
Is this worsted weight yarn?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
It’s a little thicker than worsted weight. If you check out YarnSub.com, you can see other yarns that are similar in weight.
Hope that’s helpful!
Jess
Elise says
When I am doing the 60 single crochets, for some reason I have only 30. What did I do wrong? Was I supposed to single crochet into more of the ribbing? I have no idea!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. Well, first you work the 23″ of ribbing, then you sc along one of the long edges of the ribbing to create a total of 60 sc stitches (along that long edge). Those stitches are the foundation that the upper part of the hat is built on. Does that make sense?
Amy says
I’m just wondering if anyone has worked with a yarn other than the one listed. I’ve been on to yarn sub for the other types I could use, but a lot are not available in stores around me. Just wondering, as I’ve made one for someone already and it turned out to be too small for her head and in order to make a larger one it would cost over 16 $ (CAD) just for a skein and a bit to complete it for her head (she has super thick hair making her head a bit larger).
If any one could let me know that would be great!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. Let’s see. I know one reader was going to try to make the hat with two strands of worsted weight yarn held together. That might be a good option to at least swatch up and see what you think. If you look back in the previous comments, I’ve described a few ways to amend the pattern sizing if the double strand combo ends up creating a little bigger gauge. If you do find a good alternative, I’d love to know what you use so that other readers can have it as an option.
Happy crocheting, Amy!
Jess
Amy says
Thanks Jess! I’m going to see if I can track down something that looks and feels similar when I go back to the store to pick up my second skein of lion’s pride for my current hat. I will let you know what brand etc. once I tackle it. Love the pattern!
Amy says
Made my third bun hat and this one was the one I used a different yarn for. I used Bernat Softer Chunky which is a 6 – super bulky. I made the ribbing thicker like my last one and did everything else the same as the pattern, it turned out stiff so I washed it and now it is just as great as my ones made with p Woolspun only heavier for those really cold winter nights!
Jen says
Hi there, the ribbing, you make a button hole, make rows until 23″, then another button hole?? On the ribbing??
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Jen,
You just work the ribbing with no button hole for 23″ and then make one button hole once your ribbing is 23″ long. So you’ll end up with one button hole on the ribbing and three more as you work up the hat.
Hope that helps!
Jess
Gina says
Great hat pattern and I’m working on it now.If I want to make it smaller for a 20.5 inch circumference head, do you have recommendations on how long to make ribbed brim section? Also, how many sc stitches should I start with instead of the 60. Thank you!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Gina,
I just replied to your other comment above. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Celeste says
Love this bun beanie! It’s perfect for those of us who have massive amounts of thick hair that make it impossible to wear regular winter hats! Such a fun, creative idea!
Lyla says
I’ve matched up through row 1 of the beanie. On row 2 my button hole matched up but I counted single crochets and at 60 i still room at the end to crochet. Any tips??
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Lyla,
Do you mean that you still have room at the end of the ribbing? Like a little section of ribbing is hanging off?
I’m sorry I’m not totally clear on what you’re asking. If you’d like to send me a pic, feel free to. jess (at) makeanddocrew (dot) com
Lyla says
I was able to figure out my mistake and finish the project. It came out smaller than I wanted because when I went from the ribbing to the sc 60 I had extra ribbing after crocheting the 60. I went back and decreased the length of the ribbing instead of spacing the 60 sc out more. Definitely a tip when going from the ribbing to beanie would be helpful.
Thanks!
Lois Cantrell says
I folded the ribbing in half and set a marker. then I worked the 30 for 1/2 evenly spaced in and then did the same thing with the other half.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks for sharing your helpful advice, Lois!
Evelyn says
Hi, the pattern calls for 60 sc around the ribbing; I have about 71 chains . Did I do something wrong? The ribbing measures 23″. Do I skip over to make the 60 or not. Sorry, I’m lost. It’s such a beautiful beanie and I’m so excited to make it. I appreciate your help!
Thank you!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Evelyn,
That first row of sc is worked directly into the long edge of the ribbing. So you’ll want to spread your 60 sc evenly across that long edge and then the hat will be crocheted up toward the top of the head from there. Does that make sense?
Stacey Lynn says
Thank you for this amazing pattern. It’s so cute and I love that it wont mess up my messy bun more! I don’t have any chunky yarn so can I use two strings of worsted weight together to achieve the same chunkiness? I’m a total newbie (more or less). Thanks!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
You’re welcome! Good question. I’m not exactly sure. You could always do a little swatch and see if you’re getting close to the gauge of the pattern. (For the swatch, you could just work basic single crochet because the chain loops won’t influence the gauge much and then your swatch will go faster.) 🙂
Danielle Schneider says
I’ve made 2 of these measuring row 2 at what you have specified, and neither have fit my head….would you suggest just making it longer?? I’m just learning how to crochet.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hmm. You could do one of two things. Probably the easiest is just to use a bigger hook and see if that gets you closer to the size you need. Otherwise, you can make the ribbing about an inch longer and add about 4 stitches to your first row of sc along the ribbing. (So you’d have 64 sc instead of 60). Then you could just work the pattern as is, but know you’ll have one extra set of chain loops. Does that make sense?
Debi says
I worked this up yesterday, after a trip to the dentist and, and with a new movie on. But, unfortunately, it is a child size. But so very cute! I used a colorful yarn that changed colors for each loop. And I used a lighter weight yarn. (that is where I made my mistake) So I am going to try again with less reductions going toward the “bun” and see if I can change the pattern for the weight of the yarn so it will fit a big head. Maybe another row up too. I want to put it on my website anyway. This is a great pattern! How to I link to you so you get credit for this awesome pattern?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha, well, I guess there’s going to be a child with a very cute hat! 🙂
The pattern is written in multiples of four, so if you decide to make it bigger to accommodate the thinner yarn, just make your ribbing a bit longer and then work the first row of sc in some multiple of 4. (Right now, it’s 60 stitches, so you could do 64, 68, 72, etc.)
I’d love for you to link directly to this pattern page. Thank you!
Debi says
I do not know how to send you a copy of the one I finished (for a child… by mistake) but I am linking to you and uploading the pictures to my web site today.
Thanks for update on how to go larger in multiples of 4 – how simple is that! I was going to try and wade into crochet abyss winging it!
Thanks for helping a beginner get more out of my yarny attempts.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Lol, Debi, winging it in the crochet abyss is my forever state! 😉 I’m glad you were able to figure out my instructions! I just saw your hat on your website. It’s gorgeous! Those colors are so pretty. Whoever buys will will really enjoy it I’m sure!
Jess
Debi Temmer says
Thank You!
I made another one today with a variegated blue that changed colors through the loops – looks awesome. I ended up going up to 82 sc along the ribbing and it worked finally. I had to tear out the last 3rows and not sctog as many times. Did I write it down so I don’t have to tear out again on the next one? Nope!
I’m hooked on this pattern and I might just give the bulky yarn a go on the next one.
Thanks for your creative pattern I’ve had a great time with it! I posted your link to FB too!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks so much for sharing my pattern on FB, Debi! I’m really happy that you’ve had luck adjusting the pattern to suite your yarn stash! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve experimented with some crochet pattern and then not written down what I did. I just get so caught up in the heat of making things, I don’t want to be slowed down. I bet you’ll figure it out again easily!
Kimberly Hardy says
Love this and want to make it. Have you tried any other substituted yarn yourself and if so what? Also the video won’t play and it’s not on youtube. Please help. Keep up the awesome job!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I’m so sorry about the videos! Booo! I’ve been troubleshooting the heck out of this with my ad company. Will you please let me know if you’re still having trouble playing it? I apologize for the inconvenience.
I haven’t tried substituting yarn, but I did just write an explanation of how to adjust the pattern for a lighter weight yarn in a previous comment. Take a look at that if you think it might be helpful!