The Messy Bun Hat Mystique

The messy bun hat was devised to solve a problem. How could a women, girl, and even some guys with long hair keep their heads warm in winter without squashing their hair under a tight beanie? The messy bun beanie or ponytail hat resembles other crocheted hats. However, it comes with a hole at the top so that the wearer can pull the bun or pony tail outside the hat for greater comfort. With holiday fairs in the next few weeks, I decided to explore and search out interesting patterns that were best suited for the messy bun design. In pursuing this project I not only learned to follow messy bun patterns, I converted several designs from complete hats to messy bun hats.  I also discovered how to use the crocheted ribbing as a design feature in the body of the hat.  The v stitch and the cluster V stitch were also new stitch patterns for me. The messy bun hat was quite popular last year, and I am hoping that potential customers will appreciate my efforts. I think the style will have staying power. Time will tell.

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The Messy Bun Hat Free Crochet Pattern Size Adult from Mango Tree Crafts is crocheted with worsted weight yarn.  An H hook is used for the hat, and a G hook is used for the brim and accent flower. Start by crocheting a Single Crochet stitches around a covered elastic band (H hook).  Increasing bands of cluster stitches make up the body of the hat .  Once the crown is at the desired diameter, use the same number of clusters to crochet the sides. When the hat is at the desired length, crochet the border with a G hook.  A flower accent decorates the hat. Type the following link into your search bar:  http://www.mangotreecrafts.net/2016/12/messy-bun-hat-free-crochet-pattern-size_29.html

 A similar hat was crocheted with Unforgettable Yarn.  This time I started with 24 single crochet stitches over the elastic band. I joined with a slip stitch and chained 1.
The second row had the same number, but used half double crochet stitches.  I joined with a slip stitch and chained 2.
I followed the procedure outlined below to finish the hat.
r. 3 chain 2, hdc in same stitch , *, 1 hdc in next 2 stitches, 2hdc in next stitch*,  continue around  * and join with ss. 32
r. 4 Chain 2, hdc in same stitch, * 1 hdc in next 3 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch* continue around. Ss to join 40
r 5. Chain 2, hdc in same stitch, 1 stitch in next 4 stitches, 2 hdc in next stitch. Continue around and join
Continue increase rows until the crown diameter has the required measurement for size and age.
To make the required height,ch 2,  hdc around the circumference.  Ss to join.
Continue same rows until required chart height is reached,  ch 3.
To make ribbed border, dc around, ss to join
Ch 3 and make a Front Post Double Crochet stitch (FPDC)alternated with Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC) for 3 rows  or until desired size of brim is reached.  I also attached a flower accent and button to decorate this hat.

The Katniss Hat named after the heroine from Hunger Games  offers design and structure.  One of my pieces was executed in an oatmeal worsted weight yarn (4) with a J hook for the body and an H hook for the brim.  The other was done with a grey bulky weight (5) with a K hook for the hat and a I hook for the brim.The design by Haken and Zoo was published by Yarn Ballin'.  This hat was also started from the top down with a covered elastic band. I enjoyed playing with the Front Post Double Crochet and Crocheting off the third back loop to make the interesting texture.  The band was created by alternating Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post  Double Crochet Stitches.  See:  http://yarnballin.com/katniss-messy-bun-hat-pattern/  for the Katniss Messy Bun hat Pattern.

Sometimes mothers and daughters can use the same styles while coordinating by not replicating the same colors in a hat. The Mommy and Me Messy Bun hats by Sarah at Repeat Craft Me offers this type of design.The free pattern comes in child and adult sizes.  This time the crocheter starts with a crocheted chain that is then covered with single crocheted.The design with an H hook is achieved by crocheting V cluster stitches around the hat.  Increases are made by making extra V clusters in between existing spaces.
When the desired height is reached, use alternating FPDC and BPDC stitches to crochet the ribbed border.
Like the photo in the pattern I used tourqoise and white.  The teen hat was predominantly tourquoise, while the youth hat was predominantly white.  I made a looser adult hat with a J hook with pink and white.
http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2016/12/crochet-mommy-and-me-messy-bun-hats.html

I converted a v stitch messy bun beanie from a bottom up with a crocheted band to a top down to work with a single v stitch pattern.  As with the other hats I used the alternating stitches of FPDC and BPDC to form a band.  I do not have a specific pattern as of this time as I worked out the hat as I went along.  I know I will get requests for a pattern for this two tone piece, and so I will have to put it on my "2 it" list.

 My last messy bun hat was also converted from another pattern. The Crochet Ribbed Beanie Pattern by Renewed Claimed Path was quite intriguing.  As I searched among my messy bun hat patterns on my Pinterest Board Crocheted and Knitted Hats for Adults, I could not resist the different way the rows of stitches were arranged. The pattern called for a regular beanie, but i was able to convert it by covering an elastic band with single crochet and proceeding to Row 3 of the directions. The pattern called for an I hook, but I used a J hook.  At this point I had a circle of 30 Double Crochet stitches.  I continued with increasing rows until I had approximately 70 stitches.The next row called for alternating FPDC with BPDC to create a ribbed effect.  Although the pattern called for 7 rows, I went onto crochet 2 more since I like a deeper hat.  The band was crocheted with HDC stitches with an H hook.  Instead of a flower, I used an interesting button for an accent. 

The messy bun hats are interesting and trendy. I  am confident that there will be some interest at my fairs this season.  My nieces and grand niece have long hair, I would love to give them this new accessory as a holiday gift.  One benefit of making all of these new and exciting accessories is that I always have a gift on hand when the occasion calls for it.  Are there any messy bun hats in your life?  Is this a classic style or a fleeting fad?  Please share your opinions and interpretations of these patterns and styles.