I know - I know the Messy Bun hats are everywhere. But they are not so great for me personally. I like my ponytail in the back. A few years ago when I started running I wanted a hat that allowed me to have my ponytail too. I couldn't find one so I made one. I used acrylic yarn but to be honest you can use almost any fiber and this works up super fast. You can use the free pattern here or grab the pdf in my Etsy shop.

Stitches Used / Abbreviations:
fhdc – Foundation Half Double Crochet
ch - Chain
sc - Single Crochet
hdc – Half Double Crochet
dc- Double Crochet
sl st – slip stitch

Supply List:
1 skein Vanna's Choice yarn or approx 145 yds Category 4 - Worsted weight yarn
Crochet Hook Size H / 5mm
Large needle to weave ends
Two small buttons

NOTE:
This hat is worked from the top down. It is worked in the round to the split, and is then worked back and forth in rows.
Start with a magic loop. If you do not want to use a magic loop you can chain 3 and slip stitch together.

Either in your magic loop or your chain 3:
Round 1: Ch 2 (acts as first hdc), 11 hdc, sl st to top of ch 2 // Total for Round 1 is 12 hdc (including ch 2).

Round 2: Ch 2 (acts as first hdc), work 2 hdc in each st, all way around, sl st to top of ch 2 // Total for Round 2 is 24 hdc (including ch 2).

Round 3: Ch 2 (acts as first dc) 2 dc in next st, * dc in next st, 2 dc in next st*, repeat * to * all way around, sl st to top of ch 2 // Total for Round 3 is 36 dc (including ch 2).

Round 4: Ch 2 (acts as first dc) 1 dc in next st, 2 dc in next st * dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st*,
repeat * to * all way around, sl st to top of ch 2 // Total for Round 4 is 48 dc (including ch 2).

Round 5: Ch 2 (acts as first dc) 1 dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next st * dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next st*, repeat * to * all way around, sl st to top of ch 2 // Total for Round 5 is 60 dc (including ch 2).

Round 6-8: Ch 2 (acts as first dc), dc all way around, sl st to top of ch 2 // Total for Row is 60 dc
***add rounds here for larger size heads***

Round 8: Ch 2 (acts as first dc), 58 dc all way around, DO NOT SL ST TO JOIN ROW.
Total for Round 8 is 59 sts.

Rows 9-14: Turn, ch 2 (acts as first dc), 1 dc all way around, DO NOT SL ST TO JOIN ROWS.Total for each Row is 59 sts.

BAND:
Row 15: Turn, ch 2 (acts as first hdc), hdc all way around, then 11 x fhdc // Total for row is 70 sts
Rows 16 – 17: Turn, ch 2 (acts as first hdc), 69 hdc all way across // Total for each Row is 70 sts.
Row 18: Ch 1, loosely sc all way around, join with sl st to ch 1.
Fasten off.

BUTTONS:
Add two buttons on one side of the band for closure.
Fasten off & weave in ends

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