Messy Bun Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern
If you haven’t already seen one of the hottest trends that’s hit the knit and crochet world, let me tell! The messy bun hat, beanie, ear warmer, headband or whatever it is has become the perfect accessory for us gals with pony tails and buns to still keep our head warm. Most of these are actually a hat of sorts that feature a hole at the top through which you can put your pony tail or bun. It is certainly practical and I think my mom told me to make one of these last year. I didn’t listen to her advice and once again we’re reminded that mom is always right! Ha!
There are quite a lot of opinions on these hats, so if you’ve seen them (or made one), I’d love to hear your thoughts! I have seen some super cute versions, but I have to admit, I’m not sure that I’m ready to wear one yet. Is that terrible?! I would put one on my daughter in a heartbeat, but I hesitate to make one for myself. I’m not saying that they aren’t cute, they definitely are, but I don’t know if they’d be cute on ME! Maybe I’m just slow to join certain new trends. When skinny jeans first hit the fashion scene I thought there was no way I’d ever wear such a thing.
SO, today I’m sharing my version of the messy bun hat, which is actually an ear warmer. I finished this up last week but interestingly it serves much of the same purpose as these new hats, so I thought it would make sense to share it today. Especially if you’re like me….hesitant to jump feet first into wearing the hat with a hole (a cute hat with a hole)! You may remember a few of my other headbands from the past such as the “Fave Twist Headband” or the “Half Fisherman Rib Headband”. I really enjoyed those headbands too, but the purpose of this particular “Messy Bun Ear Warmer” is truly to keep you warm.
A wide, chunky ear warmer that will keep you cozy while wearing a pony tail or bun! Of course, it can be worn with hair down as well and looks super cute as a wide headband. This pattern uses the even moss stitch which is a variety of half double crochet stitches and slip stitches.
Skills Needed:
Chain stitch, slip stitch, half double crochet
You can find a tutorial of this stitch pattern, the even moss stitch, at New Stitch A Day HERE
Scroll down for the free pattern below, or you can purchase an inexpensive, printable, advertisement free PDF copy of this Messy Bun Crochet Warmer Pattern from my Etsy shop HERE
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
Size:
Approximately 4” wide X 18” inches long for an adult woman – 17” inches for a child.
(You can easily make it longer or shorter to adjust for head size )
Gauge:
Not important for this pattern
You need:
1 skein of Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash Bulky weight -5 in Feather Grey Color or comparable yarn – I consider this a chunky yarn (Pattern uses 57 grams of yarn)
US Size J 6.0 mm crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry needle to weave in ends
Pattern:
Ch 14
Row 1 Sl st into second chain from hook, *hdc into next ch, sl st into next chain. Repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 2 Ch 1, sl st into second stitch from hook, *hdc into next stitch, sl st into next stitch. Repeat from * to end, turn.
Repeat row 2 until the headband is as long as you would like or until it’s 18” inches in length for an adult woman, 15.5” for 1 – 6 year old, or 17” for a child. (Note: You should be ending with a slip stitch on each row)
Tie off and weave in ends.
Seam both ends together with preferred method. I used a simple slip stitch seam.
I love your patterns. I know you can’t make everyone happy but sure wish your messy bun pattern was for knitting. I’m hoping you will have a pattern for messy bun “hat” soon. All the ones I like are crochet and I’m a knitter. I really enjoy everything you post.
Hi Elaine! It’s true that I can’t make every request that I ever receive but I always do consider it! And I love getting requests like yours because it helps me to know what you would like to see from me. I will keep a knit version in mind Elaine!
I completely agree about the Hats! I’ve had many requests on making some, but I’m just not
Into it! I was also thinking of a thicker headband/earwarmer version! This is perfect! Beautiful pattern, Jessica!
Hi Rebecca! I’m so glad that you like this version and thanks so much for taking the time to let me know! So I’m not the only one who hasn’t totally embraced the idea. Ha! What do you do when people request one? Do you make it or do you say no?
I have yet to make any since I have not taken the time to write up or figure out a pattern! I haven’t said yes or no, just simply stated that! I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult, but I’m more into the wider versions of the earwarmers. I like to be passionate about what I sell and I have to say, I’m just not passionate about the hole in the top of the hats! I like my good old Pom Pom hats
Thanks for the response Rebecca! I do think it’s nice to stick with what you personally like. For me, if I don’t like it, then it’s simply not fun to make!
Have a request for daughter and 2 granddaughters… think this would be a good alternative so they’re not wearing the same one daily 🙂 Thanks for sharing your talents!!
~Tess
Hi Tess! It sounds like you are going to stay busy making messy bun hats. My daughter often wears a pony tail and we have to take it out when she wears a hat. The hats are so practical in that sense! How sweet that you are able to make them for your dear ones. You’re welcome too – it’s fun for me to share!
Hello am a fan of your work. Cant wait to crochet myself a messy bun. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your kind words Harriet!
This is an adorable pattern. I love it!! I have never been a hat wearing person.. they flatten my hair and then I might as well wear the hat for the rest of the day then. But I love the messy bun hat patterns, and I so want to make one to wear when I go out in my messy bun. But I need an extremely feminine pattern. I tried a plainish one and it just didn’t look right on my head. I may try this pattern and try it on to see, because it may be simple but it is beautiful! I would definitely try it in a messy bun hat too if you decide to try that out as well. Thank you so much for a beautiful pattern!
Hi Donna! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ve heard of a few other people that aren’t hat people! I’m so glad that you think that this is feminine and practical even though it’s not the typical “Messy Bun Hat”. If I ever think that I can pull off a hat, I will hope to make it simple and cute as well. 🙂
Yes maybe a bit of hair showing is better for me than a whole hat haha! I do love this! I can tell wait to try it on as soon as I’m done. Thank you for the response!!
I can’t wait*
I think it looks great. I did a craft show recently . I make hair accessories and Ear Warmers are my favorite things to make. I sold more ear warmers anything. Of course the second day was cold. But I am going to start wearing one. I get very cold now so here goes. I do do mine different I make a lg crocheted 6 petal flower on it. Have fun lady’s ear warmers are the bomb
Hi Debbie! Love that idea of putting a flower on it. That’s good to know that the ear warmers are good sellers! They are pretty fun to make and don’t take a whole lot of time, which is always nice too. 🙂 Have a great day!
Love it! And it looks great on you 🙂
Thank you for sharing!
Aww, thanks Debra! And you’re welcome of course!
I am still in a little bit of disbelief over the messy bun hats taking the craft world by storm. It’s like that hat with a hole in the top came out of nowhere and took over Ravelry and Pinterest. Literally overnight sensation.
Personally, my hair is very short, so the hat doesn’t really work for me. But I have made knitted ear warmers similar to what you’re showing here them I love for spring. It’s still chilly but a hat is too hot, so those work great.
It’s so interesting to see what catches on, isn’t it?
So true Patty, that was an overnight sensation to say the least! I do really think ear warmers are great, and it’s so funny….after making this one, I am noticing so many people wearing them when I go out and about. I think there are a lot of people that prefer them over hats because like you, they either have short hair, or for some reason they prefer their hair to show more than what hats permit.
I’ve made many, but I make them a little slouchy with a drawstring woven around the hole. That way you can pull your ponytail through or scrunch it around your bun, or, simply draw tight an wear as a closed hat. Very versatile and they sell better where I live
The drawstring idea is super practical! You’re right, it makes it great for a bun or the ponytail. Thanks for sharing Susan!
Love your photos and patterns.
I am knitting the rowan ponytail hat. I have added several rows so it will cover my ears.
Hi Jessica,
I will have to look up the rowan ponytail hat as I’m not sure if I’ve seen that particular one. I hear you. I would definitely want it to cover my ears so that’s a good call to add more rows if you needed to.
Thanks so much for the kind words about my photos and patterns! It’s so much fun to share here on the blog. 🙂
Love, love the Messy Bun Ear Warmer!
I can do this one, the hat directions bogged me down! lol
Will report back on progress – we”re snowed in atm.
Maybe I can improvise with yarn I have here – what a concept!
Thanks so much for sharing,
Martha
I’m so glad to hear that you think this one is easy enough! Thanks for letting me know Martha!
Hi Jessica…love this pattern,…most messy bun headbands have a small opening and that is hard to put on without making a bigger mess of your hair. I guess it isn’t too bad for women with straight hair but I have curly hair and I hate dragging it through stuff because I just end up with FUZZ. Good idea and I look forward to watching your site.
Thanks Penny! I’m so happy you like it!! ❤️
Hello! I’m a Colorado girl and a crocheter too, so I’m so glad I found your blog! I have a small blog of my own called emilyartroom.blogspot.com.
I love messy bun hats! I’ve made some that you can adjust the hole on top so you could pull it closed if you want. I wear messy buns all the time, so I love the option! I do love traditional hats with a Pom Pom pom too, so it just depends on what I’m in the mood for. I’ve just started making messy bun ear warmers, so that’s how I found you! I love your pattern! Thanks!
Love this. I can always rely on you to have great ideas and easy to follow instructions. Made this with worsted wight, variegated year, J hook. Can’t wait to finish it, now.
Awesome Elizabeth! So glad it worked for you and thanks for the kind words!
Hi Jessica!
I was running a search for different ear warmers made with bulky yarn -which actually isnt a thing apparently,lol- and voila! YOU have one!
I love the simple beautiful stitches of this one. and bonus! its wider,making it a bun ear warmer.
i completely agree about the bun hats…it was so weird the way they took over! i made SOOO many that winter,it was my biggest money maker,that my orders funded Christmas! i still get requests now and again,3 yrs later.
who knows what the next BIG thing will be?
thanks heaps for a great pattern! Happy Hooking!
Hi Jessica!
As a Canadian prairie girl headwear is a must in the winter. I walk to work daily and, like others, I’m not a fan of wearing hats so have worn earbands for years…this is, quite simply, the best one I’ve ever worn! I don’t often make things for myself but had to give this a try! Thick, warm, soft and best of all…it completely covers my ears! Thanks so much for sharing!
So wonderful to hear! Thanks Val!