Knitting Patterns for Ponytail, Messy Bun, Pigtail and other long hair hats. Updated 2/6/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Ponytail-Poof Hat
The hat features an opening in the top for a ponytail or bun to come through. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Uses one skein 120 - 180 yards (110 - 165 m) Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Startled Starfish.
Cabled Bun Hat
Cable hat knit flat with a drawstring top opening for messy bun or ponytail. Designed by Lion Brand Yarn
Not So Square Hat
Beanie with a corrugated ribbing and a hole in the crown for messy bun or ponytail. You could also knit the hole closed to use as a regular hat. Designed by Kris Buddendorff. Sport weight yarn.
Knikki Messy Bun Hat
Ponytail or bun hat with an optional single cable. Designed by Knikki Knits. Pictured project by KnottyKnitter17
Leaf Lace Messy Bun Hat
Knit with roughly 140 yards of worsted weight yarn. Designed by Gretchen Tracy as Pink Ponytail Hat. Pictured project by Dronges
Wishbone Bun-Hat
This unisex version of the messy bun hat features a 4 row 8 stitch repeat wishbone cable pattern. Designed by Knitacular. Bulky weight yarn.
Cabled Messy Bun Hat
Sizes Child, teen, adult. Includes option for closed top hat. Designed by The Knit Guru
Honeycomb Ponytail Hat
Ponytail Winter Hat is knit with one of my favorite stitches, an all-over honeycomb cable, with an opening for messy bun or ponytail. Uses just 115 – 125 yards (105 – 114 m) of bulky yarn so it’s a great one skein pattern. Designed by Rosemary Krimbel
Chunky Messy Bun Hat
Easy hat knit flat and seamed to leave a top opening for messy bun or ponytail. Designed by Marni Reecer. Quick knit in super bulky yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- Get the recommended Premier Yarns Deborah Norville Serenity Chunky Yarn on Amazon
Chealse Messy Bun Hat
This easy hat features a spiral swirl texture stitch and a top opening for messy bun or ponytail. Designed by Shannon Dunbabin for Cascade Yarns. Quick knit in super bulky yarn with just one skein of the recommended yarn.
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get the recommended Cascade Yarns Lana Grande on Amazon
- See more Swirl Hat Knitting Patterns
Ombre Messy Bun Hat
Easy Caron Simply Soft Messy Bun Hat is knit flat and seamed and features an ombre striped garter stitch brim.
Easy Messy Bun Hat
Laura Bain’s easy ponytail hat is knit in the round.
Cable Brim Messy Bun Hat
Premier Yarns’ ponytail hat is knit flat and seamed with a cable border that frames the face. Adult Medium (Large). Great with multi-color yarn.
Whimsical Delights Messy Bun Hat
Oversized headband inspired by a popular beanie that serves as a great messy bun or ponytail hat. Video tutorial included. Designed by Brome Fields who says it is beginner friendly. Bulky weight yarn.
More Free Patterns
Striping Messy Bun Hat
Laura Bain’s easy ponytail hat is suitable for beginners. The striping is made with self-striping yarn. Quick knit in bulky yarn.
Ribbed Messy Bun Hat
Easy ponytail hat knit in simple ribbing is a quick project in super bulky yarn. Designed by Gina Michele
Hannah
This buttoned hat gives you a hole for your ponytail without messing up your hair. Place the hat on your head with the buttons open and then button the flap underneath your hair. Great for French braids too! Designed by Blake Ehrlich. Pictured project by beautyredefined
Messy Bun Hat
This ponytail hat is a quick knit using about 90 yds of bulky weight yarn. Designed by Isela Phelps
Riva Messy Bun Hat
This cable ponytail hat from the Berroco Design Team is a quick knit in bulky yarn.
Urban Homesteader Hat
Here’s a clever hat design from Christy Varner fits any hairstyle! Open the middle flap for a ponytail, open the side flaps for pigtails or wear as a beanie for short hair. In child and adult sizes.
Tea Cozy Hat
This quick, easy hat features a drawstring opening that’s ideal for those with long hair and pony-tails. Designed by Woolly Wormhead Pictured project by smbruner627
- Get the free knitting pattern - web version
- See the Ravelry page
- See more hat knitting patterns by Woolly Wormhead
A Stroll in the Park
A houndstooth colorwork ponytail or messy bun hat by Mrs Luedeke
Honoré Cowl + Hat
A cozy, convertible drawstring hat that converts to a cowl. Pull your ponytail or messy bun through the top drawstring opening for a perfect ponytail hat. Designed by Cirilia Rose
Braid Band Ponytail Hat
Two colors and a variety of stitch patterns make this a fun hat designed by Claudia Olson
Pigtail Hat
This hat has little turtlenecks to accomodate pigtails. Jenn Jarvis provides multiple options for position of the holes and design of the hat. Pictured project by angifitz
Holey Hat
This easy ponytail-friendly beanie is a quick knit in bulky yarn. Designed by SplitStitch Designs
Family Fun Messy Bun Hats
Easy hats by Bernat are a quick knit in bulky yarn. Adult and child sizes.
Cardigan Ponytail Hat
This cloche features a button band in back that you button up around your hair without messing it. Or button it up entirely to wear over your hair. Designed by Allison Chrien. Pictured project by funkknit
- Get the free knitting pattern
- See the Ravelry page
- Get handmade buttons for your hat
- See more Cloche Hat Knitting Patterns
Studio Messy Bun Hat
This easy messy bun hat from Kristen McDonnell at Studio Knits is a quick knit in bulky yarn. Great photo tutorial and video included.
Fitness Headband / Earwarmer with Ponytail Hole
This ribbed earwarmer by Lynne Lounsbury features a ponytail hole at the back as extra protection for neck and ears created with short rows. Pictured project by purrminn
Piggle Hat
Lace hat with openings for pigtails in a 4-row 5 stitch repeat. Designed by Rebecca Dovi. Pictured project by strangelilmama
Patterns for Purchase
Cabled Messy Bun Hat
This hat features a drawstring top that lets you wear it closed or open to accommodate a ponytail. Knit with multidirectional cables on a gradient background. Designed by Karen Bourquin. One of the patterns in Gradient Style.
Eyelet Messy Bun Hat
No longer free!Sizes Adult, child 2-4, child 6-10. Includes option for closed top hat. Designed by Miranda Riley
Baby and Child Messy Bun and Pigtail Hats
Sizes To fit: baby (toddler, child). Rated easy by the designer. Looks great in multi-colored yarn. Worsted weight yarn.
Trellis Messy Bun Hat
The Trellis hat has a button band that allows you to wear your ponytail or bun high, low, or in the middle and keep your head cozy, too. It looks more complicated than it is to knit; the slip-stitch pattern is easy to master. It's knitted flat, in one piece (no seams!) on straight needles. Designed by SoftyarnDesigns.
Criss Cross Messy Bun Hat
Cabled messy bun or ponytail hat. Designed by KnitsAndPiecesByAsti. DK (8-ply) yarn
Ava Messy Bun Hat
This stylish and unique messy bun or ponytail hat features the wicker stitch brim and the seed stitch crown. 6 sizes from toddler to adult. This pattern comes along with a video with instructions how to knit this hat. Designed by KnotEnufKnitting
Spiral Snow Bunny Bun Beanie and Cowl Set
Matching messy bun ponytail hat and cowl with spiral stitch pattern. Quick knit in super bulky yarn. Designed by Lovely by Lee
Autumn Dust Messy Bun Hat & Cowl
This set is knit with the dandelion or star stitch, and the cowl is long enough to wrap twice around your neck. Sizes S (M, L)
Hearts Messy Bun Hat
This ponytail or messy bun beanie includes child and adult sizes. Quick knit in bulky yarn.
Cardiff Bay Ponytail Hat
Butterfly cable and lace hat is a quick knit in bulky yarn.
All Buttoned Up Beanie
One skein hat that buttons up the back to show off your child’s or teen’s ponytail.
Abbey Ponytail Hat
Sizes: toddler/child/adult woman, You can knit this hat with or without the ponytail pocket and the ponytail pocket is hidden so you can wear it as a regular hat, too.
Unisex Bun Beanie
Easy hat and quick knit in bulky yarn. Two sizes. And you can sell the hats you knit from the patterns.
Clever Little Toque
Quick knit in super bulky yarn, this hat can be buttoned in front for style or buttoned in back to leave your ponytail free.
