My Love Beanie, Slouch & Messy Bun

My Love Beanie, Slouch & Messy Bun by Jennifer Renaud

What Is Being Made

The My Love Beanie, Slouch & Messy Bun is a versatile crochet hat pattern designed by Jennifer Renaud that offers multiple styling options in a single project. This downloadable PDF pattern provides instructions for creating a slouchy beanie with an opening at the crown, allowing the wearer to pull hair through for a messy bun or ponytail effect. The pattern includes sizing for toddlers, children, teens, small adults, and medium to large adults, making it adaptable for the entire family.

Sizes and Fit

This pattern accommodates multiple head sizes:

• Toddler: 16" to 17-1/2" circumference
• Child: 18" to 20" circumference
• Teen / Adult Small: 20-1/2" to 22-1/2" circumference
• Adult Medium / Large: 23" to 24-1/2" circumference

Crochet Techniques and Construction

The My Love Beanie employs fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The pattern is worked primarily in continuous rounds, creating a seamless spiral construction rather than traditional joined rounds. This method requires the use of a stitch marker to track round progression. The designer notes that turning chains are not included in the stitch count unless otherwise specified, simplifying the construction process for newer crocheters.

The hat features two distinct stitch patterns: a hat band section and a body section. The band utilizes a specialized hat band stitch pattern, while the body of the hat is worked in single crochet, providing a dense, structured fabric that maintains the hat's shape and slouchy silhouette.

Stitches Used

This beginner-friendly pattern uses essential crochet stitches:

• Chain (ch) — foundation and structural stitches
• Slip stitch (sl st) — for joining and shaping
• Single crochet (sc) — primary stitch for the hat body, creating a tight, durable fabric
• Half double crochet (hdc) — used in pattern construction
• Hat band stitch — a specialized stitch pattern for the hat's band section

Gauge and Measurements

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct fit. The pattern specifies:

• Hat band stitch pattern: 6 stitches = 1.25"; 14 rows = 3"
• Body of hat in single crochet: 11.5 stitches = 3"; 11 rows = 3"

Checking gauge before beginning ensures the finished hat will fit the intended wearer.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The My Love Beanie is designed for worsted weight yarn (weight category 4), a medium-thickness yarn that works up quickly and provides excellent stitch definition. The pattern was created and tested using Red Heart Super Saver Ombre and Caron Simply Soft, both widely available and affordable worsted weight options. Any comparable worsted weight yarn may be substituted, allowing crafters to choose colors and fiber content that suit their preferences.

In addition to yarn, the project requires:

• Crochet hooks: G/6/4.00mm and H/8/5.00mm — two different hook sizes allow for gauge adjustments and varied fabric density
• Yarn needle — for weaving in ends and finishing
• Scrap piece of yarn — useful for stitch markers or temporary holds during construction

Skill Level

Rated as easy, this pattern is ideal for beginners and those new to hat construction. The straightforward stitch combinations, clear abbreviations, and simple shaping make it an excellent introduction to crochet hat design while producing a stylish, functional finished project.