Teton Valley Bun Hat

Teton Valley Bun Hat by Amanda Woodbury

What is Being Made

The Teton Valley Bun Hat is a crochet design created by Amanda Woodbury for Amanda's Cute Crochet. This hat is specifically engineered to accommodate a bun hairstyle, with an adult size measuring 20 inches around at the brim and 7 inches in total height. The finished hat features a two-color colorwork design using Black and Hot Rose, creating visual interest while maintaining the functional structure needed for bun placement.

Crochet Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several specialized techniques to achieve its distinctive textured appearance and functional design. The pattern utilizes post stitches, which are advanced crochet techniques that insert the hook around the post of stitches from previous rows rather than into the top loops. This creates dimensional fabric with excellent drape and structure.

• Right Post Stitch (RPS) - This technique involves yarning over, inserting the hook into the next stitch, pulling up a loop, then working behind the 3rd double crochet two rows below. The stitch is completed by yarning over twice and pulling through multiple loops in sequence, creating a raised textured effect.
• Left Post Stitch (LPS) - Similar to the right post stitch but worked on the opposite side, this technique yarns over twice and inserts the hook behind the 3rd double crochet from two rows below, then continues with additional yarn overs and loops to complete the stitch.
• Single Crochet 2 Together (Sc2Tog) - A decrease technique used to shape the hat, combining two single crochet stitches into one for fitted shaping.

Stitches Used

The Teton Valley Bun Hat incorporates fundamental crochet stitches combined with the specialized post stitches mentioned above. The pattern uses double crochet stitches as a foundation for the post stitch techniques, and single crochet stitches for shaping and finishing. The gauge is established at 18 stitches (3 pattern groupings) measuring 4 inches wide by 9 pattern rounds measuring 3 inches tall, providing a reference point for achieving proper fit.

Materials and Tools

This project is worked with I Love this Yarn, a 100% acrylic yarn available in medium weight (worsted/aran weight - weight category 4). The pattern requires 355 yards total per 7-ounce skein. The specific colorway combination includes Color A in Black (30 yards, 1 skein) and Color B in Hot Rose (350 yards, 1 skein). Crafters may substitute any medium weight worsted or aran yarn of similar yardage and weight.

The recommended hook size is US H-8 (5.00 mm), which pairs appropriately with the medium weight yarn to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions required are minimal and include scissors for cutting yarn, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and rounds, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Teton Valley Bun Hat requires prior crochet experience. The specialized post stitch techniques (RPS and LPS) demand understanding of how to manipulate hook placement and yarn tension to create raised textured effects. Crafters should be comfortable reading pattern instructions, understanding stitch abbreviations, and executing decreases before beginning this project.