How to Make Headband, Crochet Ponytail Hat, All Sizes

Okay, this is an excellent and versatile request! We’ll cover two distinct crochet patterns here: a simple adjustable headband, and then a versatile ponytail hat, both designed to be customizable for “all sizes.”

Let’s break them down:

1. How to Make an Adjustable Crochet Headband (All Sizes)

This headband is worked flat and then seamed, making it very flexible for any head size.

Skill Level: Beginner

Finished Size: Customizable

Gauge: Not critical for this project, but aiming for consistent tension is good.

For reference: Approx. 4 single crochet (sc) stitches per inch with recommended yarn and hook.

Materials:

Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10-ply) cotton or acrylic yarn. (e.g., Lily Sugar’n Cream, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice)
- Yardage: Approx. 30-80 yards, depending on size and width.
Crochet Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm) or size recommended for your yarn.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends and seaming.
Scissors
Measuring Tape: Essential for custom sizing!

Abbreviations (US Terms):

ch: chain
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
fo: fasten off

Pattern Notes:

This headband is worked flat in rows to create a strip, then seamed into a loop.
The turning chain (ch 1 at the beginning of each row) does not count as a stitch.
The width of the headband is determined by your starting chain.
The length of the headband is determined by the number of rows you crochet.

Instructions for Adjustable Headband:

Step 1: Determine Desired Headband Dimensions

The beauty of this pattern is its flexibility.

Head Circumference: Measure the head you are making the headband for. A good rule of thumb is to make the headband about 2 inches (5 cm) shorter than the actual head circumference, as crochet fabric has some stretch.
- Approximate Head Circumferences:
  - Baby (0-6 mo): 14-17″ (35.5-43 cm) -> Headband Length: 12-15″ (30.5-38 cm)
  - Baby (6-12 mo): 16-19″ (40.5-48 cm) -> Headband Length: 14-17″ (35.5-43 cm)
  - Toddler (1-3 yrs): 18-20″ (45.5-51 cm) -> Headband Length: 16-18″ (40.5-45.5 cm)
  - Child (3-10 yrs): 19-21″ (48-53.5 cm) -> Headband Length: 17-19″ (43-48 cm)
  - Teen/Adult Small: 20-22″ (51-56 cm) -> Headband Length: 18-20″ (45.5-51 cm)
  - Adult Medium/Large: 22-24″ (56-61 cm) -> Headband Length: 20-22″ (51-56 cm)
Desired Headband Width: How wide do you want the finished headband to be?
- Narrow: 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm)
- Medium: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
- Wide: 3.5-5 inches (9-12.5 cm)

Step 2: Starting Chain (Sets Headband Width)

Chain an appropriate number of stitches to achieve your desired width. A good starting point is to aim for a chain that is roughly 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) more than your desired width, as the first row will slightly reduce the width.

For approx. 1″ (2.5 cm) wide: Ch 5
For approx. 2″ (5 cm) wide: Ch 9
For approx. 3″ (7.5 cm) wide: Ch 13
For approx. 4″ (10 cm) wide: Ch 17
For approx. 5″ (12.5 cm) wide: Ch 21
You can customize by chaining until your desired width is reached, remembering it will shrink slightly in height on the first row.

Step 3: Crocheting the Body of the Headband

We’ll use single crochet for a dense, sturdy fabric.

Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in each remaining ch across. (You will have 1 sc less than your starting chain)

Example: If you chained 9, you will have 8 sc.

Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn your work. Sc in each st across. (Same stitch count as Row 1)

Repeat Row 2 until your crocheted strip reaches the desired length determined in Step 1.

Gently stretch the fabric as you measure to account for natural stretch.

Step 4: Fasten Off

Once your headband strip is the correct length:

Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (at least 12-18 inches / 30-45 cm) for seaming.
Yarn over and pull the tail completely through the loop on your hook to secure.

Step 5: Seaming the Headband

Fold your crocheted strip in half lengthwise, bringing the two short ends together.
Thread the long yarn tail onto your yarn needle.
Align the stitches of both ends carefully.
Whip Stitch (Recommended for beginners): Insert your needle through both loops of a stitch on one end, then through both loops of the corresponding stitch on the other end. Pull through. Repeat, working from one side of the headband to the other.
Securely weave in any remaining loose ends into the fabric using your yarn needle. Trim excess yarn.

Headband Customization & Tips:

Ribbed Look: For a stretchy, ribbed headband, work all rows (after the first) in single crochet in the back loop only (sc BLO).
Twisted Headband: Instead of a simple seam, create a twist! After crocheting your strip, overlap the two ends in the center (like making an “X”). Fold the bottom arm of the “X” up and the top arm down, so the four layers/corners of the “X” are aligned. Carefully seam all four layers together through the center. This creates a stylish twist at the front.
Different Stitches: Try half double crochet (hdc) or double crochet (dc) for a faster or lacier fabric. Adjust your starting chain accordingly as these stitches are taller.

2. How to Make a Crochet Ponytail Hat (All Sizes)

This pattern is worked in the round, starting from the top. It features an opening at the crown for a ponytail or bun.

Skill Level: Intermediate Beginner (Requires working in the round, increasing, and basic shaping)

Finished Size: Customizable

Gauge: This is critical for a good fit!

For Hat Body: 6 dc = 2 inches (5 cm); 3 dc rows = 2 inches (5 cm)
Check your gauge before starting the main hat! Make a swatch: Chain 12, dc in 3rd ch from hook and across. Ch 2, turn, dc across for 4 rows. Measure. Adjust hook size if needed (larger hook for fewer stitches per inch, smaller for more).

Materials:

Yarn: Worsted weight (Aran/10-ply) acrylic or wool blend. (e.g., Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Red Heart Super Saver)
- Yardage: Approx. 150-250 yards, depending on size.
Crochet Hook: US H/8 (5.0 mm)
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
Scissors
Stitch Marker: Highly recommended for working in the round.

Abbreviations (US Terms):

ch: chain
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
inc: increase (e.g., “2 dc in next st” for a dc increase)
st(s): stitch(es)
sk: skip
fo: fasten off
[ ]: repeat instructions in brackets
( ): total stitch count for the round