This post seems very random, but as the Lobster Claw Cable Messy Bun Hat drops on Monday, it seemed like a good time to drop this pattern.

Messy Bun hats are terrific… most of the time. But sometimes you just want a pom pom. Well, I do anyway. This is how I finish off my hats so that they can be convertible between the pony tail style or one with a pom-pom.

Firstly, the hat itself.

Any beanie pattern that knits from the band up to the top can be converted. As you knit up to the crown of the head, keep an eye on how many stitches are left. When you reach between 10-16 stitches, cease the regular pattern. Knit 1, Purl 1 rib over 3-4 rows or rotations at this point. Instead of casting off, thread a length of elastic through the stitches and tie in a knot. I use a flat elastic that is about 3mm wide as my hair can be heavy. This now has a hat with a pony tail hole. The elastic is the key to a removable pom-pom.

The pom-pom

Create your pom-pom the usual way. But, instead of attaching it directly to the top of the hat, sew on a button as shown. This is also good for fur pom-poms, as it means you can wash your beanie without ruining the pom-pom.

When you want to attach a pom-pom to the hat, just pop the button through the elastic hole at the top. Now just loop the elastic around the button a couple of times. This will hold nicely on the top of the hat.

Feel free to try the pom-pom method with this messy bun hat, or this cabled messy bun hat. And do remember to stop by on Monday when the new Lobster Claw Cable Messy Bun Hat drops on here.