To get notification about future discounts, special subscriber-only promotions, test knitting opportunities, knitalongs, and a free pattern (Simple Hat Worked Flat), subscribe to the Softyarn Designs newsletter.

This fun hat is an easy project for a beginner, with row-by-row instructions. For someone more experienced, it’s a fast knit for yourself or a great quick gift.

Many ponytail hats have just one spot for the ponytail to stick out, but this hat does not want to be the boss of your ponytail placement! Its button band allows you to wear your ponytail high, low, or in between. Just undo one button for a ponytail, or undo two buttons for a messy bun. Great for joggers but it has enough polish to wear when your exercise is done, too.

This pattern now includes sizing with 4 different head circumferences and 2 different hat heights, so you can knit it for kids and adults of various head sizes. (Dec. 2021 update)

Level of difficulty: Beginner. The basketweave pattern uses only knit and purl stitches. It is worked flat in one piece on straight needles.

The button band is worked right along with the main part of the hat (no seams, no picking up stitches) and allows you to wear your ponytail high, low, or in between - just undo the button corresponding to the position of your ponytail. For a messy bun, undo two buttons. Easy!

Yarn selection: This pattern works well with wool, wool blends, synthetics, and cotton. The pattern is interesting enough to look good with solids and tonals but also works with handpainted yarn.