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Hair Towel with a Twist {FREE Crochet Pattern}

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For the first time in my life, I have long hair.   I’ve been growing it out and it finally hangs to the small of my back.  That’s a lot of hair, and piling it on top of my head after showering using a regular towel just doesn’t cut it, I need a hair towel!

Hair Towel with a Twist {FREE Crochet Pattern}

I raided my cotton yarn stash and created this free crochet pattern using just a few dollars worth of yarn.  Sa-weet!!! The most absorbent yarn is cotton, so we’ll use that for our hair towel.

Hair Towel with a Twist {FREE Crochet Pattern}

Materials:

Cotton yarn (approx 275 yards)
Crochet hook G/4mm
Hair elastic
Yarn needle for sewing

Get the printable version of this pattern here.

Gauge:

Approx. 15 sts and 11.5 rows = 4”

Finished Dimensions: approx. 17″ wide (8.5″ across after assembled) and 24″ long.

Note that I have UPDATED this pattern so that it is now worked as ONE piece. This requires practically no sewing. Woot! I also added a few inches to the width and to the length. Of course, if you’ve got super long hair you could add to it. If you do add to it you’ll want to do it at row 18 before you start the increases. 😉

Here is the CHILD size hair towel pattern!

Hair Towel Pattern:

Row 1: Ch-27, hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each across. Ch-1, turn (26)
Rows 2-18: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (26)
Row 19: hdc in first 12, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 12 sts. Ch-1, turn (28)
Row 20: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn. (28)
Row 21: hdc in first 13, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 13 sts. Ch-1, turn (30)
Row 22: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (30)
Row 23: hdc in first 14, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 14 sts. Ch-1, turn (32)
Row 24: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (32)
Row 25: hdc in first 15, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 15 sts. Ch-1, turn (34)
Row 26: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (34)
Row 27: hdc in first 16, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 16 sts. Ch-1, turn (36)
Row 28: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (36)
Row 29: hdc in first 17, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 17 sts. Ch-1, turn (38)
Row 30: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (38)
Row 31: hdc in first 18, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 18 sts. Ch-1, turn (40)
Row 32: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (40)
Row 33: hdc in first 19, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 19 sts. Ch-1, turn (42)
Row 34: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (42)
Row 35: hdc in first 20, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 20 sts. Ch-1, turn (44)
Row 36: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (44)
Row 37: hdc in first 21, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 21 sts. Ch-1, turn (46)
Row 38: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (46)
Row 39: hdc in first 22, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 22 sts. Ch-1, turn (48)
Row 40: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (48)
Row 41: hdc in first 23, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 23 sts. Ch-1, turn (50)
Row 42: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (50)
Row 43: hdc in first 24, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 24 sts. Ch-1, turn (52)
Row 44: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (52)
Row 45: hdc in first 25, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 25 sts. Ch-1, turn (54)
Row 46: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (54)
Row 47: hdc in first 26, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 26 sts. Ch-1, turn (56)
Row 48: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (56)
Row 49: hdc in first 27, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 27 sts. Ch-1, turn (58)
Row 50: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (58)
Row 51: hdc in first 28, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 28 sts. Ch-1, turn (60)
Row 52: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (60)
Row 53: hdc in first 29, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 29 sts. Ch-1, turn (62)
Row 54: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (62)
Row 55: hdc in first 30, 2hdc in each of next 2 sts, hdc in 30 sts. Ch-1, turn (64)
Rows 56 – 63: hdc in each across. Ch-1, turn (64)
Row 64: hdc in 30 sts, hdc2tog two times, hdc in next 30 sts. Ch-1, turn (62)
Row 65: hdc in 29 sts, hdc2tog two times, hdc in next 29 sts. Ch-1, turn (60)
Row 66: hdc in 28 sts, hdc2tog two times, hdc in next 28 sts. Ch-1, turn (58)
Row 67: hdc in 27 sts, hdc2tog two times, hdc in 27 sts. Ch-1, turn (56)
Row 68: hdc in 26 sts, hdc2tog two times, hdc in 26 sts. Ch-1, turn (54)
Row 69: hdc in 25 sts, hdc2tog two times, hdc in 25 sts. Ch-1, turn (52)
Row 70: hcd in 24 sts, hdc2tog two times, hdc in 24 sts. (50)
Do not fasten off, fold piece in half lengthwise, right sides together.

Sc through both sides of the fabric for 16 sts. Place an elastic hair tie in between the pieces and crochet around/in between it for 6 sts. Sc in remaining sts to end.
Fasten off, weave in ends.

Flip to other end (still with the right sides together) and attach yarn where the fold is as shown and sc in both sides of each st to end. Open hair towel and flip to where you’re looking at the “right side” and sc in each row end around entire piece. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

To see how to use this hair towel, watch this short video. To print this pattern without ads, head over to this page on Ravelry!

Hair Towel with a Twist {FREE Crochet Pattern}

Voila! Now you can bend over to put on your socks or pick up something off the floor without losing that towel precariously set atop your head!

These work up pretty quickly, within a couple of hours, and would be a great gift for a teenager or one going off to college or as a Christmas for that niece you’re never quite sure what to give.

See more of our FREE crochet patterns and make sure you add it to your Ravelry queue!

Free Dog Toy Crochet Pattern Using T-Shirt Yarn
Pillow Support Crochet Pattern & Stretches for Crochet Fatigue
Throw Pillow Cover Crochet Pattern Using One Skein of Red Heart Ombre Yarn
An Egg-cellent Apron: Free Crochet Pattern

Comments

  1. Clista O'Dell says

    Using a covered commercial ponytail holder in place of the elastic is a great idea! Be sure to use a large, thick one to accommodate the bulk of hair and towel end combined. If your holder is too loose, just slip the end of the towel through, bring it back around, and tuck it under the tail in front of the loop. That will take up any slack in the loop and make the towel really secure. For elastic loops, cut the elastic about 4-1/2" long, make a circle shape with it and overlap the ends 1/2". Hand or machine sew the ends together, then catch the loop into several stitches as you slip stitch the two sides of the towel together, thus avoiding tying the ends of the elastic into a knot. If doing the one-piece pattern, fold the finished towel in half, determine where you want the loop, then either ss or sc it into place with a few stitches, or hand-sew it with a needle and thread.
    Reply

  2. Brenda says

    Hi. I just finished mine, but I can’t figure out how to add the hair tie. I watched the video, but the yarn is dark and I couldn’t make the screen bigger. Is there another video tutorial. I’ve tried different ways, but it still doesn’t look right. Thank you.
    Reply

  3. Janie Meyers says

    note you said you have a updated pattern of the hair towel with a twist that is now worked as one piece. Where would I find this pattern
    Reply

  4. Lara says

    I have a problem. I have lost my G hook. ☹ I have 2 or three of all the rest of my most used hooks but not my G hook. It's late so I can't just run down and get a new one. I try to follow your patterns precisely because I know the item I'm making will turn out so nice but now I'm stuck. Is there some way to determine how much larger an H hook will make this “Hair Towel with a Twist” if I switch hooks? I’m thinking that I may just need to switch to single crochet for a few rows but I’m not really sure that is my best option. Or if I go down a hook size, I don't know how many rows I should add.
    Reply

        • Wendy says

          The pattern on this page is the adult sized pattern. The line that reads "Here is the child sized pattern" is a link that takes you to another page--that has the child sized pattern on it.
          Reply

  6. Donna Anglin says

    I love this! I do not have long hair, but I use the child size version of this and it works great. I have made a couple of these for gifts and the recipients have loved them! Thank you so much for this pattern!
    Reply

  7. Alysia says

    Thank you so much Ashlea! I can't wait to make this towel. I have several that I bought but I have curly frizzy hair and the ones you buy in the stores are made from fabric that pulls my hair and makes it more frizzy. I was going to sit down and try to come up with a pattern to make my own and then I found your pattern! Yay! Now I don't have to hurt my brain! Lol I want to use Premier Cotton Fair yarn which is a dk weight cotton/poly blend and it's so soft. I'm thinking I will need to use two strands held together. I can't wait to make several of these!
    Reply

  8. Lynda says

    Hi Ashlea, I was wondering if I could get the original pattern for the Hair towel with a twist?? Thanks so much! Lynda
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Windy! Yes, you can sell what you make. I just ask that pattern credit is given to me and that you use your own pictures =)
      Reply

  10. Maddi says

    Hi! I have waist length hair and was having trouble working out how long I needed the towel to be to fit my hair so I reversed the pattern so that you start from the bottom and work your way up, which means that you can actually put on the towel and measure it against your hair as you work to make sure it's the right length. I thought other people might be having the same problem so I typed up my reversed version. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z8YZhZDgL9mFAzrnsaU9J0Lb0Hhru0lGj2F51jqKIhI/edit?usp=sharing Hopefully that is helpful to someone!
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Katherine! There are photos of it being worn in the child size pattern, if that's what you're having trouble visualizing...that post can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/child-size-hair-towel-crochet-pattern/
      Reply

  12. Amanda says

    Hi Ashlea, thank you for sharing this amazing pattern with us. I was wondering your thoughts on making this out of bamboo cotton?
    Reply

  13. Amber says

    How many inches is the "hair" part of this pattern? My daughter's hais is 31" from the base of her head. Trying to figure out how many extra rows I need to add.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Amber! The total piece should measure about 24"...so if your gauge is correct you would need to add around 11 rows for another 4". Hope this helps!
      Reply

  17. Karen says

    Thanks so much for the pattern! I'm almost halfway done, but have a question. The number of rows on the first side (rows 19-54) doesn't seem to match the number of rows on the second side (rows 64+). The first part alternates - a row with an increase, then a row without an increase. The second part is only rows with decreases; so half as many rows. Am I misreading it or missing something? Should I just add in the non-decreasing rows between the ones listed?
    Reply

    • Karen says

      Never mind - realized I was thinking the fold went across instead of lengthwise. Serves me right for trying to figure it out late at night when I should've been sleeping!
      Reply

  18. Luann Lee says

    Hi Ashley, I have a question on using 2 different colors. What row should I be on when I switch to the 2nd color? Thank you for this great pattern. Starting my 2nd one for my granddaughter who has very long and thick hair. She will love this!
    Reply

  19. Olga Torres says

    So awesome. I have been thinking of making one of these but wasn't keen on the idea of sitting down and counting stitches and designing and writing down what I did. I am not a pattern maker I just like to crochet. So Thank you Thank you sooooo much. Now I can throw out my old Terrycloth one.
    Reply

  20. Pattie says

    First, thank you for this great pattern. I've made 4 so far. Can't wait to make the updated version. I do something a little different.... I don't use an elastic hair tie. I make a chain of approx. 10 single crochet then slip the ends through where the hair tie would go and then tie the ends together.
    Reply

    • Annie says

      Thank you for this modification, I did something similar. As I sc the seam, instead of attaching a hair tie, I chained ten, then sc into the next stitch and continued on. Works out great!
      Reply

  22. Marnie says

    Home with a sprained ankle. Loving this pattern and hope to get several done while sequestered on my couch. Thank you for the pattern. I have sewn several out of old T-shirt’s (that I’ve retired) but I’m excited about making these.
    Reply

  23. Mary says

    I just wanted to say thank you for the pattern. I am working on my first panel now of one. Love the group and all your designs.
    Reply

  24. Tess Vowels says

    I love this!!! The one I have is not quite long enough... and really needed another :) Now I can make... daughter has long hair, too!!!
    Reply

  25. Amanda K says

    Hi there! I found your pattern on Pinterest and I am so excited to make this! I have a question though. I am working up the pattern now, and I am noticing it is beginning to look quite long, even with the G hook I'm using. If I wanted to make one that's maybe 3-4 inches shorter, where should I decrease the number of rows? At the beginning perhaps? Thanks for your help and your lovely work! Looking forward to browsing through the rest of your patterns! Amanda
    Reply

  26. Donna Lucier says

    How would you down size for a five year old, she likes to be like mom and her older sister, So Nana is going to make some for stocking stuffers for them.
    Reply

  27. Janet Gallant says

    Hi - I'm hoping you can help me. My niece and daughter (and myself) have exception thick and long hair. The usual sized hair towels just don't work. I love your idea of making it with the cotton yarn. If I wanted to make it larger - where would you add on? I think I would need it wider (so it would fit over my head and still cover my hair) and possibly longer too because of the length. Any ideas? (To give an example of the heads of hair we are talking about - 1) we get charged double at the hair dressers, 2) hats don't fit our heads because our hair adds too much bulk, 3) we don't bother blow drying our hair because it takes too long, 4) if we put our hair up in a ponytail when it's wet, it will still be wet the next day when we take it out. :( Love the hair and that I probably won't go bald as I age, but would love one of these to fit me. :) Thank you for your help.
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hi Janet! I'm kinda jealous, but after hearing about what comes along with all that hair... not so much. Ha! I would definitely make it wider, so more stitches on each row. Just make sure that you up it by the same number each row. I'm thinking 5 - 10 stitches extra? On the length, as written the pattern is long enough to accommodate my bra-strap length hair. Hope that helps!
      Reply

  28. Deborah Stewart says

    Ashlea, I'm going to make one of these today, then take a shower just so I can try it out! We either have towels that are too short for my hair or big heavy bath towels that weigh a ton and I practically have to hold up my head with my hands to prevent them from breaking my neck. I usually end up just towel drying my hair in the bathroom and putting it up in a bun right away so I don't have wet hair hanging on my neck. (Unless it's the Summer when it will cool me down - heheh) I can't wait to walk around with my hair in a towel for a while again. I only just realized how much I missed that seeing you with your hair up in one! Isn't that silly?
    Reply

  29. Jane says

    How timely. My hair has loooooong outgrown the store-bought "twist-towel hair wraps" & I've come to dreading washing my hair b/c o/it. For over 8 years (my hair is now 4.5 feet long!!), once I put the twist into the towel/wrap, I've had to literally wind the remainder o/my hair around the towel twist b/4 I tucked it into the elastic! My hair's reached a length where I'm almost needing to double wrap it around the towel b/4 I tuck it. Your pattern provides me w/the blueprints to make a custom-length hair-towel wrap that will actually HOLD ALL o/my hair! I am debating on possibly working the pattern in reverse order (starting w/the wide side {22 ct} 1st & finishing w/the narrow side {10ct}) so I can add quite a few rows into the tapering length as it's needed. Thank you so very much for this pattern!!
    Reply

  30. Melissa says

    I am completely new to this, my question is.... Do you count the chain one as a stitch? Row 1 says it should have (9). I have 9 hdc and 1 ch1, if I count my ch1, I have 10 total. But, that also means that I have one extra in every single row. I'm going to keep going this way b/c I'm 43 rows in. Hope it works out.
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hi! The chain at the beginning of the row does not count. It just gives you the height needed to start the new row. Hope that helps!
      Reply

      • Melissa says

        Thank You. Finished the 1st panel. Working on #2. I am adding a variation. I hope it works out. Can't wait to show you. How do I send you the pictures when I'm done?
        Reply

  32. Lisa says

    Thanks for the crab stitch video. Soon as I saw it I remembered that I've done that stitch a long time ago. Your videos are very well done and extremely helpful. Thank God for another crochet addict like yourself. Lol. Thanks again
    Reply

  33. Anonymous says

    I made a few of these and love them! My only confusion is when sewing it up,I get that you sew on the curved edge, but because the two pieces are different sizes, the straight edge doesn't line up. Does that make sense?
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hmmm yes it makes sense, but you should have the same number of row on each side. Can you email me a photo so I can see?
      Reply

  34. Kathy says

    You are so clever! I was thinking I would like to see a video for making and using it, I'm so visual. Plus it would draw people to your page right? ;)
    Reply

  35. Teresa Hoover says

    Would it work to attach a large covered rubber band in the crochet stitches as you work or while sewing together? Then you would not have the problem of tying the ends together.
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      Hmm I bet you could. I have started putting a knot on both sides of the towel to keep it in place. If the rubberband broke you could always attach a new piece of elastic that way?
      Reply

  37. aminah says

    Hi! this looks like a great hair towel cant wait to try it! Is the cotton material gentle enough for curly hair? also, how do you attach the elastic?
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      I'm not sure about the curly hair, but I don't see why not. I did make a second towel using a cotton 65% blend with acrylic. It is very soft (but a little bit heavier). With the elastic, I just pushed the two ends in and tie it on the inside. Hope that helps!
      Reply

  39. Katie says

    Oh my gosh, THANK YOU!!!! I have a few old hair towels that my mother-in-law bought for me, but they've started making them out of that wierd microfibre stuff that IS NOT absorbent at all, and plus my hair has gotten so crazy long that it doesn't fit in any of them anymore. I was debating cutting up an old towel and trying to figure out how to sew one, but I would so much rather crochet one. Can't believe I never thought of it! I'm starting on this ASAP.
    Reply

  40. Patty says

    I love this pattern, thank you! It took me a little longer to make, but I had a few noisy teenage distractions! I can't wait to make a few more!
    Reply

    • Ashlea says

      I'm so glad you like it! I made another one with a cotton blend, and I think it may be even more absorbent. Love it!
      Reply

    • Lisa says

      Flip Head Up Side Down,Put Part With Elastic At Back Of Head,Use Just Like A Towel, Twist Up and Back Insert End Of Towel In Elastic Loop,Done!
      Reply

      • Deborah Stewart says

        Ha!Ha!Ha! I bought a hair towel a few years ago. Not quite shaped like this and not long enough anyway. But I thought the elastic was just for hanging it on a hook for convenient reach and to dry it! LOL It might have stayed on my head better if I'd used it as you described.
        Reply

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