This pattern is part of the Fall 2017 Malia CAL (Crochet-Along). To view the other patterns in this collection (including a beanie, infinity scarf, and buttoned cowl), please visit the Malia CAL Homepage.
The second pattern in the Malia CAL is a slouchy version of the Malia Beanie! As with the beanie, I used a unique blend of the top-down method and the vertical method for constructing this hat, resulting in what I think is the best of both worlds – a cute vertical design and a secure cinched top. It’s a little confusing to explain, but I’ve made a video tutorial for both patterns in case you need a little help! The video tutorial follows the large pattern size, but all you need to do differently for the smaller size is follow the first 3 rounds from the “Teen / Adult Small” pattern and then continue on with the video instructions.
Free Printable Tags
I made some cute printable tags for this pattern that you are welcome to use! If you’re selling or gifting this hat, a tag or wrap just ups the professionalism, in my opinion. I included a wraparound label as well as a smaller tag (shown in the photo) that can be attached to a piece of decorative string wrapped around your finished product, by punching a hole through the corner and threading the string through before tying a bow to secure. Print on cardstock for best results!
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This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.
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MALIA SLOUCH (2 SIZES)
Difficulty: Easyish
Finished Size: 9.5″ tall x 18.5″ around (teen / adult small), and 9.5″ tall x 20″ around (adult medium / adult large)
Hook: I (5.50 mm) or whichever hook is needed to obtain correct gauge
Yarn: #4 aran weight. Individual yardage listed under each size in the pattern. Yarn used in sample photos is Yarn Bee’s Rustic Romantic in “Antique Iron.” (See Malia CAL Homepage for substitution suggestions.)
Gauge: The importance of checking your gauge for this project cannot be understated. Because of the construction of the hat, it is difficult to adjust mid-pattern if you discover it is turning out too large. Even if you typically do not complete gauge checks, I strongly encourage you to do so this time. To ensure the best results, the gauge check is a swatch taken straight from the pattern. Upon completion, you should have a 4” square. If yours is larger, consider using a smaller hook or a thinner #4 yarn. If yours is smaller, consider using a larger hook.
Pattern for Gauge:
CH17.
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. (16)
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 7 times. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 3: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (16)
Row 4: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 14 STS. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (16)
Row 6: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 7 times. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 7: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (16)
Row 8: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 14 STS. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (16)
Rows 10-16: Repeat Rows 2-8. (16)
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, optional faux fur pom pom
Terms and Abbreviations:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
LBS (large bean stitch – see “Special Stitches”)
BLO (back loop only)
3rd LOOP (work stitch into 3rd loop only – see “Special Stitches”)
…..
Special Stitches:
Large Bean Stitch (LBS)
Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (6 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (8 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 8 loops. Chain 1 to close the stitch. (Because this stitch creates two sets of loops – one when creating the bean, and one when closing the stitch – each completed Large Bean Stitch will count for two stitches in the row or round’s final stitch count.)
3rd Loop Only
Half double crochet stitches have a 3rd loop that we utilize in this pattern. When working in turned rows, as in this pattern, the 3rd loop can be found just below the front loop on the side of the work that is facing you. When instructed to work in “3rd loop only”, insert your hook into this special loop. This creates a delicate braided look on the opposite side of the pattern.
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) CH1s at the beginning of rounds and rows do not count as a stitch in the final stitch count.
(3) Click here to view a video tutorial.
(4) Individual instructions are listed first, followed by seaming instructions at the bottom, which is the same for both sizes.
SIZE: TEEN / ADULT SMALL
Finished Size: 9.5″ tall x 18.5″ around
Yarn Total: 240-260 yards
To Begin: Make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 12SC in MC, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (12)
Round 2: CH1. 2SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (24)
Round 3: CH1. 3SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (72)
At this point you should have a very wavy circle. We are now switching to vertical rows, and working them one by one using the stitches from Round 3.
Row 1: CH35, turn. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH; row is complete. Being sure that the wrong side of the circle is facing you (because we turned), SL ST to the base of the CH35, then SL ST to the next ST along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 4: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 6: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 7: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 8: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Rows 10-65: Repeat Rows 2-9, in order, 7 more times.
Rows 66-72: Repeat Rows 2-8.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the seam.
SIZE: ADULT MEDIUM / LARGE
Finished Size: 9.5″ tall x 20″ around
Yarn Total: 260-275 yards
To Begin: Make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 14SC in MC, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (14)
Round 2: CH1. 2SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (28)
Round 3: CH1. 3SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (84)
At this point you should have a very wavy circle. We are now switching to vertical rows, and working them one by one using the stitches from Round 3.
Row 1: CH35, turn. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH; row is complete. Being sure that the wrong side of the circle is facing you (because we turned), SL ST to the base of the CH35, then SL ST to the next ST along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 4: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 6: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 7: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 8: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Rows 10-81: Repeat Rows 2-9, in order, 9 more times
Rows 82-84: Repeat Rows 2-4
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the seam.
SEAMING
Turn hat inside out. Close up the magic circle and weave in that end only. Then, thread your yarn needle onto the long finishing tail and sew the first 6 stitches (the ribbed band) together, stitch by stitch. You can find more details on that step in the video tutorial:
Once you finish with the ribbed section, sew the rest of the seam up, stitch by stitch, putting your needle through the 3rd loop of the final row of HDCs and across to the corresponding stitch on the other side of the seam. This will ensure that the seam creates a row of visible top loops to match the other 3rd loop rows around the hat. You can find more details on that step in the video tutorial:
Weave in your tail and cut off the excess. Attach a pom pom (optional.)
Done! If you’re sharing on social media, be sure to hashtag #maliacaland #maliaslouch, and tag me @littlemonkeyscrochet. Hope you enjoyed it!
